Categories Branding, Tech & Tools

7 Publer Alternatives for Robust Scheduling and Analytics

After managing social media accounts for years, I’ve tested numerous scheduling tools.

And while Publer offers some solid features, I often hit limitations — from its pricing to the lack of robust analytics. If you’re looking for Publer alternatives that can handle multiple social profiles without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place.

As an expert who’s worked with everything from agencies to small teams, I’ve sifted through the options. I’ve experienced the pain points myself and have found tools that not only provide better scheduling and social media management but also offer advanced features that Publer just can’t match.

So, let’s explore the seven best alternatives to Publer that will take your social media game to a whole new level! 

Let’s get started!

Top 5 Publer Alternatives at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison of the top 5 Publer competitors to help you choose the right social media management tool for your business, agency, or brand. Compare pricing, features, and the best use cases to find the perfect fit for your needs!

Zoho Social Starts at $15/month SMBs and Solopreneures
  • Advanced Analytics
  • Social Listening
  • Team Collaboration
SocialPilot Starts at $30/month Agencies & SMBs
  • Bulk Scheduling
  • Social Inbox
  • Reporting
Sendible Starts at $29/month Agencies and Marketing Teams
  • Smart Inbox
  • Analytics
  • Client Management
Buffer Starts at $6/month Freelancers & Small Teams
  • Post Scheduling
  • Mobile App
  • Team Collaboration
SocialBee Starts at $29/month SMBs & Startups
  • Content Recycling
  • Content Categorization
  • Social Media Calendar

7 Publer Alternatives for Robust Scheduling and Analytics

1. Zoho Social

Zoho Social banner image

Having used both Zoho Social and Publer, I can say they’re both great for managing social accounts across multiple social networks, but they serve different needs. Zoho Social shines in its analytics and reporting, offering more in-depth insights into social media performance—perfect for businesses that need to track ROI.

Zoho’s team collaboration features are also more robust, making it ideal for agencies or teams managing multiple clients. However, it can feel overwhelming for smaller teams due to its complexity.

Conversely, while Publer offers simplicity in scheduling social media posts and content creation, it falls short in integration and has a steep learning curve.

In short, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool for scheduling posts, go with Publer. However, for businesses or agencies needing advanced analytics and team collaboration, Zoho Social is the better choice.

Best for:

Agencies, Growing businesses, and Large teams

Rating:

4.6/5 (G2)

Verified User in Computer Games – 5 Stars

Zoho Social has made it very easy to manage my accounts and made my whole process significantly more efficient. The app is a great resource for content creators and I would recommend this to anyone looking to expand their content to a broader audience in an easy to use and understand platform. I will continue to use this application for the foreseeable future. Thank you Zoho!

Key features:

  • Advanced Analytics
  • Smart Inbox
  • Team Collaboration
  • Social Listening
  • Post Approval Workflow
  • Custom Reports

Pros:

  • Zoho Social provides more detailed social media performance reports.
  • Zoho Social allows you to monitor your brand’s mentions and keywords, a feature Publer lacks.
  • Zoho Social offers more flexibility with advanced features and customizable reports for each social profile, which Publer lacks.

Cons:

  • Zoho Social is more feature-heavy, which may overwhelm smaller teams or freelancers looking for simplicity, unlike Publer’s straightforward interface.
  • Zoho Social tends to be more expensive, especially for higher-tier plans, making Publer a more budget-friendly option for small teams.

Pricing:

Zoho Social offers three paid plans: Standard ($15/month for 11 channels), Professional ($40/month for 11 channels), and Premium ($65/month for 14 channels). There is also a Free plan.


2. SocialPilot

SocialPilot dashoard

After using SocialPilot extensively, I can say it’s a great alternative to Publer for those who require  advanced scheduling, team collaboration, and client management.

SocialPilot offers robust tools for handling multiple social networks and provides in-depth analytics. With SocialPilot, managing clients’ social media performance and creating custom reports is straightforward.

Publer’s affordability is a big plus, but it lacks the advanced reporting and client management features that SocialPilot offers.

In short, if you’re managing multiple clients or need advanced features like client management and analytics, SocialPilot is the better option. However, for brands looking to analyze their competitors, Publer is the way to go.

Best for:

Agencies, Small to medium-sized businesses, and Social media managers

Rating:

4.5/5 (G2)

Verne B. – 5 Stars

I can schedule all my client’s posts in one central place. It is very cost-effective, and the API into Meta is seemless. There are no issues like with some of the other tools out there. Access via the Business Manager has no issues, whereas if you used other platforms, they require you to have access to the page as an individual, not a business.

Key features:

  • Multi-Platform Scheduling
  • Bulk Scheduling
  • Analytics and Reporting
  • White-Label Reports
  • First Comment Feature
  • Team Collaboration

Pros:

  • SocialPilot offers in-depth analytics and reporting tools, providing valuable insights into performance.
  • Provides tools for team collaboration, including role assignments and approval workflows, enhancing productivity.
  • SocialPilot is designed with agencies in mind, offering robust client management features.

Cons:

  • The feature-rich platform may present a learning curve for new users, whereas Publer offers a more straightforward interface.
  • Unlike Publer, which offers essential social listening features, SocialPilot lacks social listening capabilities.

Pricing:

SocialPilot offers four pricing plans: Essentials ($30 per month for 1 user), Standard ($50 per month for 3 users), Premium ($100 per month for 6 users), Ultimate ($200 per month for unlimited users, and Enterprise (Custom).


3. Sendible

Sendible banner image

When managing multiple clients, I found Sendible a powerful tool with its advanced analytics, social listening, and comprehensive reporting.

These features of Sendible are great for agencies looking for in-depth insights and detailed performance reports. Its team collaboration tools are also more robust, allowing multiple users to work seamlessly on content creation and approval.

Conversely, Publer excels in its simplicity and ease of use, providing essential tools like scheduling posts, content recycling, and a smart inbox for managing interactions across different platforms. However, it lacks the advanced features that Sendible provides, like social listening.

In short, if you need advanced analytics and team collaboration to manage multiple clients, Sendible is your best bet. But if you’re looking for something more straightforward and cost-effective for basic social media management, Publer is the way to go.

Best for:

Marketing agencies, SMBs, Brands, and Social media managers.

Rating:

4.5/5 (G2)

Payton S. – 5 Stars

The calendar feed and extra options that are available in Sendible make it a cut above the rest. Combined with major ease of use and continued added features at its price point makes it an easy choice for social media managers, and those running multilocation properties.Recommended post times after it learns your areas of greater interaction are a bonus. Lastly, the support is on the spot and consistent.

Key features:

  • Smart Compose Box
  • Priority Inbox
  • Bulk Import
  • Content Library
  • Campaign Management

Pros:

  • With Sendible, you can set up approval workflows for team members before content goes live.
  • Sendible’s team collaboration features allow you to create roles and manage access.

Cons:

  • Sendible’s starting pricing plan can be steep, especially for freelancers or small teams, compared to Publer’s more budget-friendly options.
  • While Sendible offers more advanced features, its interface can be overwhelming for beginners, unlike Publer, which has a more intuitive, user-friendly design for easy navigation.

Pricing:

Sendible offers five pricing plans: Creator ($29/month for 6 social profiles), Traction ($89/month for 24 social profiles), Scale ($199/month for 49 social profiles), Advanced ($299/month for 100 social profiles), and Enterprise ($750/month for 400 social profiles).


4. Buffer

Buffer banner image

While exploring Publer alternatives, I came across Buffer, which immediately caught my attention for its simplicity and ease of use.

Buffer’s straightforward approach to scheduling social media posts and managing social accounts makes it an excellent choice for freelancers and small businesses that don’t need complex features but still want to maintain a consistent social media presence.

Compared to Publer, Buffer offers a more streamlined interface, making it easy to jump in and start scheduling without a steep learning curve. However, it lacks the social listening capabilities that Publer provides.

In short, if you want a simple and affordable solution for social media scheduling, Buffer is a solid choice. However, if you need more advanced content management, Publer is the better option.

Best for:

Individuals, Small businesses, and Startups

Rating:

4.3/5 (G2)

Tracy W. – 5 Stars

Buffer is extensively used in our company in marketing and corporate communication departments. It enables users to schedule and track scheduled posts across all major social networks. The analytics are great that show the performance of each post and aslo buffer is pretty affordable.

Key features:

  • Multi-Platform Scheduling
  • Post Queue Management
  • Analytics and Reporting
  • Content Suggestions
  • Customizable Posting Schedule

Pros:

  • Buffer has a more straightforward, more intuitive design, ideal for new users, unlike Publer’s more complex interface.
  • Buffer provides content recommendations to keep your social media active, which Publer lacks.

Cons:

  • Buffer’s analytics are basic, while Publer offers more detailed insights.
  • Buffer has limited content recycling, a feature Publer provides for the flexible repurposing of evergreen content.
  • Buffer charges more for additional accounts, while Publer offers more affordable plans.

Pricing:

Buffer offers two pricing plans: Essentials ($6 per month/channel) and Team ($12 per month/channel). There is also a Free plan.


5. SocialBee

SocialBee banner image

SocialBee is a great tool for businesses that want to focus on content creation and curation.

Compared to Publer, which excels in social media scheduling, SocialBee is designed with more advanced content management tools, offering content categorization, recycling, and content planning. It’s ideal for businesses aiming to curate a consistent and engaging social media presence.

However, SocialBee’s interface can be a bit overwhelming, especially for smaller teams or solo entrepreneurs. It’s also pricier compared to Publer, which offers a more affordable solution with essential scheduling and analytics tools. While Publer doesn’t have the same depth in content creation, it’s far simpler and more cost-effective.

In short, if you need advanced content curation and are willing to invest in a more complex platform, SocialBee is the better option. But if you’re a small business or freelancer looking for an easy-to-use tool with affordable pricing and advanced scheduling features, go with Publer.

Best for:

Small to medium-sized businesses, Startups, Agencies, and Marketing teams.

Rating:

4.8/5 (G2)

Tribe T. – 4.5 Stars

Being able to re-use content among all platforms. It makes posting frequently a breeze instead of what used to be a huge undertaking. The live demo is incredibly helpful when getting started!

Key features:

  • Content Categorization
  • Evergreen Content Recycling
  • AI-Powered Content Creation
  • Analytics and Reporting
  • Content Planning Calendar

Pros: 

  • SocialBee’s robust features facilitate teamwork, including shared workspaces and feedback mechanisms.
  • SocialBee manages all social interactions from a single location, enhancing community engagement.
  • Offers in-depth performance insights, aiding data-driven decisions.

Cons:

  • SocialBee’s feature-rich design may overwhelm new users, whereas Publer offers a more straightforward experience.
  • SocialBee lacks advanced social listening tools found in Publer, which are essential for real-time engagement tracking.

Pricing:

SocialBee offers three pricing plans: Bootstrap ($29/month for 5 profiles), Accelerate ($49/month for 10 profiles), and Pro ($99/month for 25 profiles). All plans have a 14-day free trial.


6. Sprout Social

Sprout Social

Switching from Publer to Sprout Social felt like upgrading to a more robust social media management platform.

Sprout Social is perfect for brands and enterprises, offering a robust analytics suite, social listening, and advanced reporting that Publer doesn’t provide. 

Unlike Publer, which focuses on basic scheduling and content management, Sprout Social lets me track brand mentions, monitor audience sentiment, and dive deeper into performance across multiple accounts.

However, it comes with a steeper learning curve and a higher price tag, which might be overkill for smaller businesses.

In short, if you need advanced analytics, social listening, and team collaboration, Sprout Social is the better option. But if you want a cost-effective, user-friendly solution, Publer may be the way to go.

Best for:

Large businesses, Enterprises, Brands, Big teams, and Businesses.

Rating:

4.4/5 (G2)

Kevin B.– 3.5 Stars

Sprout social makes it easy for me to see all my company’s social posts and user replies in one place. The interface and filtering options make it easy to sort by specific social channels and reply, tag, mark for review ( as needed). I like being able to hide comments /ban users directly from the Sprout dashboard, which helps save time and ensure only appropriate comments are visible.

Key features:

  • Scheduling and Publishing
  • Analytics and Reporting
  • Team Collaboration
  • Task Management
  • Unified Social Inbox

Pros:

  • Sprout Social facilitates seamless teamwork with shared calendars and approval workflows, enhancing efficiency.
  • Sprout Social combines social media management with customer relationship features, offering a holistic approach that is absent in Publer.

Cons:

  • Sprout Social’s pricing plans are more expensive, which might be a barrier for smaller businesses compared to Publer’s more affordable options.
  • Sprout’s extensive features can overwhelm new users, whereas Publer offers a more straightforward user experience.​​

Pricing:

Sprout Social’s pricing plans are as follows: Standard ($249 per seat/month), Professional ($399 per seat/month), and Advanced ($499 per seat/month). For large Enterprises, you need to contact Sprout for pricing.


7. Hootsuite

Hootsuite banner image

Finally, we have Hootsuite, a powerhouse in social media management.

Unlike Publer, which is more budget-friendly and user-focused, Hootsuite is built for large enterprises, agencies, and marketing teams that need a robust tool for advanced analytics, social listening, and team collaboration. 

Hootsuite stands out for its ability to manage multiple clients, generate detailed performance reports, and offer team collaboration for businesses with extensive social media needs.

However, Hootsuite’s pricing is expensive, and its interface may feel overwhelming for small businesses or freelancers.

In short, if you need advanced features, analytics, and a comprehensive platform for large teams, Hootsuite is the right fit. But if you’re looking for a more straightforward, cost-effective tool, Publer is the better choice.

Best for:

Brands, Large enterprises, Large businesses, and Multi-locational brands.

Rating:

4.2/5 (G2)

Oluwamayowa R. – 5 Stars

Hootsuite has given me that capacity to reach our target audience on multiple trending social media platforms. As an intermediate user, Hootsuite has made it possible to manage our brand message across different aspect of social media, this bundled tool allows us to reach your target audience with ease with consideration for time efficiency and practicality.

Key features:

  • Multi-Platform Integration
  • Scheduling and Publishing
  • Analytics and Reporting
  • Team Collaboration
  • Social Listening

Pros:

  • Hootsuite offers many tools suitable for businesses with complex social media needs.
  • Designed for team-based operations with features like shared access and approval workflows, enhancing collaborative efforts.
  • Enables direct management of social media advertising campaigns, providing a centralized approach.

Cons:

  • Hootsuite’s pricing plans are more expensive, which might be a barrier for small businesses or individuals, whereas Publer offers more affordable options.
  • The extensive features can make the platform overwhelming for new users, whereas Publer offers a more straightforward and user-friendly interface.

Pricing:

Hootsuite offers three pricing plans: Professional ($99 per month/10 social accounts), Team ($249 per month/20 social accounts), and Enterprise (Custom/50 social accounts).


Key Factors in Choosing the Best Publer Alternative

When looking for the best Publer alternatives, I consider several key factors as a seasoned social media marketer. These elements will help you make an informed decision and choose the right social media management tool for your needs.

1. Pricing and Value for Money

Ensure the platform offers a competitive pricing structure that aligns with your needs. Compare plans carefully to assess whether the features provided are worth the price, especially when managing multiple social media accounts or requiring advanced features like analytics or content scheduling.

2. User-friendliness and Onboarding

A tool should be easy to navigate and intuitive, even for those without technical expertise. Look for platforms with clear onboarding guides and support that make it easy to start using the platform effectively from day one, especially when managing social profiles and posts.

3. Advanced Analytics and Reporting

Consider tools that offer comprehensive analytics and reporting features to measure performance. Advanced insights help adjust strategies, track engagement, and optimize campaigns, which is crucial for making data-driven decisions and improving social media engagement.

4. Team Collaboration and Workflow

If you’re working with a team, ensure the platform has built-in team collaboration tools. Features like task assignment, approval workflows, and team roles will improve efficiency and help maintain smooth communication within your team, especially when managing client accounts or multiple social media profiles.

5. Integration with Other Tools

Look for alternatives that integrate with other platforms you already use, like design tools, CRMs, or email marketing services. Seamless integrations save time and enhance your social media management experience without manual data entry, especially when you’re tracking social media performance across different platforms.

Carefully weigh pricing, ease of use, analytics, team collaboration, and integrations to find a Publer alternative that suits your specific needs and helps streamline your social media strategy effectively.

Which Publer Competitor Are You Picking?

In the end, choosing the right Publer alternative boils down to understanding your specific needs—whether it’s a user-friendly interface, advanced analytics, or team collaboration features.

Take the time to evaluate the tool based on your budget, the level of support you need, and how well it integrates with your existing systems.

For smaller agencies or freelancers, SocialPilot strikes a great balance between affordability and essential features. If content creation and categorization are your priorities, SocialBee offers excellent tools at a reasonable price. For advanced analytics, social listening, and team collaboration, Sprout Social or Hootsuite provide a more robust, enterprise-level experience.

No tool will be perfect for everyone, so focus on what makes social media management easier and more effective for you. Remember, the best tool for you is the one that aligns with your goals, saves you time, and brings value to your strategy.

Take your time, test options, and choose wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Publer alternatives for social media scheduling?

Explore top alternatives like Buffer, Sprout Social, and SocialPilot, which offer excellent social media scheduling and management tools.

Is there a free Publer alternative for small businesses?

Yes, tools like Publer’s free plan, Buffer, and Hootsuite provide free options for small businesses looking to manage their social media accounts on a budget.

Which Publer alternative offers the best analytics and reporting?

Sprout Social and Hootsuite offer the most advanced analytics and reporting features compared to Publer, providing in-depth insights into social media performance.

What is the most affordable alternative to Publer?

SocialPilot offers a cost-effective solution with a wide range of features, making it one of the best affordable alternatives to Publer for small businesses and agencies.

Author: Megha Sharma

Megha is a Senior Content Writer at SocialPilot, bringing diverse professional writing and content strategizing experience to the table. Her devotion to creative and innovative content has been a driving force as she truly finds passion for long-form writing. With a background in social media marketing, she is well-versed with social channels like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc., and believes in social media for good. This allows her to seamlessly connect with the brand and resonate with the audience's needs.