Struggling with Hootsuite’s cost or looking for something sleeker, cheaper, or more crowd‑friendly? You’re not alone. From Reddit threads to agency forums, everyone’s always asking for the best Hootsuite alternatives, especially free, open‑source, small‑biz or nonprofit options.
Here are 7 kickass tools similar to Hootsuite, perfect for SMM agencies.
Why Look for Hootsuite Alternatives?
Hootsuite’s powerful, no doubt, but it’s not always the perfect fit:
- Pricey, especially for agencies scaling up
- Some prefer simplicity, others crave specialty features
- The free version is limited
- Agencies, nonprofits, SEO companies for small business, and dev-savvy teams want options like free Hootsuite alternatives, open source Hootsuite alternatives, or solutions tailored to specific niches.
- And many forum posts ask, “Are there any cheaper alternatives to Hootsuite?” or “Anything better than Hootsuite?”
These are the reasons why people are switching to Hootsuite alternatives free: they want something easier to use, more affordable, and helpful for managing their social media.
So, let’s explore some excellent tools that give you the same (or even better!) features as Hootsuite.
The 7 Kickass Hootsuite Alternatives
Here are the best free and affordable Hootsuite alternatives that social media managers, agencies, and small businesses are loving right now.
- SocialBu – The Smartest & Most Affordable Hootsuite Alternative
- Buffer – The Simplest & Budget-Friendly Option
- SocialPilot – Affordable, Agency-Focused
- Sprout Social – Premium Analytics & Team Tools
- Agorapulse – The Inbox Management King
- Zoho Social – CRM-Driven Social Powerhouse
- Pallyy & Metricool – Visual, Clean & Instagram-Friendly
1. SocialBu – The Smartest & Most Affordable Hootsuite Alternative
SocialBu is a rising star and one of the most loved Hootsuite alternatives that Reddit users recommend. Why? Because it’s affordable, powerful, and easy to use, especially for small businesses, social media agencies, and nonprofits.
Supported Platforms
It supports Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Business, and more.
Plus, it includes automation, analytics, scheduling, social inbox, AI tools, and even automated comment replies.
Why SocialBu Rocks:
- Free plan available with all basic features
- Clean, no-fluff UI (faster than Hootsuite)
- Automation tools (like auto-responders, auto-delete, repost, etc.)
- Social inbox to manage all DMs in one place
- Built-in AI content generator
- Supports scheduling Stories & Reels
Perfect For: Freelancers, small agencies, nonprofits, and anyone who wants a cheaper alternative to Hootsuite that doesn’t skimp on features.
2. Buffer – The Simplest & Budget-Friendly Option
Buffer is a go-to for creators, startups, and small teams. It offers a clean interface, multi‑platform scheduling, and even a free Hootsuite alternative plan allowing up to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts each. Plus, it historically competes strongly on cost with Hootsuite.
Why it rocks:
- Ideal for small businesses and solo marketers
- Affordable plans and a free tier with essentials
- Consistent, streamlined scheduling across platforms
3. SocialPilot – Affordable, Agency-Focused
If you’re an agency managing multiple clients, SocialPilot is a gem. It’s a cheaper alternative to Hootsuite and is built with teams and agencies in mind, with bulk posting, client collaboration, approval workflows, and more.
Why it stands out:
- Strong value for money, far cheaper than Hootsuite for multiple users
- Great for bulk scheduling and team workflows
- Perfect for agencies needing publishing without breaking the bank
Ideal For: Agencies needing a cost-effective Hootsuite alternative without losing out on features.
4. Sprout Social – Premium Analytics & Team Tools
Sprout Social is not one of the cheapest hootsuite alternatives, but it is one of the most powerful. It’s perfect if you need deep analytics, collaboration tools, and enterprise-level features.
What Makes It Great:
- AI-driven social listening and automation
- Beautiful reports and analytics dashboards
- Robust scheduling and team management
- CRM integrations for sales + support alignment
Best For: Mid-size to enterprise agencies who want premium features and strong analytics.
5. Agorapulse – The Inbox Management King
Agorapulse is another great Hootsuite alternative for small businesses handling tons of engagement, comments, DMs, replies, and mentions across platforms. The unified inbox is perfect for nonprofits, support-heavy brands, and teams.
Standout Features:
- Social inbox for DMs and comments
- Team collaboration features
- Easy post scheduling and approval flows
- Strong reporting tools
Best For: Teams needing engagement tracking and centralized inbox management.
6. Zoho Social – CRM-Driven Social Powerhouse
Zoho Social is a Hootsuite alternative that shines when you want social media tied into CRM. It integrates seamlessly with Zoho CRM, perfect for agencies turning social interactions into leads.
Key wins:
- Social-to-lead workflows
- Balanced pricing and friendly interface
- Ideal for businesses needing CRM + social media under one roof
7. Pally – Visual, Clean & Instagram-Friendly
Want drag-and-drop scheduling and beautiful calendar views? This tool is excellent for content-heavy workflows, especially if Instagram is your jam.
Why They’re Loved:
- Instagram grid preview + drag & drop
- Visual media library
- Solid free plans available
- Social Media Analytics
Best For: Content creators, influencers, and visual-first brands who need tools similar to Hootsuite, but prettier.
Comparative Snapshot
| Tool | Free Plan | Highlights | Best For |
| SocialBu | Yes | Affordable, all-in-one social media automation | Freelancers, small agencies, nonprofits |
| Buffer | Yes | Simplicity, affordability | Small teams, startups, creators |
| Social Pilot | No | Agency workflow & bulk features | SMBs, small agencies |
| Sprout Social | No | Advanced analytics & team tools | Mid-size & enterprise agencies |
| Agora Pulse | Yes | Inbox + posting workflow | Engagement-heavy teams & nonprofits |
| Zoho Social | Yes | CRM integration | Agencies managing leads & clients |
| Pally | Yes | Visual media library, social media analytics | Content creators, Influencers |
Final Thoughts
You’ve got more options than ever.
Whether you’re looking for a free Hootsuite alternative, a tool for nonprofits, or an open source social media manager, there’s a solution that’s cheaper, cleaner, or just more your style.
Try a few; many offer free plans or trials, and see which one fits your agency’s workflow like a glove.
FAQs
Q: Is there a free Hootsuite option?
Hootsuite doesn’t offer a forever-free plan, only a trial. But several of its competitors, like SocialBu, Buffer, Zoho Social, Agorapulse, Pallyy, and even Metricool, offer free Hootsuite alternatives for basic scheduling.
Q: Is there anything better than Hootsuite?
Depends on your needs. For simplicity and price, SocialBu is excellent. If analytics and team collaboration matter, Sprout Social or Agorapulse shine. For CRM or lead generation, Zoho Social is top-tier. Visual-first workflows? Pallyy or Metricool wins.
