Buffer
by Buffer · Founded 2010
Simple social scheduling with an AI assistant, priced per channel
Reviewed by the the30top research team · Last reviewed 2026-10-27
Overview
Buffer is a social media toolkit built around a queue, a visual calendar and an AI Assistant that rewrites and repurposes ideas into posts. It also suggests replies to comments in your voice, and the same account can be driven from Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor integrations. Pricing is per connected channel, which keeps small teams cheap but climbs once you manage many accounts. It is an assistive scheduler rather than an autonomous agent, and approval workflows only arrive on the Team plan.
Our verdict
Buffer is the easy default for scheduling with light AI help, and the free plan makes it low risk to try. Teams that need heavy collaboration, listening or autonomy will outgrow it.
Best for
Solo creators and small brands that want a simple, cheap way to schedule and reply across several social channels.
Avoid if
You need deep social listening, enterprise governance or an autonomous agent that plans whole campaigns.
Pros
- Free plan covers 3 channels with an AI assistant
- Per-channel pricing is easy to forecast for small accounts
- Clean queue and calendar that new users learn in minutes
Cons
- Approval workflows and unlimited users only on the Team plan
- AI helps with drafts and replies but does not run a campaign on its own
- Costs add up for agencies with many channels
Key capabilities
Frequently asked questions
Does Buffer have a free plan?
Yes. The free plan connects up to 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts per channel and includes the AI Assistant. Paid plans add unlimited scheduling and advanced analytics.
How much does Buffer cost?
Essentials is $5 per channel per month and Team is $10 per channel per month when billed yearly ($60 and $120 a year per channel). Both include a 14 day free trial.
Can Buffer reply to comments with AI?
Yes. It suggests replies that learn your voice, with 5 suggestions a week on the free plan and unlimited on paid plans. You still review and send them.