Both are built for individuals and small teams rather than multi-client agencies, but they diverge on platform coverage and pricing model.
Buffer
Queue-based scheduling, $6/channel/mo (Essentials, $5 annual). Broadest platform list of the two — 11 platforms including Mastodon and Bluesky. No error shown when a scheduled post silently fails.
Later
Per-profile-set pricing, $25/mo for 8 profiles (Starter). Built around Instagram/TikTok/Pinterest and the Creator Home marketplace for brand partnerships. X/Twitter is not supported at all — removed August 28, 2025.
Which one
Buffer if you need broad platform coverage, including X, at the lowest per-channel cost. Later if you’re a visual-platform creator who values the Creator Home marketplace and doesn’t need X.