Metricool vs Buffer vs PostFast: Pricing and Features

Picking a social media scheduler comes down to three things: which platforms it supports, how much it costs for the accounts you actually manage, and how fast you can get posts out the door. Here is a clear look at Metricool, Buffer, and PostFast with verified pricing and honest pros and cons.

What You'll Learn

• How Metricool, Buffer, and PostFast compare on platform support
• Real pricing math for 4, 12, and 120 accounts
• Which tool is best for analytics, scheduling speed, and team workflows
• The pros and cons of each platform
• How to choose the right scheduler for your needs

Platform Support

Metricool covers the widest range with 11+ platforms including Twitch and Google Business Profile. Buffer supports 11 platforms with unique Mastodon support. PostFast supports 10 platforms and is the only tool here with Telegram scheduling.

Scheduling and Workflow

Metricool

Metricool is built around a planning calendar with analytics baked in. You see performance data right next to your scheduled posts, which helps with timing decisions. The platform also includes ad management for Meta and Google Ads — a unique feature that neither Buffer nor PostFast offers.

• Scheduling: Calendar view with drag-and-drop
• AI credits: 5-35 per brand per month depending on plan
• SmartLinks: Link-in-bio tool included on paid plans
• Competitor tracking: Monitor competitor social profiles
• Ad management: Run and analyze Meta and Google Ads from the same dashboard

Buffer

Buffer is the simplest of the three. Queue-based scheduling — set your posting times, add posts to the queue, and Buffer publishes in order.

• Post limits: 10 per channel on Free, unlimited on paid
• AI Assistant: Built into all plans for drafting posts
• First comment scheduling: Essentials+ plans
• Browser extension: Schedule from any webpage
• Community inbox: Manage comments and messages in one place

PostFast

PostFast focuses on getting posts published fast with minimal clicks, especially when posting to many accounts at once.

• Cross-posting: Write once, customize per platform, schedule to all 10 platforms
• Video processing: Automatic transcoding before publishing to meet platform specs
• API access: Available on all paid plans — connect to n8n, Make.com, or build custom automations
• Bulk scheduling: CSV import on all plans
• OpenClaw integration: Schedule posts from WhatsApp, Slack, or any chat app via AI

Pricing Comparison

Monthly Plans (2026, verified)

The Real Cost: Price Per Account

Metricool prices by brands (each brand holds one account per network). Buffer prices per channel. PostFast uses flat tiers by total account count.

At 4 accounts, all three are close. Metricool and PostFast are the cheapest options.

At 12 accounts, PostFast at €29/mo is roughly half the cost of Metricool ($54) and less than half of Buffer ($60-120).

At 120 accounts, PostFast Pro at €99/mo covers everything. Buffer would cost $600-1,200/mo. Metricool requires custom pricing.

Free Tier Comparison

Both Metricool and Buffer offer free-forever tiers. PostFast does not have a free tier but the 7-day trial gives you full access to all features with no credit card required.

Pros and Cons

Metricool

Pros:

• Best built-in analytics and reporting of the three
• Ad management for Meta and Google Ads
• Competitor tracking included
• Free tier available
• Strong support for European markets (EUR pricing)

Cons:

• Gets expensive quickly for many brands
• AI credits are limited per plan
• Interface has more complexity than Buffer or PostFast
• No Telegram support

Buffer

Pros:

• Simplest interface and fastest learning curve
• Free-forever tier with 3 channels
• AI assistant for drafting posts on all plans
• Broadest platform support (11 networks)
• Per-channel pricing works well for small accounts

Cons:

• Per-channel pricing gets expensive fast at scale
• No video transcoding
• No white-label or agency-specific features
• Limited analytics on lower tiers

PostFast

Pros:

• Lowest cost per account at scale (€0.83/account on Pro)
• API access on all paid plans
• Video transcoding before publishing
• White-label branding on Pro
• Telegram support (unique)
• OpenClaw AI integration

Cons:

• No free-forever tier
• Analytics still being expanded
• No ad management features
• No competitor tracking

Who Should Use What

Choose Metricool if you need deep analytics, competitor tracking, and ad management in one tool. Best for marketing teams that run paid social alongside organic content.

Choose Buffer if you manage a few channels and want the simplest possible workflow. Best for solopreneurs and small teams who value ease of use over advanced features.

Choose PostFast if you manage many accounts and want the best value at scale. Best for agencies, multi-brand businesses, and anyone who wants API-level automation. Start a 7-day free trial — no credit card required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Metricool cheaper than Buffer?

For 1-5 accounts, they are similar. Metricool's Starter ($22/mo for 5 brands) is comparable to Buffer's per-channel pricing. For 12+ accounts, Metricool is generally cheaper than Buffer but more expensive than PostFast.

Does Buffer have a free plan?

Yes. Buffer offers a free-forever plan with 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel. It includes basic analytics, an AI assistant, and a community inbox.

Can I manage ads through these tools?

Only Metricool includes ad management for Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and Google Ads. Buffer and PostFast focus exclusively on organic social media scheduling.

Which tool is best for agencies?

PostFast offers the best value for agencies managing many client accounts. The Pro plan covers 120 accounts for €99/mo with white-label branding. Metricool is a good alternative if you also need ad management and competitor reporting.

Does PostFast process videos before publishing?

Yes. PostFast automatically transcodes scheduled videos to meet each platform's specifications before publishing. This prevents upload failures from incompatible formats, codecs, or resolutions.

Start Scheduling Faster

If cost per account and scheduling speed matter to you, try PostFast free for 7 days. Connect your accounts in under two minutes and schedule your first cross-platform post.

Check a head-to-head comparison of PostFast vs Sprout Social

PostFast helps creators, brands, and agencies schedule and publish content across 10 social media platforms from one dashboard. Start your free trial or explore the pricing.