Best Free Social Media Schedulers in 2026: What Each Free Plan Really Lets You Do
The best free social media schedulers compared on what the free plan actually allows: channels, posts, brands. Hermoso, Buffer and Metricool, plus what Hootsuite, Later and Sprout charge.
Three tools have a free plan worth using: Hermoso (all eleven channels, free on every plan), Buffer (3 channels, 10 scheduled posts each) and Metricool (1 brand, 20 posts a month, no LinkedIn or Twitter). Hootsuite, Later and Sprout Social give a trial, not a free plan. Here is each one's free limit, from their own pages.
We make Hermoso, so read this with that in mind. Every competitor number below comes from that company's own pricing page, read on October 31, 2026, and prices change, so check the page before you buy.
The free plans, side by side
| Tool | Free plan | What limits it |
|---|---|---|
| Hermoso | Free on every plan, no card | 11 channels (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Bluesky, Telegram, Google Business Profile), schedule up to 365 days ahead |
| Buffer | Free | Up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel, 100 ideas, 1 user |
| Metricool | Free | 1 brand, up to 20 scheduled posts a month, all networks except LinkedIn and Twitter, 5 competitor profiles, 30 days of analytics |
| Later | No free plan | 14-day free trial; Starter $18.75 a month billed yearly |
| Hootsuite | No free plan | 14-day free trial; Standard from $99 per user a month billed annually |
| Sprout Social | No free plan | 30-day trial; Essentials $79 per seat a month with annual billing |
Hermoso
The scheduler is free on every plan, including the $0 Free plan. It posts to eleven channels, takes as many accounts as you connect, and checks each channel's rules (caption length, media required, visibility) the moment you schedule. It is also an AI marketing agent, so the thing in the queue is often something it made for your brand. One plain fact: X charges per API request, so X posts use credits and Hermoso quotes the cost before posting. Details on the scheduler page.
Buffer
Buffer's free plan connects up to 3 channels and holds 10 scheduled posts per channel, which you refill as they go out. It is the simplest free start if three channels is all you run. Its paid channels start at $5 a month per channel billed yearly. If you outgrow 3 channels, see Hermoso vs Buffer.
Metricool
Metricool's free plan manages one brand with up to 20 scheduled posts a month and 30 days of analytics, and it excludes LinkedIn and Twitter. It suits one small brand posting a few times a week on the supported networks.
Later, Hootsuite and Sprout Social
These do not have free plans. Later offers a 14-day trial with Starter at $18.75 a month billed yearly for one social set. Hootsuite offers a 14-day trial, then Standard from $99 per user a month billed annually. Sprout Social offers a 30-day trial, then Essentials at $79 per seat a month with annual billing ($99 billed monthly). They are built for teams that need approval flows and reporting. Alternatives: Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Later, Metricool.
How to choose
- More than three channels, or LinkedIn: Hermoso is the free plan that covers them.
- Three channels and a simple queue: Buffer Free is enough.
- One brand and analytics with competitors: Metricool Free.
- You want help making the posts: Hermoso, where the creating and the scheduling are one product.
Start free at app.hermoso.ai, no card.
Questions people ask
What is the best free social media scheduler?
For the most channels on a free plan, Hermoso: eleven channels and no scheduling limit are free on every plan. Buffer Free covers 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts each, and Metricool Free covers one brand with 20 posts a month.
Is there a completely free social media scheduler?
Yes. Hermoso's scheduler is free on every plan including the $0 Free plan, with no trial period.
Does Hootsuite have a free plan?
No. As of October 31, 2026 its page lists a 14-day free trial on Standard, Professional and Advanced, with Standard from $99 per user a month billed annually.
Does Later have a free plan?
No. Later lists a 14-day free trial on each plan, with Starter at $18.75 a month billed yearly.
Can I schedule to Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn for free?
With Hermoso, yes. Buffer's free plan allows 3 channels in total, and Metricool's free plan excludes LinkedIn and Twitter.