Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Comparison: Head-to-head analysis
5 min read
Comparison

Hootsuite vs Later

Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right marketing tool for your needs.

4.0
52,709 reviews
From $99/mo
VS
4.0
1,562 reviews
Free tier available
01

The Winner

Our Pick

Hootsuite

Wins for overall value, user satisfaction, and Enterprise multi-brand social teams.

4.0 Rating
No Free Tier
$99 Starting Price
200K+ Users
02

Quick Comparison

Criteria Hootsuite Later
Starting Price $99/mo Free tier Best
User Rating 4.0 4.0
Review Count 52,709 Best 1,562
Free Trial No No
Annual Discount N/A N/A
Best For Enterprise multi-brand social teams Instagram-first visual brands
03

Feature Breakdown

Feature Comparison

Capability Hootsuite Later
AI Scheduling Automated calendar and task scheduling
Calendar Integration Syncs with major calendars
Team Collaboration Multi-user and team features
AI Assistant/Chat AI-powered conversational features
Analytics & Insights Data and productivity insights

Hootsuite

Strengths
  • Real-Time Social Listening with AI
  • Comprehensive Platform Support
  • Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance
  • Unlimited Users on Enterprise
Limitations
  • Expensive for Small Teams
  • Dated User Interface
  • Bulk Scheduling Limits
Full Hootsuite Review →

Later

Strengths
  • Visual Planning Saves Hours
  • Instagram-First Platform Done Right
  • AI Features Actually Add Value
  • Better Pricing Than Hootsuite or Sprout
Limitations
  • Cannot Edit After Saving
  • No Google Business Profile
  • Analytics Less Detailed Than Competitors
Full Later Review →
04

Hootsuite Overview

If you manage 10+ social profiles or run a multi-brand enterprise, Hootsuite is worth the premium pricing. The Professional tier ($149/month) works for solo power users with 5 profiles. The Team tier ($399/month) unlocks bulk scheduling and collaboration for up to 3 users. Enterprise pricing starts at $15,000 annually but eliminates per-user costs for large teams.

Best For:

  • Enterprise multi-brand social teams
  • Marketing teams needing advanced social listening and competitive analysis
  • Organizations requiring comprehensive analytics and custom reporting
  • Businesses with complex approval workflows and team collaboration needs
  • Companies prioritizing social media crisis detection and management
  • Teams managing 20+ social profiles across multiple platforms
  • Enterprises needing SSO and compliance integrations (Proofpoint)
Read Full Hootsuite Review
05

Later Overview

If you're drowning in manual posting across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, Later delivers immediate relief. The Starter tier ($25/month) pays for itself if you manage even one social presence consistently. The Growth tier ($45/month) is the sweet spot for small teams. The visual calendar alone is worth the price.

Best For:

  • Instagram-first visual brands
  • E-commerce businesses needing shoppable Instagram feeds (Linkin.bio + Shopify integration)
  • Small to medium teams managing multiple social accounts (3-6 users)
  • Agencies running influencer marketing campaigns at scale
  • Creators who prioritize visual calendar planning and media library organization
  • Businesses wanting AI-powered caption generation and optimal posting times
  • Teams needing affordable social media management ($15-40/month range)
Read Full Later Review
06

Our Verdict

4.0/5
Winner Rating

Hootsuite is our top pick for most users, thanks to its overall value proposition. However, Later remains a solid choice if you need Instagram-first visual brands.

Try Hootsuite Free
07

Hootsuite vs Later FAQ

Both Hootsuite and Later are excellent tools. Hootsuite is better for Enterprise multi-brand social teams, while Later excels at Instagram-first visual brands. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Hootsuite pricing: $99/month. Later pricing: Free tier available. Later is more affordable at the entry level, but compare features at each tier to find the best value for your needs.
Yes, many teams use multiple tools for different purposes. Hootsuite might handle Enterprise multi-brand social teams, while Later covers Instagram-first visual brands. Check integration options for both tools.
Both offer robust support. Hootsuite provides standard support, while Later offers comprehensive support. Enterprise plans typically include dedicated support for both.
Consider switching if Later better fits your current needs. Key factors: Instagram-first visual brands, pricing alignment, and team workflow compatibility. We recommend trialing Later before making a full switch.