When comparing HootSuite vs Buffer, the Slant community recommends Buffer for most people. In the question“What are the best social media managers?” Buffer is ranked 1st while HootSuite is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Buffer is:
Buffer integrates tightly with Chrome, allowing instant scheduling for website links, highlighted text, and images.
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Pros
Pro Customizable feed aggregation
HootSuite gathers activity from numerous social networks into a dashboard display. Activity can be filtered into separate streams, and those streams can be arranged across multiple tabs.
Pro Large list of supported networks
In addition to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, HootSuite supports many networks not covered by similar services; examples include YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare and MySpace.
Pro Automated post scheduling recommendations
When scheduling a post, HootSuite recommends a time to post for maximum viewership. This can be overridden.
Pro Excellent Chrome extension
Buffer integrates tightly with Chrome, allowing instant scheduling for website links, highlighted text, and images.
Pro Easy to use
Pro Pre-build a schedule independent of content
Instead of creating a post and then scheduling it, Buffer starts with the schedule and then inserts your posts into it sequentially. (Prior to actual distribution, scheduled posts can be re-ordered.) Immediate posts and "normal" per-post scheduling are also available.
Pro Excellent mobile support
Buffer's iOS and Android apps are frequently praised for their functionality and ease of use.
Cons
Con Steep learning curve
HootSuite is notoriously complex, and their HootSuite University learning resource is a paid premium feature.
Con Limited free service
The free service is very very limited.