Buffer vs Hootsuite
Buffer vs Hootsuite, compared side by side on 18 data points: what each one does, how big it is, what it has raised, the tech running each site, and what users report. We score both out of 100 on traction, team and visibility: Buffer is on 54/100 and Hootsuite on 56/100.
Where each one leads
Buffer
Leads on none of the measures we hold for both companies.
Hootsuite
- agent readiness: 62/100 against 43/100
- headcount: 1,725 against 310
- LinkedIn following: 536,529 against 172,832
At a glance
| Measure | Buffer | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Social media management platform for scheduling, analytics, and engagement. | A social media management platform for scheduling, monitoring, and analyzing social media. |
| Category | Social Media Management, Marketing Automation, Content Marketing, Social Media Analytics | Social Media Management, Marketing Technology, Content Management, Analytics Platform |
| Sells toBusiness model | B2B | B2B |
| Offering | Software | Platform |
| Founded | 2010 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Denver, United States | Vancouver, Canada |
| Status | Active | Active |
Size, funding and growth
| Measure | Buffer | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Employees | 310 | 1,725 |
| Headcount growthLast 12 months | Not published | -5.2% |
| Total funding | Not published | $387M |
| Latest round | Not published | Debt - Acquisition |
| LinkedIn followers | 172,832 | 536,529 |
StartupHub scores
Our own 0-100 ratings. They measure company strength and site quality, not which product suits you.
| Measure | Buffer | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| StartupHub scoreOur 0-100 rating | 54/100 | 56/100 |
| Traction | 20/100 | 60/100 |
| Team | 70/100 | 70/100 |
| Community | 15/100 | Not published |
| Search visibility | 35/100 | 35/100 |
| Quality | 68/100 | 55/100 |
| Agent readinessHow well an AI agent can read and act on the site | D (43/100) | C (62/100) |
| Domain ratingLink authority, 0-100 | 91/100 | 91/100 |
Technology
Detected on each public site, so it reflects the marketing stack as well as the product.
| Measure | Buffer | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Not detected | Vercel |
| CDN | Cloudflare | Vercel |
| CMS | Ghost | Not detected |
| Frameworks | Next.js | Next.js |
| Analytics | Not detected | Google Tag Manager |
Buffer vs Hootsuite: common questions
Which is better, Buffer or Hootsuite?
On our 0-100 score Hootsuite rates higher (56/100 against 54/100). The score weights traction, team, visibility and profile completeness, so it reflects company strength rather than which product suits you. We compare the two on 18 data points above: read the rows that match what you are buying for.
How do Buffer and Hootsuite compare on the numbers?
Hootsuite leads on agent readiness (62/100 against 43/100), headcount (1,725 against 310), LinkedIn following (536,529 against 172,832).
Read the full Buffer review and pricing or the Hootsuite review and pricing. You can also browse other Buffer alternatives we track.