Tool comparison · Plan & Publish
Social media scheduler
Social media schedulers prepare posts for several networks, schedule them and publish them automatically. You need such a tool as soon as posts are created regularly in advance and should not be posted by hand on each network every time.
What matters01Networks and formats02Planning aids03Approvals04Pricing model05Additional featuresExplainClose
- 01Networks and formats
Check whether Reels, Stories, Carousels, LinkedIn documents or Threads are published directly or only triggered by a push reminder.
- 02Planning aids
Queue, editorial calendar, recommendations for posting times, feed preview and reuse of posts differ from tool to tool.
- 03Approvals
For clients or managers, the approval workflow and external approval without login matter.
- 04Pricing model
Free plan and its limitations, price per channel, brand or user.
- 05Additional features
AI texts, inbox, analytics or link page are included in some schedulers, but not in others.
Probably not here: If inbox and analytics should be equally available alongside scheduling, social media management tools are a better fit.
Order: tools focused on Social media scheduler first, within them by number of reviews at G2. No separate rating; the sorting does not account for whether a provider pays commission. How the list is built
Zoho Social
Planner in the Zoho ecosystem with inbox, social CRM and a free plan without scheduling
- YouTube
- TikTok
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +6
- Free plan, limited
- Interface in German
- EU hosting according to provider
- 15 day trial
4.6 / 5G2 · 2,987 Reviewsfrom €10per monthbilled annuallyDetails for Zoho Social
In brief
Calendar, queue and approvals schedule posts for many networks, including Telegram, WhatsApp and Mastodon. Inbox, social CRM, lead capture and helpdesk integration, as well as keyword and hashtag monitoring and a report builder, are included. For accounts in the EU data center, the provider cites hosting in the EU, and a DPA is available on request.
SuitsIf you are looking for planning, inbox and social CRM in one plan, this is the right choice for creators, small businesses and agencies.
Watch outThe free plan does not include a scheduling feature, and the scope of networks depends on the plan.
Features as stated by the provider53 listed
- Planning & Publishing 18
- Team & Approvals 5
- Network-Specific Features 15
- Analytics 1
- Reporting 3
- Listening & Monitoring 3
- Inbox & Community 3
- Automation & Chat 1
- AI Features 3
- Design 1
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- EU
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 3.6 / 5 · 15 Reviews
- G2
- 4.6 / 5 · 2,987 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.7 / 5 · 3,488 Reviews
Provider imagezoho.com Plans15 day trial
- Kostenlos
- €0
per month - Standard
- €10
per month · billed annually - Professional
- €30
per month · billed annually - Premium
- €40
per month · billed annually
Loomly
Planner with approvals, content ideas board and AI-written texts, owned by Bending Spoons
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Threads
- Google Business Profile
- +2
- Mobile app
4.6 / 5G2 · 1,796 Reviewsfrom US$49per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for Loomly
In brief
The focus is on the editorial calendar, approval workflow and tasks, plus a content ideas board, content curation and the reuse of posts. AI writes captions, complete posts and reply suggestions and takes a stored brand voice into account. An inbox for comments is included.
SuitsFor agencies, SMEs and the public sector that coordinate posts before publication.
Features as stated by the provider47 listed
- Planning & Publishing 14
- Team & Approvals 5
- Network-Specific Features 11
- Analytics 2
- Reporting 2
- Inbox & Community 3
- AI Features 5
- Design 1
- Ads 1
- Administration & Security 3
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 3.3 / 5 · 6 Reviews
- G2
- 4.6 / 5 · 1,796 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.7 / 5 · 507 Reviews
Provider imageloomly.com Plans
- Starter
- US$49
per month · billed annually - Beyond
- US$249
per month · billed annually - Enterprise
- no price information
Planable
Approval-focused planner for agencies with workspaces and client feedback
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +2
- Mobile app
4.6 / 5G2 · 1,134 Reviewsfrom US$33per month · per brand/workspacebilled annuallyDetails for Planable
In brief
Internal comments, preview and external approval check every post in the workspace before it goes live. Editorial calendar, feed preview, campaigns, inbox, analytics with competitor benchmark, white-label reports and AI-generated copy are all included. Users are unlimited, and the price applies per workspace.
SuitsFor agencies, corporations and branch networks where several people sign off on every post.
Watch outInstead of a trial period lasting a number of days, there is a post quota; the provider does not offer a white-label interface.
Features as stated by the provider39 listed
- Planning & Publishing 10
- Team & Approvals 4
- Network-Specific Features 2
- Analytics 5
- Reporting 2
- Listening & Monitoring 2
- Inbox & Community 4
- AI Features 3
- Design 1
- Administration & Security 3
- Service & Support 3
Not included according to provider: white-label interface
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 3.5 / 5 · 1 Reviews
- G2
- 4.6 / 5 · 1,134 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.5 / 5 · 328 Reviews
Provider imageplanable.io Plans
- Basic
- US$33
per month · per brand/workspace · billed annually - Pro
- US$49
per month · per brand/workspace · billed annually - Enterprise
- no price information
Buffer
Social media scheduler for creators with queue and basic analytics
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +4
- Free plan, limited
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.3 / 5G2 · 1,043 Reviewsfrom US$5per month · per social profilebilled annuallyDetails for Buffer
In brief
Posts for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Threads, Bluesky and other networks are scheduled via queue and editorial calendar. First comment, carousels, Reels, Stories and AI texts are provided for. Profile and post analysis as well as an inbox for comments are built in; direct messages are explicitly not supported.
SuitsSuitable for creators, small businesses and agencies that also want to plan via mobile app and browser extension.
Watch outThe web and iOS app are only available in English.
Features as stated by the provider64 listed
- Planning & Publishing 19
- Team & Approvals 4
- Network-Specific Features 20
- Analytics 7
- Reporting 1
- Inbox & Community 4
- AI Features 4
- Design 1
- Reviews 1
- Administration & Security 3
Not included according to provider: Reply to direct messages
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- G2
- 4.3 / 5 · 1,043 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.5 / 5 · 1,486 Reviews
Provider imagebuffer.com Plans14 day trial
- Free
- US$0
per month - Essentials
- US$5
per month · per social profile · billed annually - Team
- US$10
per month · per social profile · billed annually
SocialPilot
Planner for agencies and small businesses with client access and white label
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +3
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.5 / 5G2 · 846 Reviewsfrom €24.65per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for SocialPilot
In brief
Created in the calendar or via bulk upload, posts pass internal and external approval and are published from the queue. An inbox for comments and direct messages, paid post analytics, client access, White-Label Reports and a white-label interface are available. Support is also available by phone and live chat.
SuitsFor agencies, branch networks and small businesses that need client approval and their own branding.
Features as stated by the provider44 listed
- Planning & Publishing 14
- Team & Approvals 4
- Network-Specific Features 3
- Analytics 7
- Reporting 1
- Inbox & Community 3
- AI Features 4
- Administration & Security 4
- Service & Support 4
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- USA
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 4.1 / 5 · 7 Reviews
- G2
- 4.5 / 5 · 846 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.4 / 5 · 376 Reviews
Provider imagesocialpilot.co Plans14 day trial
- Essentials
- €24.65
per month · billed annually - Standard
- €40.80
per month · billed annually - Premium
- €80.75
per month · billed annually - Ultimate
- €161.50
per month · billed annually
+ 1 more plans in profile
Publer
Scheduler with free plan, link page and price per social account
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +5
- Free plan, limited
- Interface in German
- Hosting in Germany according to provider
- 7 day trial
4.7 / 5G2 · 548 Reviewsfrom €3.58per month · per social profilebilled annuallyDetails for Publer
In brief
AI assistance, queue, calendar and bulk upload form the planning foundation, including for Facebook groups. Features such as automatic deletion, cross-posting and reuse are available, along with approvals, workspaces and a link page builder. The interface is also available in German.
SuitsDesigned for creators, freelancers, small businesses and agencies that want to pay per social account.
Watch outThere is no shared inbox; comments are handled per post. X is only available in paid plans.
Features as stated by the provider56 listed
- Planning & Publishing 21
- Team & Approvals 6
- Network-Specific Features 11
- Analytics 3
- Reporting 2
- Inbox & Community 1
- AI Features 4
- Design 3
- Link in Bio 1
- Administration & Security 2
- Service & Support 2
Not included according to provider: Social Inbox
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- not specified
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- Germany
Reviews
- G2
- 4.7 / 5 · 548 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.8 / 5 · 987 Reviews
Plans7 day trial
- Kostenlos
- €0
per month - Professional
- €3.58
per month · billed annually - Business
- €7.15
per month · billed annually - Enterprise
- no price information
SocialBee
Planner with content categories, AI posts and managed service
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Google Business Profile
- TikTok
- +6
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.7 / 5G2 · 479 Reviewsfrom US$24.20per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for SocialBee
In brief
Content categories sort the posts that run through the queue and calendar and can be reused as needed; RSS auto-posting and AI texts, images and complete posts are included. Analytics, report builder, inbox and workspaces are part of the scope. The provider also offers support as a managed service.
SuitsSuitable for creators, freelancers, small businesses and agencies that mix recurring content by topic.
Watch outThere is no free plan; after the trial period a paid plan is required, and the interface is only available in English.
Features as stated by the provider53 listed
- Planning & Publishing 17
- Team & Approvals 3
- Network-Specific Features 14
- Analytics 8
- Reporting 2
- Inbox & Community 3
- AI Features 3
- Design 1
- Service & Support 2
Not included according to provider: Tag products, Music/audio when scheduling
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- G2
- 4.7 / 5 · 479 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.4 / 5 · 39 Reviews
Provider imagesocialbee.com Plans14 day trial
- Bootstrap
- US$24.20
per month · billed annually - Accelerate
- US$40.80
per month · billed annually - Pro
- US$82.50
per month · billed annually
Kontentino
Planner from Slovakia for agencies with client approval and client access
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +2
- Hosting in Germany according to provider
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.6 / 5G2 · 400 Reviewsfrom €49per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for Kontentino
In brief
Posts pass through internal and external approvals without a login before they publish automatically from the editorial calendar. Brand guidelines, a content ideas board, tasks, client access and White-Label Reports are included, as are AI texts, hashtags, images and translation. According to the provider, hosting is in Frankfurt; the choice of location remains reserved for enterprise customers.
SuitsDesigned for agencies and freelancers who need to coordinate posts with multiple clients.
Watch outAccording to the provider, after the trial period the account expires without a plan, and the price rises with the number of users.
Features as stated by the provider50 listed
- Planning & Publishing 10
- Team & Approvals 9
- Network-Specific Features 12
- Analytics 3
- Reporting 3
- AI Features 8
- Administration & Security 1
- Service & Support 4
Not included according to provider: Music/audio when scheduling
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- Germany
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 5.0 / 5 · 1 Reviews
- G2
- 4.6 / 5 · 400 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.7 / 5 · 202 Reviews
Provider imagekontentino.com Plans14 day trial
- Starter
- €49
per month · billed annually - Standard
- €109
per month · billed annually - Pro
- €199
per month · billed annually - Enterprise
- no price information
Later
Planner with link page, analytics and inbox for creators and agencies
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Threads
- +1
- Free plan, limited
- Interface in German
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.5 / 5G2 · 389 Reviewsfrom US$18.75per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for Later
In brief
Planning runs through an editorial calendar and recommendations for posting times, with reels, stories, carousels and audio selection. A link page builder comes with shop and click statistics, and the analytics include industry benchmarks and a competitor benchmark. An inbox for comments and direct messages is included, as is a free plan.
SuitsSuitable for creators, freelancers, small businesses and agencies that want to manage planning and their link page in one account.
Watch outX is no longer supported, and the apps are only available in English.
Features as stated by the provider47 listed
- Planning & Publishing 10
- Team & Approvals 5
- Network-Specific Features 10
- Analytics 8
- Reporting 1
- Listening & Monitoring 2
- Inbox & Community 3
- AI Features 3
- Video 1
- Link in Bio 4
Not included according to provider: RSS & Blog Autopost, Posts on Google Business Profile, Facebook groups
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 4.0 / 5 · 128 Reviews
- G2
- 4.5 / 5 · 389 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.4 / 5 · 398 Reviews
Provider imagelater.com Plans14 day trial
- Free
- US$0
per month - Starter
- US$18.75
per month · billed annually - Growth
- US$37.50
per month · billed annually - Scale
- US$82.50
per month · billed annually
ContentStudio
Social media suite with scheduling, inbox, listening and AI copy
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +5
- Interface in German
- 7 day trial
- Mobile app
4.6 / 5G2 · 355 Reviewsfrom US$15per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for ContentStudio
In brief
The scope includes a calendar, queue and bulk upload, a social inbox with ticketing system, as well as keyword monitoring, sentiment analysis and crisis alerts. AI Features run on credits and cover brand voice, captions, carousels and images. Reports can be generated in white-label format and sent automatically.
SuitsSuitable for agencies and businesses that want to combine scheduling, community management and monitoring in one account.
Watch outSSO via SAML is only included in the Enterprise plan, whose price is available on request only.
Features as stated by the provider66 listed
- Planning & Publishing 16
- Team & Approvals 2
- Network-Specific Features 12
- Analytics 5
- Reporting 4
- Listening & Monitoring 6
- Inbox & Community 6
- AI Features 7
- Design 2
- Reviews 1
- Administration & Security 3
- Service & Support 2
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- not specified
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 4.4 / 5 · 12 Reviews
- G2
- 4.6 / 5 · 355 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.7 / 5 · 674 Reviews
Provider imagecontentstudio.io Plans7 day trial
- Standard
- US$19
per month · billed annually - Advanced
- US$49
per month · billed annually - Agency Unlimited
- US$99
per month · billed annually - Enterprise
- no price information
+ 1 more plans in profile
HeyOrca
Planner with client approval, workspaces and inbox, mainly for agencies
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Threads
- +8
- Free plan, limited
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.8 / 5G2 · 320 Reviewsfrom US$59per month · per brand/workspaceDetails for HeyOrca
In brief
Clients approve posts per workspace via an approval link without login. Client access, brand guidelines, a content ideas board and feed preview are included, as are an inbox and reports with a live dashboard via link. There is a plan with a post quota and a discount for nonprofit organizations.
SuitsDesigned for agencies, small businesses and associations that want to map client approvals in planning.
Watch outX, Bluesky and other networks are only handled as placeholders with a reminder to post manually.
Features as stated by the provider61 listed
- Planning & Publishing 13
- Team & Approvals 8
- Network-Specific Features 11
- Analytics 6
- Reporting 4
- Listening & Monitoring 3
- Inbox & Community 5
- Automation & Chat 1
- AI Features 4
- Administration & Security 3
- Service & Support 3
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- not specified
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- G2
- 4.8 / 5 · 320 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.5 / 5 · 22 Reviews
Provider imageheyorca.com Plans14 day trial
- Free
- US$0
per month - Basic
- US$59
per month · per brand/workspace - Pro
- US$149
per month · per brand/workspace - Agency
- no price information
FeedHive
Planner with an AI focus for creators, brands and agencies
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- TikTok
- +3
- 7 day trial
4.7 / 5G2 · 174 Reviewsfrom €15per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for FeedHive
In brief
The AI writes captions, suggests ideas, generates images and complete posts, and gives feedback on drafts; brand voice and AI model are selectable. Planning works with a calendar, queue, bulk upload and reuse, and multiple workspaces are possible. An inbox is included.
SuitsSuitable for solo creators, small businesses and agencies that want AI-written text and planning in one tool.
Features as stated by the provider43 listed
- Planning & Publishing 16
- Team & Approvals 4
- Network-Specific Features 10
- Inbox & Community 2
- AI Features 10
- Administration & Security 1
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- not specified
- Hosting
- Switzerland
Reviews
- G2
- 4.7 / 5 · 174 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.9 / 5 · 85 Reviews
Provider imagefeedhive.com Plans7 day trial
- Creator
- €15
per month · flat rate · billed annually - Brand
- €22
per month · flat rate · billed annually - Business
- €69
per month · flat rate · billed annually - Agency
- €239
per month · flat rate · billed annually
Sked Social
Planner for agencies with approvals, client access and inbox
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +3
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.3 / 5G2 · 80 Reviewsfrom €49per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for Sked Social
In brief
Client access, external approval, roles and a change log sit alongside an editorial calendar, feed preview and multi-location publishing. An inbox collects comments, direct messages and ad comments, and the analytics include sentiment, competitor benchmark and White-Label Reports. Posts are unlimited on all plans; the provider was previously called Schedugram.
SuitsFor agencies, corporations, store networks and associations with multi-level approvals.
Watch outAdditional profiles and users cost extra for an upcharge, and the individual plan is only available on request.
Features as stated by the provider64 listed
- Planning & Publishing 14
- Team & Approvals 8
- Network-Specific Features 12
- Analytics 4
- Reporting 5
- Listening & Monitoring 3
- Inbox & Community 6
- AI Features 5
- Design 1
- Video 1
- Link in Bio 2
- Administration & Security 1
- Service & Support 2
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- yes
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- yes
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 4.3 / 5 · 2 Reviews
- G2
- 4.3 / 5 · 80 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.4 / 5 · 77 Reviews
Provider imageskedsocial.com Plans14 day trial
- Grow
- €49
per month · billed annually - Accelerate
- €183
per month · billed annually - Custom
- no price information
Planoly
Visual planner for creators with feed preview, link page and comment-to-DM
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Threads
- +1
- Free plan, limited
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.3 / 5G2 · 67 Reviewsfrom US$14per month · flat ratebilled annuallyDetails for Planoly
In brief
The focus is on feed preview, editorial calendar and planning of Reels, Stories and Carousels, with first comment, location and tagging. There are also AI captions and ideas, a link page builder with shop and appointment booking, and automation that turns comments into direct messages. Billing is per social set.
SuitsIntended for creators, small businesses and agencies that want to pre-plan Instagram content visually.
Watch outThe free plan works only in the mobile app and with an upload quota; X is only handled via reminders.
Features as stated by the provider36 listed
- Planning & Publishing 11
- Network-Specific Features 13
- Analytics 2
- Reporting 1
- Automation & Chat 2
- AI Features 2
- Design 2
- Link in Bio 3
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- not specified
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- not specified
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- OMR Reviews
- 4.0 / 5 · 34 Reviews
- G2
- 4.3 / 5 · 67 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.3 / 5 · 55 Reviews
Provider imageplanoly.com Plans14 day trial
- Starter
- US$14
per month · billed annually - Growth
- US$24
per month · billed annually - Pro
- US$47
per month · billed annually
RecurPost
Scheduler with content reuse, inbox and white-label reports
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Threads
- +3
- 14 day trial
- Mobile app
4.7 / 5G2 · 65 Reviewsfrom €8per month · flat ratebilled monthlyDetails for RecurPost
In brief
Categories sort your posts, the queue replays them, and approvals can also run externally. An inbox combines comments, direct messages and reviews, while analytics and the report builder deliver white-label reports. Multi-location publishing, workspaces and AI-assisted texts, hashtags and images are included.
SuitsFor agencies, multi-location networks and freelancers who manage many client accounts with recurring posts.
Watch outPrivate Instagram accounts and Facebook groups only run through reminders, and X has no inbox.
Features as stated by the provider56 listed
- Planning & Publishing 15
- Team & Approvals 5
- Network-Specific Features 16
- Analytics 2
- Reporting 3
- Inbox & Community 5
- AI Features 4
- Design 2
- Reviews 1
- Administration & Security 1
- Service & Support 2
Privacy according to provider
- GDPR statement
- not specified
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- not specified
- Hosting
- not specified
Reviews
- G2
- 4.7 / 5 · 65 Reviews
- Capterra
- 4.7 / 5 · 170 Reviews
Provider imagerecurpost.com Plans14 day trial
- Starter
- €8
per month · billed monthly - Personal
- €24
per month · billed monthly - Agency
- €75
per month · billed monthly - Enterprise
- no price information
Guide
Social media schedulers compared: publishing or reminders, counting unit and approval
What a scheduler is for
A scheduler takes the timing of posting off your hands. You prepare posts, set dates, and the tool publishes them without anyone having to sit at a phone at the set time. At the latest when posts are created in series, several networks need managing or several people have a say, a shared calendar replaces scattered notes and spreadsheets.
If you only run Facebook and Instagram, a native tool such as Meta Business Suite, which also maintains this overview, may be enough. A third-party tool is more worthwhile once LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube or X are added or a client should preview and approve posts in advance.
Publishing or only reminding
"Supports Instagram" says little. Some schedulers publish directly, others only send a push reminder and you then publish the post yourself. Which route applies depends on format and account type; Buffer lists both routes side by side for Instagram, depending on what is planned. The filters for network and format therefore come before looking at prices, followed by a real test post on the account you will use later. Only then is it clear whether a Reel or a Story really goes online by itself.
- Check feed post, carousel, Reel, Story, LinkedIn document and first comment individually
- Consider personal profile, company page and business account separately
- Schedule a test post before the plan and contract term are settled
Calendar, queue, preview
This is where the tools differ the most. The editorial calendar is part of almost every tool. The queue automatically fills free time slots, recommended posting times suggest appointments, the feed preview shows the Instagram grid, and with bulk upload you can load many posts at once.
One post for multiple networks saves time, but it does not replace adaptation, because hashtags, length and format differ from network to network. It is useful if the tool lets you edit the version for each network separately. Recommended posting times are suggestions from the tool and not evidence of greater reach.
Approval without login for clients
For agencies, teams with supervisors and anyone who needs to coordinate content before publication, the approval workflow outweighs any additional feature. What matters is whether clients have to create an account for it. According to the provider, Planable and Kontentino offer external approval without login, where the client comments and confirms via a link.
In addition, there are roles and permissions as well as the separation of multiple brands or workspaces. Which plan includes approval is not the same everywhere, as it is not part of the entry-level tier in every case.
Unit of measurement before entry price
The overview lists 78 planners (as of 11/11/2026). Of these, 37 have a free plan; it is usually tied to a limited number of posts and a few connected accounts. A trial phase is not a permanent plan and, according to the provider, may include a higher tier than the one you would book later.
The unit of measurement is more important than the entry price. Some providers charge per social profile, others per social set, per user or per brand. A channel is usually one connected account rather than one network: a Facebook page, a Instagram account and a LinkedIn page then count separately. Plan for actual accounts and people, monthly versus annual billing (the lower price often only applies with an annual commitment), and AI credits and add-on modules on top.
Access to your network accounts
A planner connects to your network accounts and stores drafts, media and access rights. This requires a data processing agreement under Art. 28 GDPR, along with clarity about where data and backups are located and about subprocessors. A location in Germany or the EU, according to the provider, does not answer every question about data transfers, and a GDPR seal on the website does not replace the review.
The interface and support must be considered separately: a German user interface does not mean that support answers in German. With providers from abroad, invoicing and VAT ID come into play; whether reverse charge applies should be clarified with a tax advisor.
Where planner purchases go wrong
A common mistake is buying based on the list of networks without checking format and account type. Another misconception is assuming that planning replaces strategy: scheduled posts replace neither a concept nor monitoring after publication.
If inbox and analytics should sit alongside planning on equal terms, social media management tools are a better fit. If you mainly handle comments and messages, look at community management and social inbox. Pure editorial plans without network connection publish nothing and belong more in project planning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I schedule Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok from one calendar?
For most planners in the overview, yes, but not for every format and account type. The filters for network and format, plus a trial access, show whether your account is published directly.
Are Reels, Stories and Carousels published automatically, or only sent as a reminder?
This varies by tool and format. Some planners publish Stories and Reels directly, others send a push reminder to your smartphone; the columns on networks and features list both separately.
Is the free Meta Business Suite enough?
If you only post to Facebook and Instagram and do not need client approval, the native tool may be sufficient. An external planner is worthwhile for more networks, multiple brands or coordination with third parties.
Which planners are free, and where are the limits?
Usually the number of posts is limited and only a few accounts can be connected; whether approvals and team functions are included varies. The filter on this page shows which tools have a free plan, the restrictions are listed in the profile.
What is the difference between channel, profile and brand when it comes to billing?
A channel or profile is usually one connected account; a brand or Social Set bundles several accounts. The counting unit should be confirmed in writing before purchase.
How do client approvals work in the planner?
The client receives a link to the draft, comments on it and approves it. With tools that offer external approval without login, they need no account for this; whether the feature is included in the desired plan is stated in the plan details.
Method
How this list is made
No own ranking, no own rating. Sorting is based only on what is stated on the page.
- Who appears here
Every active tool that lists this category as a main or secondary category. Discontinued tools never appear in a list; their profile names successors and alternatives.
- Every claim has a source
For every feature, price and privacy statement we store the page it comes from and the review date. Both are shown in the tool profile.
- Unknown stays unknown
If something is not stated by the provider, we show "no information". We do not guess and do not derive anything from advertising texts.
- Commission does not change the order
The default order counts third-party reviews; you can switch to sorting by entry price or name. The sorting does not know whether a provider pays commission. Advertising links are labelled individually.
- Status and staleness
The status is the oldest review date of the information shown. If it is older than 180 days, we mark the profile as outdated until it has been reviewed again.
- Reviews come from third parties
Ratings come from OMR Reviews, G2 or Capterra, each with the number of reviews and the retrieval date. Each row in a list shows the same platform: the one on which most tools in the list are rated. Under 10 reviews, the rating is shown without a bar. Trustpilot and app stores rate the company or the app; they appear only in the profile. Social Rocket does not award its own rating.
Not the right one?