If you’re looking to upgrade your social media, you’re probably thinking about a few big-name players, and Hootsuite and Later are two of the biggest.
When we compare Hootsuite vs. Later, we can see that both platforms have built a strong reputation over the years.
They both support basic features like scheduling, multi-platform integration, performance analytics, and social inboxes.
Short Summary
- Hootsuite, Later, and Social Champ are three leading social media management tools, serving various user requirements.
- Hootsuite is rich in features and enterprise-oriented, with advanced analytics, teamwork, and social listening, but at a premium cost.
- Later is easy to use and visually oriented, best for creators and small teams dealing with Instagram and visual scheduling.
- Social Champ is also remarkable in that it is affordable and offers full-feature access to all tools, like AI tools, bulk scheduling, and social listening, even on lower plans.
- A basic checklist makes it simple to discern which tool provides standard features such as free plans, ad management, and first comment scheduling.
But as social media continues to evolve, and algorithms continue to keep you running around, the tool you’re using to stay ahead has to adapt too.
Something that was great a few years back may feel limited or expensive nowadays, especially with so many new players on the scene.
So, in this comparison, we’ll discuss the Hootsuite vs Later debate in detail and compare features, prices, and reviews.
Let’s get started!
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Hootsuite vs Later Feature Comparison
When it comes to choosing a social media management tool, features make or break your workflow.
While Hootsuite and Later both offer solid core functionality, they fill fairly different requirements and tastes.
Hootsuite leans ever so slightly towards enterprise-level depth, and Later prioritizes visual planning and ease of use.
To mix things up a little (and maybe make them a little more difficult), we’re also adding Social Champ into the equation.
It’s an up-and-coming challenger that has quietly but steadily been converting users based on a streamlined design and an unexpectedly comprehensive set of features.
Here are side-by-side comparisons of some of the most significant features to help you get a sense of where each platform shines and where it falls short.
| Feature | Hootsuite | Later | Social Champ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Platforms | Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, and Instagram | Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Snapchat | Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok, Threads, Google Business Profile, Mastodon, Bluesky, and WhatsApp Business |
| Scheduling | Advanced scheduling with calendar, bulk upload, and auto-scheduling | Visual content calendar, drag-and-drop scheduling | Unlimited scheduling, bulk upload, visual calendar, and queue management |
| Analytics | In-depth reporting, customizable dashboards | Basic analytics focused on Instagram and TikTok | Advanced analytics, post performance, sentiment analysis |
| Team Collaboration | Multi-user roles, approval workflows | Available on higher-tier plans; limited roles | Team roles, post approvals, and workspace collaboration |
| Social Listening | Yes (with add-ons or higher-tier plans) | Competitive benchmarking and future insights | Included in the Growth plan and above |
| AI Features | AI caption generator, hashtag suggestions (Beta) | AI caption suggestions, visual content assistance | AI content assistant, image suggestions, smart scheduling |
| Ads Management | Built-in Facebook/Instagram ads manager | Not available | Boost Post (Available for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) |
| Tagging | Tagging for teams and content categorization | Limited tagging; mostly for media organization | Post labels, client-specific tagging |
| First Comment Scheduling | Available for Instagram | Available for Instagram | Yes |
| Best Time to Post | Suggested times based on analytics | Suggested times for Instagram | Smart scheduling and best time suggestions |
| Link in Bio | Available | Available | Available |
Out of Hootsuite and Later, the most important distinction is depth vs. simplicity.
Hootsuite is suited to teams of over one member and power users who need advanced analytics, listening, and a great deal of workflow detail.
It can handle more accounts and support superior cross-functional collaboration, though at significantly higher cost.
Later, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and visual content planning, so it’s a great choice for content creators, influencers, and small teams, especially those centered around Instagram.
While it doesn’t have the same level of intensity of analytics or business-level tools as Hootsuite, its intuitive interface and low prices mean that it’s a great choice for day-to-day scheduling and brand storytelling.
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Hootsuite vs Later Pricing Comparison
Here, we’re not just comparing Hootsuite and Later, but throwing Social Champ into the mix to provide a more complete view of what’s available.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the latest pricing tiers and what they offer:
| Plan/Tier | Hootsuite | Later | Social Champ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | No free plan (offers 14-day free trial) | No free plan (has a free trial). | Free forever – (1 user, 15 scheduled posts, 3 social accounts, basic analytics, AI assistant, social inbox) |
| Entry Tier | Professional – ~$99/month: 1 user, up to 10 accounts, unlimited scheduling, AI tools, basic analytics | Starter – $16.67/month (9 profiles total, up to 60 posts per profile, 5 AI credits/month, link-in-bio, 3 months analytics). | Starter – $4/month (unlimited scheduling, bulk upload, AI assistant, boost post, analytics, social inbox) |
| Team/Growth | Team – ~$249/month: 3 users, up to 20 accounts, bulk scheduling, approval workflows, permissions | Growth – $33.33/month (18 profiles, up to 180 posts per profile, 50 AI credits/month, social inbox, team collaboration & approvals, custom roles). | Growth – $8/month (everything in Starter + team management, competitor analysis, post labels) |
| Enterprise | Enterprise – Custom hootsuite pricing packages – advanced analytics, SSO, full asset management, priority support | Scale – $73.33/month (54 profiles, unlimited posts, 100 AI credits/month, custom analytics, competitive benchmarking, future insights, priority support). | Enterprise – Custom (unlimited bulk scheduling, media storage, unlimited AI imaginator, Auto RSS posting, Integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, API Access, SSO, custom integrations) |
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Which Tool Is Best for You? A Quick Decision Checklist
Following is a simple checklist contrasting Hootsuite, Later, and Social Champ based on general needs and priorities.
Just glance through and check which platform has the right boxes checked off for your workflow.
| Need/Feature | Hootsuite | Later | Social Champ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Budget-friendly entry plan | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Supports all major platforms | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Visual content calendar | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| AI-powered caption/hashtag tools | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Social inbox | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bulk scheduling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Team collaboration features | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Content approval workflows | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Social listening | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| First comment scheduling (IG) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Built-in ad tools | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Link-in-bio feature | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Boost Post | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Early Adopters Are Already 3 Months Ahead!
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Conclusion
In the case of Hootsuite vs Later, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each platform has something distinct to provide.
For large teams or businesses that need in-depth analysis, social listening, and complex workflows, Hootsuite is best.
Later is ideal for creators and brands that need visual planning and Instagram-focused methods with a minimalistic interface and a focused feature set.
Social Champ, however, is a suitable choice for small enterprises, sole professionals, and smaller teams. It manages to pack in advanced features like AI support, analytics, and team collaboration without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the ideal social media management tool is the one that suits your objectives, your budget, and your team’s workflow.
Hopefully, this comparison made that decision a little easier. If you’re still unsure, trying out a free plan or starting with a trial is often the best way to see which tool really clicks with your needs.