Hootsuite Pricing Explained: Is It Worth the Cost in 2026?

If you’re looking for the best social media management tool, pricing is often the first thing that makes you stop and think.

Hootsuite has been around for years, but its pricing has changed a lot over time.

In 2026, the entry-level plan starts at around $99/month per user on annual billing, and it gets more expensive if you pay monthly. For many users, that price feels high, especially if you’re managing only a few accounts or working with a small team.

You may have also seen older online posts where users talk about their bills jumping from just a few dollars to $75 or more. Those changes didn’t happen overnight, but the frustration is still easy to understand.

In this post, I’ll break down the current Hootsuite pricing and plans so you can clearly see what you’re paying for and decide if it makes sense for you.

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How Has Hootsuite Pricing Changed From Old Plans to Today?

Over the years, Hootsuite pricing has gone through some significant changes. One of the biggest shifts is that the free plan has been completely removed.

Everything now starts at a paid tier, which means even individual users who previously managed accounts for free now need to pay at least $99 per month when billed annually.

For many, this feels like a big jump, especially if you’re only managing a few social accounts or a small team.

Here’s a look at Hootsuite’s old pricing plans:

And here are the latest Hootsuite pricing plans:

Hootsuite Old Pricing vs New Pricing (2026)

Here’s a clear Before vs After table to help you see the main differences between old and new plans:

Key Changes in Hootsuite Pricing

Here are the key changes that you can see in the new Hootsuite pricing plans:

1. Removal of the Free Plan

   The biggest change is that Hootsuite no longer offers a free option. Everything now starts at the Standard tier.

   This affects solo users or small businesses who relied on the free plan for scheduling and basic posting.

2. Higher Base Pricing and Restructured Tiers

   The entry-level plan now costs around $99 per month on annual billing, and it’s even higher if you choose monthly payments.

   Team and enterprise plans have also been restructured, bundling more accounts but increasing the overall cost.

   While the features included have expanded, the starting price is now higher than in previous years.

3. Feature Distribution Across Plans

   The Hootsuite features pricing varies depending on the plan. Standard plans give essential scheduling and analytics tools, while higher-tier plans offer advanced collaboration, reporting, and integrations for teams and enterprises.

   This restructuring shows Hootsuite’s focus on businesses that need multiple accounts and user management.

What This Means for Users

If you’re a small team or an individual, the changes in pricing can feel steep. The removal of the free plan and the higher starting price push users toward paying more upfront.

At the same time, Hootsuite’s plans still include a solid set of tools, so there is value if you need multi-platform posting, analytics, and team collaboration.

Furthermore, the prices have taken a whopping hit of more than 40% increase! And their free plan has changed into the Standard one, so what you were getting for free is now $99!

So, how much does the Advanced plan cost now?

This plan has unlimited social accounts, one user, and unlimited scheduling, which is actually not that much. Many other social media management tools offer the same for a much lesser cost.

By understanding the differences between old and new plans, you can decide if Hootsuite fits your budget and needs this year.

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What Do Hootsuite’s Current Plans Cost (Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise)?

If you’re wondering how much Hootsuite will actually set you back this year, it’s important to look at the current Hootsuite pricing plans.

The company has simplified its offerings into three main tiers: Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise.

Each plan comes with different features, users, and social account limits, so knowing what’s included can help you decide which tier fits your needs.

Hootsuite Pricing Table (2026)

Standard Plan

The Standard plan is where most solo users or small businesses start. With around $99 per month on annual billing, you can manage up to 10 social accounts and 1 user.

It gives you the basics such as posting, scheduling, content calendar, and analytics. If you choose monthly billing, the cost rises to roughly $149 per month.

Advanced Plan

For teams that need more flexibility, the Advanced plan is ideal. It allows 1 user and unlimited social accounts.

The key features include deeper analytics, team approvals, social listening, and bulk scheduling.

Annual billing comes in at around $249 per month per user, while monthly payments can go up to $399 per user.

Enterprise Plan

The Enterprise plan is designed for large organizations with custom requirements.

Pricing is tailored based on the number of users, accounts, and features needed, including advanced analytics, workflow automation, and dedicated support.

If your team needs multiple departments collaborating in one dashboard, this is the plan to explore.

One useful tip for busy managers is that with tools like Social Champ, you can post to all social media at once, which helps teams get the same benefits without navigating multiple high-cost plans.

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Why Is There Such a Big Gap Between Hootsuite’s Monthly and Annual Pricing?

If you’ve ever looked closely at Hootsuite pricing, one thing that probably stood out is how different the numbers look depending on whether you pay yearly or month to month.

The annual prices look much lower upfront, but if you choose monthly billing, the cost jumps up quite a bit, and that can feel surprising when the bill arrives.

Annual vs Monthly: The Data

Hootsuite shows the lower annual price first on its pricing page with “Save up to 38%” messaging, which makes the numbers look attractive.

For example, the Standard plan is shown at around $99 per month on annual billing, but if you pay month by month, it’s about $149 per month.

Similarly, the Advanced plan listed at around $249 per month annually becomes around $399 per month with monthly billing.

This difference isn’t just a small extra charge. It can add up significantly over a year if you choose the monthly option instead of committing to an annual plan.

The Psychology Behind the Gap

There are a few reasons why this happens:

1. Annual Billing Looks Cheaper Upfront

   The “Save up to 38%” messaging highlights annual pricing first. It’s a common tactic to encourage longer commitments.

2. Monthly Billing Feels Higher by Comparison

   Even though it’s visible, the monthly price can cause sticker shock when you calculate the full year, especially for team plans.

Annual vs Monthly: Step-By-Step Math Example

Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand:

Standard Plan Example:

Advanced Plan Example:

This simple math makes it clear why businesses and teams often choose annual billing. The savings can be substantial, especially if you have multiple users.

Key Takeaway

The gap isn’t a mistake. Hootsuite shows both monthly and annual prices, but annual billing is highlighted with savings messaging.

Understanding the difference helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises when your bill arrives.

How Does Hootsuite’s User-Based Pricing Affect Your Real Cost?

One of the things that can surprise users about Hootsuite pricing is that it’s per user, not just per social account.

That means your cost grows quickly as you add team members, even if the number of social accounts stays the same.

Why User-Based Pricing Matters

For a solo creator, the cost might feel manageable. But the moment you add a second or third user, or manage multiple brands with several social profiles, the monthly bill climbs fast.

This structure can make small businesses and agencies carefully evaluate which plan fits their needs.

Scenario-Based Cost Examples

Here’s a simple table to give you a quick idea of real-world costs for 2026:

For example, if you’re a 3-person team using the Standard plan, your monthly cost jumps from $99 for one person to $297 for the team. That’s three times the base cost.

And if you want to add another social profile or brand, that’s an extra account to manage, and while the plan covers up to 10 accounts, larger agencies often need the Advanced plan to handle multiple brands efficiently.

Who Is Hootsuite Pricing Actually Good for (And Who Does It Hurt)?

Not every user experiences Hootsuite pricing the same way. Depending on your team size, number of social accounts, and workflow, the cost and value can feel very different.

Let’s break it down so you know if Hootsuite is a good fit for you.

Good Fit

Hootsuite works well for teams that need advanced features in one place. If your brand already has Hootsuite training or workflows in place, upgrading to higher tiers can be seamless.

Typical “good fit” users include:

• Larger teams that require approvals, social listening, and detailed analytics.
• Brands already invested in Hootsuite with internal training and processes built around it.
• Teams that rely on productivity tools to manage campaigns efficiently across multiple accounts.

Poor Fit

Some users may find Hootsuite pricing heavy. Solo creators or small teams can feel the pinch, and agencies managing multiple clients may see costs escalate quickly due to per-user pricing.

These users include:

• Solo creators or very small teams are sensitive to price.
• Agencies handling many clients where adding seats increases the bill significantly.

Hootsuite Pricing: Who It Works For

For example, a small 3-person agency managing multiple client brands on the Advanced plan could see costs reach $747/month. For solo creators, paying $99/month for just one user may feel steep if you only post occasionally.

Understanding who benefits the most from Hootsuite helps you plan your budget and decide if this tool makes sense for your team or business.

How Does Hootsuite Pricing Compare to Social Champ?

Hootsuite offers three paid plans and no free plan, whereas Social Champ offers three paid plans and one free plan.

However, the price difference is pretty apparent.

When you compare Hootsuite pricing with Social Champ, the difference isn’t just about numbers; it’s about who each tool is built for.

Hootsuite clearly sits at the enterprise and larger-budget end of the market, while Social Champ focuses on transparent pricing and accessibility, especially for small businesses and growing teams.

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how their pricing stacks up on their entry plans when billed annually:

Hootsuite vs Social Champ: Pricing Overview

Hootsuite’s entry plan starts at $99/month (billed annually) for a single user, with costs increasing quickly as you add more users or brands.

Social Champ, on the other hand, starts at just $4/month and allows you to scale gradually without jumping price tiers too fast.

Both tools keep their enterprise pricing hidden, which is standard for highly customized plans.

Why Does Social Champ’s Pricing Model Make More Sense for SMBs?

Social Champ offers a forever-free plan that includes:

That alone replaces Hootsuite’s $99/month entry barrier for many small teams.

When you compare paid plans, Social Champ’s Starter and Growth plans remain predictable as you grow. You pay based on what you actually need, not per seat inflation.

For agencies or small businesses managing multiple brands, the cost-per-user and cost-per-profile stay reasonable, instead of multiplying with every new teammate.

If you’re evaluating social media management pricing with scalability in mind, this value logic is why many SMBs end up choosing Social Champ over enterprise-heavy tools like Hootsuite.

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Is Hootsuite Pricing Worth It in 2026? (Final Verdict)

After reviewing Hootsuite’s plans, features, and per-user costs, the answer really depends on the size of your team and how you use the platform.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

For Enterprise and Large Teams

Hootsuite pricing can be worth it if you manage multiple users, need advanced analytics, approvals, and social listening in one platform, and your team is already trained on it. You get all the high-end features, but the value only makes sense if you actually use them.

For Solo Users and Small Teams

For smaller teams or solo creators, the cost often outweighs the benefits. Monthly fees add up fast, and you might end up paying for features you never use. The per-user pricing structure especially impacts agencies managing multiple clients.

Essentially, Hootsuite works best for large, enterprise-level operations. For small teams or cost-conscious users, alternatives like Social Champ offer a simpler, more transparent pricing model with essential features, making it easier to get started and scale without overpaying.

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Top Affordable Hootsuite Alternatives for 2026

Multiple other tools in the market function the same or better than Hootsuite does, and will not break the bank.

I found three alternative tools that come nowhere near the Hootsuite pricing model and offer the same services.

All these tools support major social media networks, have a functional dashboard, show comprehensive analytics, and even support a Social Inbox.

1. Social Champ

   

   Of course, Social Champ is our first Hootsuite alternative, as it offers 13 social media networks and allows unlimited post scheduling on all plans. Starting from a free plan and going up to the enterprise model, Social Champ has a plan for all.

   Smart automation features, such as bulk upload, Auto RSS, queue, repeat, recycle, and content suggestions, make your social media marketing much more manageable.

   Creative tools such as a visual editor, hashtags manager, account tagging, custom thumbnails, and first comments enhance your workflow. Agencies benefit from the Workspace feature to group profiles and assign custom teams.

   Analytics dashboards offer charts, comparisons, and downloadable reports, while the Social Inbox centralizes comments, DMs, reviews, and mentions.

   Customer support includes live chat, demos, Facebook community, FAQs, and email replies within 24 hours. And the pricing? Much more approachable than Hootsuite’s.

2. MeetEdgar

   

   MeetEdgar is one of the best choices for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs with automated publishing solutions for scheduling and organizing content. Using MeetEdgar, you can schedule posts for multiple networks, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

   The tool offers content suggestions, monitors analytics, provides fantastic customer support, and has an affiliate program.

   MeetEdgar has only two pricing plans: Eddie & Edgar (cute, right?), which are priced at $24.91 and $41.58 per month when billed annually and $29.99 and $49.99 per month when billed monthly!

3. Buffer

   

   Buffer is one of the oldest contenders when it comes to social media management tools.

   They started almost simultaneously as Hootsuite; their pricing models were comparable. However, the new Hootsuite pricing plan is nowhere near Buffer’s.

   The tool offers one free and two paid plans supporting Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

   Buffer also has a pretty transparent financial record, so you can check it out on their website.

To sum it up, the new Hootsuite pricing plans cannot justify their extravagant prices, whereas the competitors offer the same, if not better plans, for much less!

Conclusion

When it comes to Hootsuite pricing, the value depends entirely on your team size and needs.

For large enterprises with multiple users, advanced analytics, and social listening requirements, the higher cost can be justified.

However, for solo creators, small teams, or agencies watching their budget, the per-user pricing quickly adds up, often exceeding what’s actually needed.

Alternatives like Social Champ offer a more transparent, lower-friction approach with free and affordable plans that cover essential features.

Understanding the cost versus your usage is key. Choose a tool that fits your workflow without overpaying for extras you won’t use.

FAQs: Hootsuite Pricing