Updated October 2026: this guide was first published in 2023 with prices that are now out of date. We have restored it with current plans for each tool, taken from the vendor’s own pricing page as recorded on our software listings, and rechecked that every tool is still in business. Prices change often, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
Social media marketing tools handle the repetitive work of running brand accounts: planning posts, publishing them at the right time across several networks, answering comments from one inbox, and reporting on what worked. For a small team, the right one replaces hours of copy-pasting each week.
What to look for
- Networks supported: check that every platform you use is covered, including TikTok, LinkedIn and Pinterest if they matter to you.
- Pricing model: some tools charge per user, others per social channel or per workspace. The cheapest headline price is not always the cheapest for your setup.
- Social inbox: a unified inbox for comments and messages saves the most time once you have engagement.
- Approval workflow: agencies and larger teams need client or manager approval before posts go live.
- Reporting: look for reports you can export or share with clients.
The 15 best social media marketing tools
1. Hootsuite
One of the original social media managers, covering scheduling, a social inbox, listening and analytics across the major networks. Plans are listed at Standard from $99, Professional from $199 and Advanced from $399 per month. See our Hootsuite listing.
2. Buffer
Simple, affordable scheduling with a clean interface, priced per connected channel. Essentials is listed at $5 and Team at $10 per channel per month, which makes it one of the cheapest ways for a small business to start. See our Buffer listing.
3. Sprout Social
A premium all-in-one platform with strong reporting, a smart inbox and listening. Plans are listed at Essentials $79, Standard $199, Professional $299 and Advanced $399 per seat per month. See our Sprout Social listing.
4. Agorapulse
Known for its social inbox and team collaboration, with scheduling and reporting included. Plans are listed at Standard $99, Professional $149 and Advanced $199 per user per month. See our Agorapulse listing.
5. Later
A visual planner that started with Instagram and now covers the main networks, popular with creators and brands that plan by grid and calendar. Plans are listed at Starter $18.75, Growth $37.50 and Scale $82.50 per month. See our Later listing.
6. Zoho Social
Good value, with a free plan for one brand and one team member. Paid plans are listed at Standard $15, Professional $40 and Premium $65 per month billed monthly, with custom agency plans. A natural fit if you already use Zoho apps. See our Zoho Social listing.
7. CoSchedule
A marketing calendar that combines social posts with blog and campaign planning. It has a free calendar, with Social Calendar listed at $29 and Agency Calendar at $69 per user per month billed monthly. See our CoSchedule listing.
8. SocialPilot
An affordable option aimed at agencies and small businesses, with bulk scheduling, client management and white-label reports. Standard and Premium plans are priced per month and shown in local currency on SocialPilot’s site. See our SocialPilot listing.
9. Planable
Built around collaboration and approvals, with posts shown as they will appear on each network. Plans are listed at Basic $33 and Pro $49 per workspace per month. See our Planable listing.
10. Loomly
A brand success platform with post ideas, approval workflows and a content calendar. Plans are listed from Starter at $65 per month. See our Loomly listing.
11. Sendible
Aimed at agencies managing many client accounts, with client dashboards and white-label options. Its agency plans are listed at Elite $349 and Enterprise $800 per month. See our Sendible listing.
12. SocialBee
SocialBee organises posts into content categories so evergreen posts can be recycled automatically, and now adds AI tools for writing and planning. It offers a free trial; check its site for current plans.
13. MeetEdgar
MeetEdgar is built around a library of evergreen posts that it reshares on a schedule, so your queue never runs dry. It suits solo marketers who want accounts to stay active without constant attention.
14. Post Planner
Post Planner focuses on engagement, helping you find and schedule content that has already performed well, with recycling for top posts.
15. PromoRepublic
PromoRepublic now positions itself as a local marketing platform for multi-location brands, managing social posts, reviews and listings for many locations from one place.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Listed starting price | Priced by |
|---|---|---|
| Buffer | $5/month | Channel |
| Zoho Social | Free plan, then $15/month | Brand |
| CoSchedule | Free calendar, then $29/month | User |
| Later | $18.75/month | Plan |
| Planable | $33/month | Workspace |
| Loomly | $65/month | Plan |
| Sprout Social | $79/month | Seat |
| Hootsuite | $99/month | Plan |
| Agorapulse | $99/month | User |
| Sendible | $349/month (agency) | Plan |
For content ideas to fill your calendar, this list of social media post ideas is a useful starting point. For a broader toolkit covering design, listening and project management, see our guide to the best tools to manage social media, or browse the social media marketing software category.
FAQs
What is the best social media marketing tool for small businesses?
Buffer is the cheapest way to start at $5 per channel per month, and Zoho Social has a free plan. Hootsuite and Sprout Social are stronger all-in-one options with higher prices.
Is there a free social media marketing tool?
Yes. Zoho Social has a free plan for one brand and one user, and CoSchedule has a free calendar. Most others offer free trials.
Which tool is best for agencies?
Sendible, SocialPilot and Planable are built for managing many clients, with approvals, client access and white-label reporting.
What is the difference between per-user and per-channel pricing?
Per-user tools charge for each team member; per-channel tools like Buffer charge for each connected social account. A solo marketer with many accounts may pay less per user, while a team with few accounts may pay less per channel.
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