16 social media management tools for faster growth in 2025

Hey there, I’m Nikki! For the past 10 years, I’ve been helping all kinds of brands — from scrappy startups to household names — grow their online presence and connect with their audiences.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret sauce to a successful social team lies in two things: creativity and systems.

If someone on your team has been humming trending sounds at their desk or quoting the latest viral meme in strategy calls, then you’ve probably already nailed the creativity part.

This post is here to help you find the perfect social media management tool to take care of the systems part. I’ve also tapped a couple of social media experts to share their advice along the way.

Because, with the right tool, you can simplify the day-to-day admin, automate pesky, repetitive tasks, and free up more time for what you do best: creating a brand that stands out on social.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Platform:	Who it’s for:	Standout Features:	Limitations:	Star Rating:
Hootsuite	Marketing teams of all sizes, from startups to enterprises.	KPI-driven Best Time to Publish tool Customizable analytics dashboards Social listening	Potential learning curve for beginners Coming soon: integrations with Bluesky	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Sprout Social	Medium to large social teams.	Social listening Influencer marketing management Deep analytics	Price flexibility Lack of visual planning	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Hubspot	Enterprise brands looking for an all-in-one marketing and CRM solution.	Centralized social inbox Breeze AI tool Integrated CRM	Pricing complexity Limited social platform integrations Onboarding can take time	⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
Sprinklr	Enterprise-level businesses with global presence.	Global reach Sprinklr AI+ Unified-CXM	High pricing Complex user personas Onboarding overwhelm	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Buffer	Small businesses and startups on a budget.	Multiple platform integrations Start Pages Simplicity	Limited analytics No social listening	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Zoho Social	Small business looking for a budget-friendly CRM and social media tool.	Built-in task management Team instant messaging & live chat Budget-friendly pricing	Social tools feel like add-ons to CRM Best when paired with Zoho CRM	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Metricool	Small business with clear goals for social growth.	The Looker Studio Competitor analysis	Hidden add-ons	⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
	Creators and influencers focusing on TikTok and Instagram.	Simple, but smart scheduling Creator Marketplace Linkin.bio	Limited platform integrations No free plan Basic analytics	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Planoly	Creators and influencers focusing on Instagram and Pinterest.	Drag-and-drop visual planner Monetization tools	Limited platform integration Basic analytics	⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
Tailwind	Pinterest-first influencers building their brand and community.	Pinterest Pin Designer Tailwind Communities	Limited features on the free plan Limited platform integration.	⭐⭐ (2/5)
SocialPilot	Small agencies managing multiple clients with separate workflows.	Simple approval process White-labeled dashboards and reports AI Pilot	Free trial is too short	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Sendible	Small to medium-sized agencies juggling multiple clients.	Easy onboarding and setup Client Connect widget	White-labeling is expensive add-on Basic AI assistant	⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
HeyOrca	Small to medium-sized agencies experiencing a growth spurt.	Client calendars Unlimited users for agency plans Hassle-free approvals	Basic AI assistants Feature restrictions on lower plans.	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Planable	Medium-sized agencies that need detailed approval processes.	Approval requests tab Realistic feed previews Multi-level approvals	Complex and costly pricing system	⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
Meta Business Suite	Solo business owners or freelance SMM primarily on Facebook and Instagram.	Unified Inbox Simple content scheduling Analytics across ads and organic	Clunky user experience Poor customer support systems	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Notion	Freelancers and small social teams who need a simple way to plan and track their content.	Customizable templates Collaborative workspaces Centralized content hub	No scheduling features No social analytics	⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

Best overall social media management tool

1. Hootsuite

When you think of social media management, it’s hard not to think of Hootsuite — and for good reason. As one of the original players in the game, it’s been helping brands like IKEA, Adobe, and U-HAUL streamline their social media strategies and deliver results for years.

Whether you need AI-powered scheduling, top-tier social media analytics, or a unified inbox for managing DMs, Hootsuite has you covered.

Who is this for?

• Small to large businesses, agencies, and creators looking for an all-in-one social media management solution.
• Teams that want advanced tools for managing multiple accounts and tracking social media performance.

Pricing:

• Starting at $99/month for the Professional plan, with a 30-day free trial.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

My favorite features:

• KPI-driven Best Time to Publish tool: This feature takes the guesswork out of scheduling by highlighting the best times to publish based on your past performance. And, depending on what your goals are — expanding reach, increasing engagement, or driving traffic — Hootsuite will crunch the numbers and suggest times that give you the best chance at hitting those goals. I love how it’s more than “a one-size-fits-all recommendation,” and how specific it gets for each platform and objective.
• Customizable analytics dashboards: Whether you’re a VP of Marketing tracking big-picture KPIs or a Social Specialist focusing on improving engagement rates, you can create a custom dashboard tailored to the metrics that are most important to you. This means you’ll always have the most relevant data at your fingertips, saving you time and keeping your growth strategy on track.
• Social listening tools: The Quick Search tool is a goldmine for spotting trending hashtags, brands, and events in real time. You can even monitor conversations around your brand, competitors, or industry topics, and dive into audience sentiment or demographics with the social listening features. If you’re a well-established brand with hundreds of DMs, comments, and reposts coming through, this will be a game-changer for staying on top of industry chatter.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Learning curve for beginners: New SMMs may find the platform overwhelming at first, especially if they’ve never used a tool this detailed. The good news is that the Hootsuite Help Center has everything you need, or you can reach out directly to a customer support teammate from your Hootsuite dashboard.
• Developing integrations for emerging platforms: If you’re experimenting with newer platforms like Bluesky or Mastodon, you’ll need to post natively — for now.

Customer review:

Source: G2

Alternatives:

• Buffer: A simpler option for smaller teams or solo marketers. However, you won’t get all the pro features like social listening or in-depth social media analytics.
• Sprout Social: If your team is looking for a CRM and social tool combined, Sprout is an alternative to consider. But the differences between the two are few and far between. Compare Sprout Social and Hootsuite to decide which is the best fit for you.

Social media management tools for large teams

2. Sprout Social

Just like Hootsuite, Sprout Social is a choice for large and enterprise-level teams managing multiple social media accounts and looking for detailed analytics.

But heads up. Sprout Social comes with a pricey subscription and a bit of a learning curve.

Source: Sprout Social

Who is this for?

• Medium to large social teams owning multiple platforms across organic and paid.
• Experienced social media managers delivering complex strategies and need detailed reports.

Pricing:

• The Standard Plan starts at $199/month but is limited to five social accounts and no AI tools.
• Enterprise pricing is available on request for large-scale needs.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

My favorite features:

• Social listening: Like Hootsuite, Sprout Social’s built-in social listening tools make it easy to keep on top of brand mentions, industry trends, and competitor activity. I’ve found it particularly helpful to spot potential issues before they escalate and stay a step ahead of tricky comments.
• Influencer marketing management: For larger teams who want to bring influencer and social media marketing teams closer, Sprout simplifies the task. You can track campaign performance and influencer ROI, saving hours of manual effort.
• Deep analytics: We can’t hide that Sprout’s analytics come at a cost. But the trade-off is that you get a much deeper analysis of what’s driving your channel’s success. If your boss is focused on metrics, it’s worth considering the spend.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Price flexibility: Even the entry-level plan feels steep for smaller teams.
• Visual planning tools: Sprout’s calendar view could use some love. If you rely on visualizing your future feed to plan out content, Sprout might feel tricky.

Customer review:

What social management platforms is everyone using now?
byu/Beckland inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternatives:

• Hootsuite: Has comparable features with more affordable pricing tiers. Compare Hootsuite and Sprout to see which one works best for you.
• Zoho Social: A budget-friendly choice with decent analytics and CRM integration, though it doesn’t quite match Sprout’s capabilities.

3. HubSpot:

HubSpot is best known for its powerhouse CRM, but its integrated social media management tools deserve more attention, in my opinion.

Designed with enterprise-level marketers in mind, it’s a natural fit for businesses already using Hubspot’s ecosystem. With tools for scheduling, community management, and campaign reporting all in one place, it’s an easy way for teams to expand their social media efforts.

Source: Hubspot

Who is this for?

• Large marketing teams and enterprise businesses that are heavily invested in HubSpot’s ecosystem and looking to add social management to their toolkit.

Pricing:

• HubSpot’s Marketing Hub plan starts at $800/month.
• The enterprise-suited plan starts at $3,000/month.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐ ✨(3.5/5)

My favorite features:

• Centralized social inbox: No more jumping between platforms to check DMs and comments. You can manage all interactions from one place and use CRM data to tailor your responses, making every customer feel like a priority.
• Weekly insights from Breeze, Hubspot’s AI tool: Breeze is still in beta, but it’s already getting some rave reviews. It can highlight trends like changes in brand sentiment, and I love its recommended quick actions.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Pricing is complicated and expensive: With essential tools often labeled as “add-ons,” costs can skyrocket quickly, making Hubspot less accessible for marketing teams on a tight budget.
• Limited social platform integrations: For the more adventurous brands on social, Hubspot might feel restrictive as it currently only supports Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
• Onboarding can take time: If you’re new to HubSpot, be ready to invest time in learning the ropes. While HubSpot Academy and personalized onboarding are helpful, they too, come at an extra cost.

Customer Review:

Source: G2

Alternatives:

• Hootsuite: For social-first businesses, Hootsuite might feel like a better option as it offers advanced analytics, a wider choice of social platform scheduling, and it can integrate with CRM tools like Marketo or Salesforce.
• Zoho Social: A budget-friendly alternative for businesses looking for a CRM-first platform with built-in social media management software.

4. Sprinklr

Sprinklr touts itself as “the only social media solution you’ll ever need,” and for enterprise-level businesses with a global reach, they might be on to something.

With social scheduling, listening, and analytics across 30+ social, messaging, and review channels, Sprinklr is built for large teams managing complex strategies.

But it’s not without its challenges.

Source: Sprinklr

Who is this for?

• Enterprise-level businesses with well-established social media teams and strategies.
• Companies managing multiple accounts across global regions and languages.

Pricing:

• Entry-level plans for small businesses start at $199 per user/month but come with some hefty feature limitations.
• For enterprise brands, custom pricing is offered through their sales team.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

My favorite features:

• Global reach: It’s ideal for teams who manage complex social media strategies across multiple brands, teams, or locations. Plus, Sprinklr supports social scheduling on RenRen, LINE, and Weibo, making it great for brands with a strong APAC presence.
• Sprinklr AI+: From task management and strategy suggestions to analyzing brand sentiment, this tool saves hours of work. I especially love its ability to categorize messages based on urgency — a massive time-saver for busy teams.
• Unified-CXM: Like Hubspot and Zoho Social, Sprinklr’s “unified customer experience management” consolidates interactions across all marketing and sales channels. It builds a clear picture of engagement and helps create personalized responses that build loyalty.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• High pricing: Sprinklr has a reputation for being one of the most expensive platforms on the market. That alone will turn a lot of businesses off the platform.
• User personas: While being able to customize the dashboard UI for different roles can streamline workflows, I feel they can also complicate things for managers. Managers may find it challenging to get a bird’s-eye view across projects and reports.
• Onboarding overwhelm: Sprinklr comes with a steep learning curve, and even basic setups can feel overwhelming.

Customer review:

Best social media management tool
byu/Material_Image7578 inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternatives:

• Hootsuite: A much more budget-friendly alternative to Sprinklr with a similar level of social listening, social scheduling, and AI assistant capabilities. Hootsuite has partnered with KAWO to support clients in different markets, including Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo.
• SocialPilot: It’s also designed for global agencies and comes with much more purse-friendly pricing.

Social media management tools for small businesses

5. Buffer

Buffer is all about keeping things simple. Its streamlined interface, easy setup, and straightforward tools make it a go-to option for small teams and solo entrepreneurs.

Plus, with budget-friendly pricing, I’ve seen businesses of all sizes get solid value from the platform without breaking the bank.

Source: Buffer

Who is this for?

• Small businesses and startups looking for an affordable, no-frills scheduling tool.
• Brands keen to experiment on emerging platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and Bluesky.

Pricing:

• Free plan includes 10 scheduled posts per channel and up to 3 connected social media channels.
• Paid plans start at $5/month, with added analytics, hashtag manager, and content approvals.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

My favorite features:

• Beyond the “Big Four”: One thing I love about Buffer is how forward-thinking it is. It was one of the first to support emerging platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon. For brands who want to stay ahead of the curve and test the waters on new platforms, Buffer makes it easy to experiment.
• Start Pages: Buffer’s answer to Hootsuite’s Hootbio is Start Pages. A simple and customizable landing page that brings all your best content (or products) in one place across all your social platforms.
• Simplicity: Buffer has one of the cleanest and most intuitive interfaces I’ve ever used. While it doesn’t pack as many features as competitors like Hootsuite, its focus is on social media managers’s core needs.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• No social listening: While small businesses can definitely get by without a dedicated social listening tool, there might come a time when you need it.
• Limited analytics: Buffer offers analytics, but they’re fairly entry-level. A forgivable crime, given the price point. If you need detailed AI-driven insights or competitor analysis, you might want to look at alternatives like Hootsuite.

Customer Review:

Best SMM tool to manage multiple clients socials?
byu/asmit399 inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternative:

• Hootsuite: Offers a wider range of features, including social listening and advanced analytics. Compare Hootsuite and Buffer to decide what’s best for your current, and future, needs.

6. Zoho Social

Zoho Social is like the younger sibling to Sprinklr and Hubspot — it has a solid CRM setup and all the core tools you would expect in a social management platform. But, like the youngest in the family, it’s often overlooked.

That said, I think Zoho is a great pick for small businesses. Its user-friendly interface, easy setup, and affordable plans make it a strong option for growing marketing teams.

Source: Zoho Social

Who is this for?

• Small businesses and startups looking for a budget-friendly tool that blends CRM and social media tools.
• Teams already using Zoho products like CRM or Desk for quick-and-easy social integration.

Pricing:

• The Zoho Marketing Plus plan is $30/month, with a 15-day free trial.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

My favorite features:

• Built-in task management: Zoho’s task manager feels like a mini-Asana built into the platform. It’s perfect for tracking to-dos and clearing pesky blockers without hopping between apps.
• Team instant messaging & live chat: Need a quick post approval or have a question for a colleague? Zoho’s chat and live call features make remote team collaboration a breeze — it’s like having Slack baked right into your dashboard.
• Budget-friendly pricing: Compared to enterprise-heavy options like Sprinklr or Hubspot, Zoho’s pricing is refreshingly accessible for small businesses and growing teams.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Best when paired with Zoho CRM: Zoho’s focus is clearly on its CRM, with the social media tools feeling more like an add-on. While functional, it would be great to see more innovation on the social side of the platform.

Customer Review:

Scheduling Cross Platform Posting for Social Media
byu/darkprince_007 inCRM

Alternatives:

• Hubspot: If you want top-tier CRM features alongside social media tools, Hubspot is a better fit, though it does come with a higher price tag.
• Buffer: For teams that don’t need a CRM, Buffer offers more focused tools for small businesses and SMMs focusing on growing their brand.

7. Metricool

Metricool covers all the basics, but where it really shines is in its analytics and reporting. True to its name, it’s built for data-driven teams focused on measurable growth.

While it’s a solid option for small businesses, hidden costs and feature limits might be deal-breakers.

Source: Metricool

Who is this for?

• Small businesses and SMMs with clear goals for social growth and measurable success.

Pricing:

• Free plan is available but with basic features and capped usage.
• Premium plans start at $18/month, with costs scaling based on users and accounts.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

My favorite features:

• The Looker Studio: Metricool’s advanced dashboard connects to 250+ sources — social platforms, ad accounts, and websites — and automatically packages them into professional-looking reports. If you have the budget, this is where I’d suggest upgrading, as it could be a massive time-saver for your team.
• Competitor Analysis: Even on the free plan, you can track up to five competitors. For new brands looking to break into the market, this feature is a great way to spot trends and learn from your competitors’ successes (or slip ups).

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Hidden add-ons: Added extras, like X scheduling for $5/month, are reasonable asks. But others, like $25/day for Instagram or Twitter hashtag tracking, feel unjustifiable. I think it’s a real shame as these tools are genuinely helpful for monitoring social media campaigns, but at that cost it’ll be hard to make room on the budget for it.

Customer Review:

Source: G2

Alternatives:

• Hootsuite: Offers the same detailed data access and reporting features with a more transparent pricing structure.
• Buffer: Ideal for teams that need simple scheduling and analytics without surprise add-ons.

Social media management tools for creators and influencers

8.

With its recent acquisition of Mavely — a tool that connects content creators with brands for affiliate marketing — it’s clear is focusing on supporting creators.

But, with its higher price point and limited social platform integrations, it might not be the perfect fit for every influencer.

Source:

Who is this for?

• Creators and influencers focusing on TikTok and Instagram and want to secure brand deals.
• Creators who act like SMMs (i.e., are obsessed with content creation, filling their feed, and love to see a full calendar).

Pricing:

• Plans start at $16.67/month, with a 14-day free trial.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

My favorite features:

• Simple scheduling: The Visual Planner lets you organize and preview your feed, and its Best Time to Post feature highlights the ideal time slots based on your account’s past performance. I love how this can make even a newbie creator feel like a seasoned social strategist.
• Creator Marketplace: Think of this as a matchmaking service for influencers and brands. creates a profile for you with stats from your connected accounts, while brands post their campaign opportunities. Ideal if pitching sounds terrifying to you.
• Linkin.bio: Similar to Hootsuite’s Hootbio, but with a twist. Linkin.bio mirrors your social feed and allows followers to click directly on posts to access your chosen links.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Limited platform integrations: covers the essential platforms, but creators on emerging platforms like Bluesky may find this limiting.
• No free plan: While the 14-day free trial is helpful, the lack of a free option might exclude nano and micro-creators on a budget.
• Basic analytics: Compared to Hootsuite, ’s analytics feel pared down. If you rely on your social media performance metrics to win brand deals, you might want to reconsider.

Customer Review:

What App do You Swear by for Instagram Post Scheduling?
byu/CampaignFixers inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternatives:

• Buffer: A more budget-friendly option with more platform integrations for creators making their mark on emerging social networks.
• Hootsuite: If data matters more than creator-specific tools, Hootsuite’s advanced analytics will give you the edge when pitching to brands. Explore the differences between Hootsuite and to find the one that’s best for you.

9. Planoly

Planoly carved out its niche as a go-to tool for Instagram and Pinterest scheduling, but it’s evolved into much more. While I wouldn’t recommend it for the seasoned social media manager, its focus on visual planning makes it perfect for creators who love curating a cohesive aesthetic.

Source: Planoly

Who is this for:

• Creators and influencers focusing on Instagram and Pinterest growth.
• Visual planners who want to create a perfectly curated feed before hitting “post.”

Pricing:

• Plans start at $16/month, with a 14-day free trial.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

My favorite features:

• Drag-and-drop visual planner: Drag, drop, and redesign your future feed on the go. I’ve found this particularly helpful for aligning your grid with brand deals, major announcements, or building seasonal campaigns in advance.
• Monetization tools: Planoly offers monetization and digital marketing tools for creators who make money outside of sponsored posts—like through their own product line or courses. These tools include a virtual storefront and email automation.

Where there’s room for improvement

• Limited platform support: Planoly is fantastic for Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, but if you’re already a “LinkedInfluncer” or growing on Bluesky, you’ll need additional tools.
• Basic analytics: I find the reporting features quite simple. If deep analytics matter to you, tools like or Hootsuite are better options, depending on your budget.

Customer Review:

Source: G2

Alternatives:

• : Offers similar visual planning features and supports more social platforms, including LinkedIn and YouTube Shorts.
• Buffer: A more budget-friendly alternative with a simpler system for managing multiple platforms.

10. Tailwind

If you’re looking to streamline your Pinning process, prioritize your Pinterest community, and boost your reach, Tailwind is worth a look. But if your social strategy spans multiple platforms, you will find it limiting.

Source: Tailwind

Who is this for?

• Pinterest-first influencers building their brand and community.

Pricing:

• Free plan available with limits on connected social accounts, scheduled content, and other features.
• Premium plans start at $14.99/month.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐ (2/5)

My favorite features:

• Pin designer: Tailwind’s built-in design tool offers hundreds of customizable templates that fit your personal branding. You can design and schedule posts in minutes — perfect for keeping your Pinterest profile fresh without spending hours in design software.
• Tailwind Communities: These niche-based groups are like having a built-in support network for your content. Share your Pins with your community, and they’ll help boost your reach by reposting to their own audiences. While I wouldn’t recommend this for long-term growth, if you’re new to the game and want to genuinely make connections with like-minded influencers, this could be a good starting point.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Multi-channel integrations: Tailwind is really great for Pinterest, but it falls short everywhere else. If you have an active social media presence on any other platform (or have the ambition to be), you’ll quickly outgrow Tailwind.
• Limited features on the free plan: For me, the free plan’s cap of just five posts a month feels too restrictive. You won’t get any real benefit out of the plan, especially new creators eager to grow.

Customer Review:

Source: G2

Alternatives:

• : While it doesn’t offer a built-in design app, it does have a Canva integration and supports more social networks than just Pinterest.
• Buffer: If Pinterest isn’t your jam, and you’re more focused on expanding your social networks, I’d turn to Buffer for easy social media scheduling across more platforms.

Social media management tools for agencies

11. SocialPilot

SocialPilot feels like it was tailor-made for agency life if you ask me.

With affordable plans and features designed to streamline workflows, it’s a strong contender for small agencies. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of pricier tools, it packs enough punch to handle the essentials.

Source: SocialPilot

Who is this for?

• Small agencies managing multiple clients who want to maximize efficiency as they scale.

Pricing:

• No free plan available. All plans come with a 14-day free trial.
• Plans start at $25.50/month, but come with some feature caps.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

My favorite features:

• Simple approvals: The “Approvals-On-The-Go” tool lets clients approve posts without logging into the dashboard. It’s a lifesaver for keeping projects moving without unnecessary back-and-forth.
• White-labeled dashboards and reports: Customize your dashboard to match your client’s branding with color palettes and company logos so you can look, and feel, more baked into the team.
• AI Pilot: The built-in AI assistant is great if you’ve hit a writer’s block. It will generate post ideas, captions and remind you of seasonal and cultural events so you can always present a social media content calendar that’s timely and engaging.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Extended free trials: Two weeks simply isn’t enough to fully onboard and optimize an agency’s workflow. A 30-day trial would give teams and their clients some breathing room to fully put the platform to the test.

Customer Review:

Best social media manager tool
byu/diesel3020 inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternatives:

• Planable: If your team’s priority is creating smooth content approval flows for your clients, Planable might be worth looking into.

12. Sendible

For agencies that need simplicity without cutting corners, Sendible delivers. With tools for social media scheduling, reporting, and campaign management, it covers all the essentials you’d expect.

But what really caught my eye is how well it caters to clients. Onboarding is simple, but most importantly fast, and the communications tools are a dream.

But simplicity comes at a price.

Source: Sendible

Who is this for?

• Small to medium-sized agencies who need quick and easy ways to onboard clients.

Pricing:

• No free plan available, but all paid plans come with a 14-day free trial.
• Plans start at $89/month for the Traction Plan, with basic client management features.
• Most agencies will need the Advanced Plan ($299/month) for white-label capabilities.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

My favorite features:

• Client connect widget: Ask any social media manager and they’ll tell you just how stressful managing a client’s social logins can be. With Sendible’s widget, your clients can authorize access in just one click, which is not only faster but also way safer than sharing passwords over Slack.
• Easy onboarding and setup: One of the big sells of Sendible, in my opinion, is how they support their users. From super-detailed webinars and simple-to-follow help docs, the resources are there when you need them. I’ve found their tutorials to be a huge help during setup.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• White-labeling as an add-on: One of the biggest downsides of Sendible is that you can expect to pay an additional fee on top of the (already quite steep) Advanced Plan to white-label your reports for your clients.
• Basic AI assistant: Sendible’s AI assistant is functional but lacks the wow factor when compared to the likes of Hootsuite, Sprinklr, or SocialPilot.

Customer Review:

What social management tool do you use and recommend?
byu/beansauer inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternative:

• SocialPilot: Offers similar features to Sendible but at a lower price point. It’s a solid choice for agencies looking to stretch their budgets further.

13. HeyOrca

With dedicated client calendars, barrier-free approval workflows, and collaboration tools to make managing multiple clients a cinch, HeyOrca is one of my favorites for small, but growing agencies.

Source: Nikki’s dashboard

Who is this for?

• Small to medium-sized agencies experiencing growth and needing scalable solutions.
• Agencies that bring in freelancers or temporary SMMs to manage client accounts during busy periods.

Pricing:

• No free plan, but a 14-day free trial is available on all plans
• Paid plans start at $35/month with a generous allowance of 10 connected social media profiles per client

SMM Star Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

My favorite features:

• Client calendars: Each client gets their own calendar, media library, and user permissions. This makes it super easy to stay on top of everything and reduces the nightmare of accidentally posting to the wrong client account (we’ve all been there).
• Unlimited users: Even on the entry-level plan, you can invite as many users as you need. Perfect for agencies with fluctuating workloads or clients with multiple stakeholders.
• Hassle-free approvals: Clients can approve planned social media content with a single click — without having to log in — thanks to personalized share links.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• AI tools and assistants: Aside from the basic AI prompts you’d expect from a social scheduler, there are no advanced AI features that will drastically change your workflow.
• Feature restrictions on lower plans: Some of the best features, like cross-channel reporting and inbox management, are locked behind premium plans. You might have to settle for less insightful reporting or take on extra data-gathering work.

Customer Review:

Source: G2

Alternatives:

• Planable: A more affordable option with a focus on collaborative workflows, although it lacks some of the robust features HeyOrca offers.
• SocialPilot: If you need stronger analytics and AI features, SocialPilot could be a better fit.

14. Planable

Whether you’re juggling campaigns for multiple clients or need a structured review process, Planable’s streamlined tools make sure every post gets the green light without the back-and-forth chaos.

That said, its pricing structure might have smaller agencies thinking twice.

Source: Planable

Who is this for?

• Small and medium-sized agencies managing multiple clients that need detailed approval processes, like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or government organizations.

Pricing:

• Free plans are available but are too limited for even a one-person agency.
• Paid plans start at $33 per client, per month. Depending on how many clients you have, this can quickly add up.

SMM star rating:
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

My favorite features:

• Approval requests tab: Think of this as an inbox for all pending client approvals. The best part? It includes an “unread” counter, subtly reminding clients how far behind they are on reviewing posts — a handy nudge when deadlines loom.
• Realistic feed previews: Beyond the standard grid and calendar views, Planable also lets you scroll through a dummy feed based on your planned content. Making it easier to see what your content will look like to your audience.
• Multi-level approvals: Everyone loves having a second set of eyes on your content before sharing it with the client. But with Planable, you can set up to five levels of internal review, so for even the most technical or sensitive of content, you’ve got the review process covered.
  

Where there’s room for improvement:

• Pricing model: My only gripe with Planable is its pricing model. Pricing is tied to the number of “workspaces” or clients you manage, which can quickly rack up costs. For instance, a Basic plan can reach $132/month for just four clients — not ideal for budget-conscious teams.
• Analytics add-on: Charging an extra $9/month per client for analytics feels restrictive. It would make more sense to integrate these features into the pricing tiers rather than providing them as an “all or nothing” add-on.

Customer Review:

Best social media manager tool
byu/diesel3020 inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternative:

• SocialPilot: Could be a more cost-effective alternative with the same strong collaboration tools and bulk scheduling features.

Free social media management tools

15. Meta Business Suite

Meta Business Suite, which merged Facebook Business Suite and Creator Studio in late 2023, is an option for managing your Facebook and Instagram accounts in one place.

It’s free, straightforward, and covers the essentials like scheduling, analytics, and even managing your ads.

“For scheduling and community management, native social media scheduling tools have come a long way — they’re reliable now and, most importantly, free!” says Mel Mckechnie, freelance social media strategy consultant and small business owner.

“As a freelancer, juggling multiple systems for each client can be tricky,” she adds.

“With smaller businesses, there’s often no system in place at all. So using native tools is one of the quickest ways to set up a streamlined process that works across all my clients.”

Source: Meta

Who is this for?

• Solo entrepreneurs and freelance SMMs who just have to manage Facebook and Instagram accounts and don’t want to invest in multiple tools.

Pricing:

• Free for anyone who has created a Facebook or Instagram business account.

SMM star rating:

⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

My favorite features:

• Unified inbox: Manage messages and comments from Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger in one place, so no DM will go unread.
• Simple content scheduling: While it may be bare bones, you can plan and schedule social posts across both Facebook and Instagram. It’s not as feature-packed as others, but for a free tool, it gets the job done.
• Insights and analytics: Get all your performance metrics — including your ad content — in one place to better understand how your audiences engage with your posts.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• User experience: Compared to some (if not all!) of the other platforms in this list, the Meta Business Suite will feel complex and clunky. You might find you’re spending too much time learning where things are and how things work.
• Customer support: Be warned, Meta’s support system can be frustratingly slow. So if quick customer service is a dealbreaker, this might not be the platform for you.

Customer Review:

Social Media Management Tools – Unnecessary now?
byu/Many_Adagiow inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternative:

• Buffer: A beginner-friendly option with a cleaner interface and better customer support. Perfect for those just starting out.

16. Notion

While not strictly a social scheduler, Notion still deserves a place on the list, in my opinion. The beauty of Notion is its customization. You can build whatever dashboard works best for you, whether that’s just a laundry list of your upcoming posts or a place to craft your captions and get approval.

“I love using Notion to visualize my workflows, store files, and important links, and map out content needs weeks in advance,” shares Dante Nicholas, Content and Social Strategist for Netflix.

“Working on agency teams, I love that Notion allows us to create multiple workspaces,” he explains. “But, I also use Notion for my personal brand needs. So having everything in one place (personally and professionally) is nice.”

And if you miss having social media scheduling tools, there might be a fix for that too.

Source: Notion

Who is this for?

• Freelancers and solo SMMs who need a budget-friendly, flexible way to plan and track their content.

Pricing:

• Free Plan includes unlimited pages, blocks, and members.
• Paid plans start at $10/month with extra features like larger file uploads and more workspace customization.

SMM star rating:

⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

My favorite features:

• Customizable templates: From content calendars to campaign trackers, Notion lets you create (or download ready-made and free) templates to suit your workflow. I’ve used the Kanban board to organize social posts by stage, and it’s a lifesaver for keeping tabs on what’s done and pending.
• Collaborative workspaces: Team members can collaborate in real time, adding comments, edits, or even new ideas directly to the board. For freelancers, this makes brainstorming and approval processes a breeze.
• Centralized content hub: No one likes digging through an email thread to find a document, or shifting through a disorganized Gdrive. Having a Notion page for your social projects helps keep everything in one place. Briefs, assets, schedules — it’s like having your digital HQ for all things social.

Where there’s room for improvement:

• No scheduling features: It’s important to flag that you cannot schedule posts to automatically publish on social media channels from Notion. And for some, that will be a dealbreaker. But there are some potential workarounds with new integrations, like NotionSocial, designed to plug this gap.
• No social analytics: Similar to scheduling, don’t expect Notion to create automated performance reports or calculate your engagement rate. You might need to stick to manual reporting.

Customer Review:

What’s your go to tool to manage inspiration from social media posts?
byu/Ok_Pin1735 inSocialMediaMarketing

Alternative:

• Asana: Another task management platform that is more suited to wider teams with more detailed project management needs. You still won’t be able to automate scheduling or reporting, however.

How to choose the best social media management tool in 2025

Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of tools (trust me, it’s part of the job). And the best ones? They all nail the basics and go the extra mile to make your life easier.

Here are 6 features to look out for when choosing a tool:

1. Quick and easy onboarding

A great tool should feel like second nature from day one. If the setup feels like a maze or you’re watching hours of tutorials, you know you’re in for a rough ride.

“If a platform takes weeks to set up or feels overwhelming to use, you’re already losing time,” says Christine Colling, Social Media Lead at Durable.

No stranger to building brands online and managing a team, Christine’s focus is on Durable’s growth strategy and using a social media management platform to help reach goals faster.

“Look for a tool that works for you immediately and doesn’t require a degree to get started,” she adds.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in-house, agency-side, or a freelancer, the right tool should make teamwork simpler. Features like live chat, content approvals, and shared social calendars are worth the extra dollars, in my opinion.

2. Tools to improve team collaboration

They can make a big difference in how you work together and can help keep everyone on the same page.

“For me, being able to tag teammates, leave feedback directly on posts, and approve content all within one platform has been a game-changer,” shares Nicholas.

3. AI assistants that actually help

AI tools have graduated from just generating basic captions; they’re helping marketers streamline everything from writing smarter social media posts to predicting changes in brand sentiment.

Some platforms are still dabbling in AI, but others, like Hootsuite’s OwlyWriter AI, are setting the bar with intelligent recommendations, performance-driven insights, and time-saving automation.

Look for tools with smart AI tools that will support your workflow, not hinder it.

4. Reliable scheduling

“It’s frustrating when scheduled posts fail to go live or don’t format correctly,” explains Collings. “A good platform should have reliable scheduling and let you preview posts across multiple different social media channels.”

I couldn’t agree more — you shouldn’t have to babysit your scheduled posts. Whether it’s single posts or bulk uploads, scheduling should work without hiccups, and previews should match how the content will appear across different platforms.

5. Cost-effectiveness

Price doesn’t always equal quality. The most expensive platform might not be the right fit, especially if it eats into your budget for other growth areas like paid ads or hiring freelancers.

“The biggest challenge I face is justifying additional budget for tools when clients are already taking a leap of faith on ROI with me,” says Mckechnie. “Pricing models that charge per team member can also add up quickly, making it hard to recommend those options for teams with lean budgets.”

Whatever your team size or business goals, your tool should deliver value without blowing the whole marketing budget.

6. Deep analytics and insights

Seasoned SMMs will know your marketing strategy is only as strong as the data behind it. Tools like Hootsuite lead the pack with detailed analytics, but if you’re a solo entrepreneur or a small business, you might prefer something simpler.

My advice is to look at how you’re reporting right now — what metrics are you missing that would save hours of manual analysis or give you more info on how to strengthen your marketing efforts?

Once you know that, look for platforms with clear, actionable analytics — they’ll save you hours in the long run.

Quick guide: Matching tools to your needs

Want a steer in the right direction, but fast? Here’s my quick guide on what to look out for:

• Enterprise-level teams: Look for platforms with advanced analytics, cross-department collaboration features, and automated reporting tools. Hootsuite’s Enterprise plan is a great option for handling large teams and complex strategies.
• Small businesses: Focus on tools that are budget-friendly and easy to set up, like Buffer or Zoho Social. These platforms cover the basics without overwhelming you with features you might not need.
• Agencies: You’ll need something built for collaboration and client management, like SocialPilot or HeyOrca. Look for features like white-labeled dashboards, approval workflows, and team messaging.
• Influencers and content creators: Simplicity is key. Platforms like or Planoly make visual planning, scheduling, and monetization tools easy, letting you focus on creating.
• Freelancers: Choose a tool that balances affordability and functionality, like Meta Business Suite or Notion. These platforms keep things organized without adding extra costs to your budget.

Save time managing your social media presence with Hootsuite. Publish and schedule posts, find relevant conversions, engage your audience, measure results, and more — all from one dashboard. Try it free today.