Hootsuite or Metricool — both offer analytics and scheduling, but at vastly different price points. Hootsuite is an enterprise platform with social listening and team workflows. Metricool is a mid-market analytics-focused tool with competitor tracking and reporting at a fraction of the cost. This Hootsuite vs Metricool 2026 comparison breaks down pricing, features, and real user reviews so you can pick the right social media management platform for your team.
Below, we compare what you actually pay (not just the starting price), the features that separate these tools, and what verified users say on G2 and Trustpilot. The goal: help you choose confidently in under 10 minutes. Comparing more tools? See all social media scheduling alternatives.
Hootsuite vs Metricool at a Glance
Here's a quick side-by-side overview before we dive deeper:
| Category | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $249/mo per user | $0/mo (free plan) |
| Free Plan | No (30-day trial) | Yes (1 brand, 50 posts/mo) |
| Platforms Supported | 8+ | 9+ |
| Unlimited Scheduling | Yes (all plans) | Yes (Starter+, Fair Use) |
| AI Tools | OwlyWriter AI | AI social media assistant |
| Bulk Scheduling | Up to 350 posts (Advanced) | No |
| Team Collaboration | Advanced plan ($499/mo/user) | Advanced plan ($54/mo) |
| Approval Workflows | Advanced plan only | Advanced plan only |
| Social Inbox | Full unified inbox | No |
| Social Listening | Yes (Advanced+) | No |
| Competitor Analysis | Yes (5-20 competitors) | Yes (5-100 competitors) |
| Analytics | Standard to Custom reports | 3 months to Unlimited |
| G2 Rating | 4.3/5 (6,615 reviews) | 4.5/5 (83 reviews) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 1.8/5 (511 reviews) | 4.2/5 (519 reviews) |
| Best For | Enterprises, large agencies | Analytics-driven small/mid teams |
Hootsuite Overview
Hootsuite is one of the longest-running social media management platforms, founded in 2008. It offers scheduling, a unified social inbox, analytics, social listening, team collaboration, and paid ad management.
Hootsuite supports 8+ platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Threads.
Key features:
- Unified inbox for messages, comments, and DMs
- OwlyWriter AI for caption and image generation
- Social listening and brand monitoring
- DM assignment and auto-responses
- Bulk scheduling up to 350 posts
- Employee advocacy tools (Amplify)
- Competitor benchmarking (5-20 competitors)
Hootsuite is built for mid-size teams and agencies that need social listening, structured workflows, and the ability to manage multiple accounts across platforms. Read real user reviews of Hootsuite from G2 and Trustpilot.
Metricool Overview
Metricool is a social media analytics and scheduling platform built around data. It combines publishing tools with deep competitor analysis, reporting, and a link-in-bio builder — making it a strong choice for data-driven teams and agencies.
Metricool supports 9+ platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, Google Business Profile, and Twitch.
Key features:
- Competitor analysis (5-100 profiles)
- Customizable PDF and PPT reports
- AI social media assistant
- Link-in-bio builder (multiple profiles)
- Google Drive and Canva integration
- Unlimited analytics history (Starter+)
- Looker Studio connector and API (Advanced)
Metricool targets agencies and analytics-focused teams that need deep reporting, competitor tracking, and brand-based pricing. It also includes a content calendar to plan and visualize your publishing strategy. Read real user reviews of Metricool from G2 and Trustpilot.
Pricing Comparison
This is where the comparison gets interesting. Hootsuite's per-user enterprise pricing vs Metricool's per-brand model creates a massive cost gap.
Hootsuite Pricing
Hootsuite uses per-user pricing in euros. See the full Hootsuite pricing breakdown for details.
| Plan | Price | Accounts | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $249/mo per user | 10 | Scheduling, basic analytics, 7-day monitoring |
| Advanced | $499/mo per user | 50 | Custom reports, approval workflows, 30-day monitoring, bulk scheduling |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | SSO, unlimited users, dedicated support |
Example costs:
- 1 user on Standard = $249/month
- 3 users on Advanced = $1,497/month
Metricool Pricing
Metricool uses per-brand pricing that scales with the number of brands you manage. See the full Metricool pricing breakdown for details.
| Plan | Price | Brands | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/mo | 1 | 50 posts/mo, 5 competitors, 3-month analytics |
| Starter | From $22/mo | Up to 10 | Unlimited posts, 100 competitors, PDF/PPT reports, Canva |
| Advanced | From $54/mo | Up to 50 | Team management, approvals, API, Looker Studio |
| Custom | Custom | Unlimited | White label, dedicated manager |
Example costs:
- 5 brands on Starter = $22/month
- 15 brands on Advanced = $54/month
- 50 brands on Advanced = $172/month
Price Verdict
Metricool is dramatically cheaper. A single Hootsuite Standard seat costs $249/month. For that same budget, you could run Metricool's Advanced plan managing 50 brands with team features, approvals, and API access.
Even Metricool's most expensive tier (50 brands at $172/month) costs less than a single Hootsuite Advanced seat ($499/month). The price gap only widens with multiple users.
The only scenario where Hootsuite's pricing makes sense is if you specifically need social listening, a unified inbox, or enterprise compliance tools.
PostPlanifyManage All Your Social Accounts Without the Chaos
Schedule posts, track performance, and collaborate with your team.
Feature Comparison
Scheduling & Publishing
| Feature | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited scheduling | Yes (all plans) | Yes (Starter+, Fair Use) |
| Bulk scheduling | Up to 350 posts (Advanced) | No |
| Best time to post | Yes | No |
| Content calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Post queue management | Yes | Yes |
| Draft saving | Yes | Yes |
Winner: Hootsuite — bulk scheduling up to 350 posts and best time to post give it an edge for high-volume teams. Metricool's "unlimited" scheduling on Starter+ is subject to a Fair Use Policy.
AI Tools
| Feature | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| AI caption generation | Yes (OwlyWriter AI) | Yes (AI assistant) |
| AI image generation | No | No |
| AI post enhancement | Yes | Yes |
Winner: Tie. Both include AI caption generation and post enhancement. Neither offers AI image generation.
Analytics & Reporting
Both tools emphasize analytics, but with different strengths.
| Feature | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Basic analytics | All plans | All plans |
| Analytics history | Standard | 3 months (free) to Unlimited |
| Competitor analysis | Yes (5-20 competitors) | Yes (5-100 competitors) |
| Custom reports | Advanced only ($499/mo) | Advanced ($54/mo) |
| PDF/PPT reports | Advanced only | Yes (Starter+) |
| Looker Studio connector | No | Yes (Advanced) |
| API access | No | Yes (Advanced) |
| Scheduled reports | Advanced only | No |
Winner: Metricool — more competitor profiles (up to 100 vs 20), unlimited analytics history, PDF/PPT reports from $22/month, plus Looker Studio and API access. Hootsuite offers scheduled reports on the Advanced plan, but at $499/month vs Metricool's $54/month for similar capabilities.
Team Collaboration
| Feature | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple users | All paid plans | Advanced plan |
| Approval workflows | Advanced plan | Advanced plan |
| User permissions | Advanced plan | Advanced plan |
| DM assignment | Yes | No |
| Saved replies | Advanced plan | No |
| Client management | No | Advanced plan |
Winner: Hootsuite for inbox-heavy teams — DM assignment and saved replies. Metricool for agencies — client management and brand-based organization. Both lock advanced team features behind their highest tiers, but Metricool's ($54/mo) is a fraction of Hootsuite's ($499/mo/user).
Social Inbox & Engagement
| Feature | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Unified inbox | Yes (full) | No |
| Social listening | Yes (Advanced+) | No |
| Brand monitoring | Yes (7-30 day lookback) | No |
| Auto-responses | Advanced plan | No |
| Sentiment analysis | Yes | No |
Winner: Hootsuite — this is Hootsuite's biggest differentiator. If you need a social inbox, social listening, or brand monitoring, Hootsuite delivers. Metricool doesn't offer any of these features.
Integrations & Creative Tools
| Feature | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Canva integration | Yes | Yes (Starter+) |
| Google Drive import | No | Yes (Starter+) |
| Link in Bio | No | Yes (multiple profiles) |
| Looker Studio | No | Yes (Advanced) |
| API (Zapier, Make) | No | Yes (Advanced) |
Winner: Metricool — Google Drive, Looker Studio, API access, and a link-in-bio builder. Both have Canva integration, but Metricool's additional integrations give it a clear edge.
Platform Support
| Platform | Hootsuite | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| X/Twitter | Yes | Yes (add-on on some plans) |
| Yes | Yes (Starter+) | |
| TikTok | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Threads | Yes | Yes |
| Google Business | No | Yes |
| Twitch | No | Yes |
Winner: Metricool — supports 9+ platforms including Google Business Profile and Twitch. Hootsuite supports 8+ platforms. However, Metricool requires an add-on for X/Twitter on some plans.
What Real Users Say
Hootsuite Reviews
G2: 4.3/5 (6,615 reviews) — Users value the centralized management and scheduling tools. Common complaints include expensive pricing, missing features on lower plans, posting issues, and slow customer support.
Trustpilot: 1.8/5 (511 reviews) — Low rating driven by billing issues, unexpected charges, difficult cancellation, and poor customer support.
Metricool Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 (83 reviews) — Users highlight multi-platform support, centralized management, and ease of use. Complaints mention poor customer support, scheduling issues, and the platform being expensive at scale.
Trustpilot: 4.2/5 (519 reviews) — Notably high Trustpilot rating. Users consistently praise Metricool's customer service responsiveness, ease of use, and intuitive interface. Metricool replies to 100% of negative reviews.
Review Verdict
Metricool wins on user satisfaction across both platforms. It scores higher on G2 (4.5 vs 4.3) and dramatically higher on Trustpilot (4.2 vs 1.8). The Trustpilot gap is particularly telling — Metricool's 4.2/5 from 519 reviews vs Hootsuite's 1.8/5 from 511 reviews suggests a fundamentally different approach to customer support. Review counts are as of February 2026 and are updated periodically.
PostPlanifyManage All Your Social Accounts Without the Chaos
Schedule posts, track performance, and collaborate with your team.
Who Should Use Hootsuite?
If Hootsuite is on your shortlist, you may also want to see our top alternatives to Hootsuite before committing. Also compare Hootsuite with Buffer, Sprout Social, Later, Publer, and Loomly. Is Hootsuite worth it over Metricool for small teams? It depends on whether your priorities are social listening and inbox management, or cost-effective analytics and reporting.
Hootsuite is the better choice if you:
- Need a unified social inbox with DM assignment and auto-responses
- Require social listening and brand monitoring
- Need bulk scheduling for high-volume content operations
- Want employee advocacy tools (Amplify)
- Have the budget for $249-$499+/month per user
- Need enterprise features like SSO and compliance tools
- Want robust social media analytics for business reporting
Who Should Use Metricool?
If Metricool sounds right, check out our best alternatives to Metricool for other options. Also compare Metricool with Buffer, Later, Publer, Sprout Social, and Loomly. Is Metricool worth it over Hootsuite for agencies? For most agencies focused on analytics and multi-brand management, Metricool delivers more value per dollar.
Metricool is the better choice if you:
- Want deep analytics without the enterprise price tag
- Need competitor analysis tracking up to 100 profiles
- Want PDF/PPT report generation for clients starting at $22/month
- Need API access and Looker Studio for custom dashboards
- Manage multiple brands and want cost-effective per-brand pricing
- Want a free plan to get started
- Need a tool for managing multiple social media accounts affordably
Final Verdict: Hootsuite vs Metricool in 2026
Choosing between Hootsuite and Metricool comes down to whether you need enterprise engagement tools or data-driven analytics at a manageable price.
Hootsuite wins on: social listening, unified inbox, bulk scheduling, brand monitoring, and enterprise compliance features.
Metricool wins on: pricing, competitor analysis depth (up to 100 profiles), analytics accessibility, API/Looker Studio integrations, and platform coverage.
The bottom line: Most small-to-mid-sized teams will get more value from Metricool. Hootsuite only makes sense if social listening and inbox management are non-negotiable. If neither tool fits perfectly, explore other social media management alternatives.
All the Features, None of the Scaling Fees
Hootsuite's per-user pricing starts at $249/month. Metricool charges per brand. Both models punish growth. PostPlanify flips the script with flat monthly pricing — connect unlimited accounts on the Premium plan, add unlimited team members, and never worry about your bill climbing as your business grows.
| Feature | Hootsuite | Metricool | PostPlanify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $249/mo/user | $0/mo (free) | $19/mo flat |
| Unlimited Accounts | $499/mo/user | From $22/mo | $129/mo (Premium, 100 accounts) |
| AI Caption Generation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AI Image Generation | No | No | Yes |
| Canva Integration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Drive Import | No | Yes | Yes |
| Competitor Analysis | Yes (5-20) | Yes (5-100) | No |
| Approval Workflows | $499/mo/user | $54/mo | $79/mo (Team) |
| Unlimited Team Members | Enterprise only | Advanced plan | $129/mo (Premium) |
| Social Inbox | Yes (full) | No | Yes |
| Platforms Supported | 8+ | 9+ | 10 |
PostPlanify starts at $19/month for 3 accounts with unlimited scheduling and AI tools included. Analytics are included from the Growth plan ($39/month). The Team plan at $79/month adds 25 accounts, 5 team members, and approval workflows. The Premium plan at $129/month adds 100 accounts and unlimited team members. See all plans on the PostPlanify pricing page.
Try PostPlanify free — no surprises
Related Guides
- Best Time to Post on Social Media
- How to Measure Social Media ROI
- Content Batching Guide
- Best Hootsuite Alternatives
- Best Metricool Alternatives
FAQ
Is Metricool cheaper than Hootsuite?
Yes, dramatically. Metricool has a free plan and paid plans starting at $22/month for up to 10 brands with unlimited posts. Hootsuite starts at $249/month per user with no free plan. Even Metricool's most expensive tier (50 brands at $172/month) costs less than a single Hootsuite Advanced seat at $499/month. For teams on a budget, Metricool is one of the most affordable social media scheduling tools available.
Does Hootsuite have a free plan?
No. Hootsuite discontinued its free plan in 2023 and now only offers a 30-day free trial on its Standard plan at $249/month. Metricool, by contrast, offers a genuinely free plan with 1 brand, 50 posts per month, 5 competitor profiles, and 3 months of analytics history. If you need a free option, also consider PostPlanify which offers a free trial with full feature access.
Which has better analytics — Hootsuite or Metricool?
Both are analytics-focused, but Metricool offers more for less. Metricool provides up to 100 competitor profiles, unlimited analytics history, PDF/PPT reports, Looker Studio, and API access from $22-$54/month. Hootsuite offers competitor benchmarking (5-20 profiles) and custom reports, but requires the $499/month Advanced plan.
Can I switch from Hootsuite to Metricool?
Yes, switching is straightforward. You can reconnect your social accounts to Metricool and start scheduling posts immediately. The main trade-off is losing social listening, the unified inbox, and bulk scheduling capabilities. In return, you will gain access to more competitor profiles (up to 100), unlimited analytics history, PDF/PPT reporting, and significant monthly cost savings. Most teams complete the migration within a day.
Which supports more social media platforms?
Metricool supports 9+ platforms including Google Business Profile and Twitch, which Hootsuite does not cover. Hootsuite supports 8+ platforms and covers all the major networks like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Threads. Both tools let you manage multiple social media accounts from a single dashboard, but Metricool offers slightly wider platform coverage.
Does Metricool have social listening?
No. Metricool does not offer social listening or brand monitoring features. Instead, it focuses on competitor analysis (tracking up to 100 profiles) and deep analytics and reporting. If social listening is critical to your workflow, Hootsuite includes it on the Advanced plan at $499/month per user, or you can pair Metricool with a dedicated listening tool like Brandwatch or Mention to get the best of both worlds.
Which has better customer support — Hootsuite or Metricool?
Based on Trustpilot ratings, Metricool (4.2/5 from 519 reviews) has dramatically better customer support satisfaction than Hootsuite (1.8/5 from 511 reviews). Metricool responds to 100% of negative reviews on Trustpilot, which signals a proactive approach to user issues. Hootsuite's low Trustpilot score is largely driven by complaints about billing issues, unexpected charges, and difficult cancellation processes. For teams that value responsive support, Metricool is the stronger choice.
Is Hootsuite worth it over Metricool?
Only if you specifically need social listening, a unified social inbox, or enterprise compliance tools like SSO and Salesforce integration. For analytics, competitor tracking, and scheduling, Metricool delivers comparable or better features at a fraction of the cost. Hootsuite's per-user pricing makes it especially expensive for growing teams. For a balanced alternative that avoids both scaling models, PostPlanify offers flat-rate scheduling and AI tools starting at $19/month.
Is Hootsuite or Metricool better for Instagram?
Both platforms support Instagram scheduling, Stories, and Reels publishing. Hootsuite offers best-time-to-post suggestions and a unified inbox for managing Instagram DMs and comments. Metricool provides deeper Instagram analytics, competitor tracking across Instagram profiles, and a link-in-bio builder. For most Instagram-focused creators and small teams, Metricool offers better value. Learn more about how to schedule Instagram posts effectively.
What is the best alternative to both Hootsuite and Metricool?
If neither Hootsuite nor Metricool fits your needs, PostPlanify is a strong alternative that combines scheduling, AI caption and image generation, Canva integration, and team collaboration at a flat $19-$99/month. Unlike Hootsuite's per-user or Metricool's per-brand pricing, PostPlanify does not penalize growth. You can also browse our full list of social media management alternatives to compare other options side by side.
Hootsuite vs Metricool for small business?
For most small businesses, Metricool is the better choice. Its free plan lets you start without any commitment, and paid plans start at just $22/month for up to 10 brands. Hootsuite's $249/month per-user starting price is prohibitive for small teams. Metricool also offers competitor analysis and reporting features that help small businesses understand their market position. For more options tailored to smaller teams, see our guide on social media management software for small business.
