Z
ZNo-code workflow automation and AI agents across 9,000+ apps for businesses
Free, from $19.99/mo
Buffer vs Smartly.io
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
B
Choose Buffer if…
- you want a free plan to start with
- you need an API to build on
- you work on iOS, Android, Chrome
- you're in its core audience: creators, small businesses
S
Choose Smartly.io if…
- you're in its core audience: enterprise brand marketers, performance marketing teams
Side by side
Feature Buffer Smartly.io
Pricing modelFreemiumContact for pricing
Starting price$5/mo—
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
Data retention—Customer data removed upon contract termination; backups deleted after 90 days
Security and compliance—ISO 27001, GDPR, CCPA
Updates, last 90 days8—
Auto-publishing—
Content calendar—
Social inbox—
Post analytics—
Approval workflow—
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, Chrome, APIWeb
CategorySocial MediaAdvertising
CompanyBuffer, IncSmartly.io Solutions Oy
Based inUnited StatesFinland
Founded—2013
Part of——
Key features
B Buffer
- Scheduling to 12 social platforms including Substack and Bluesky
- Visual content calendar and posting queue
- AI Assistant for drafting and repurposing posts
- Community inbox with AI reply suggestions
- Analytics, reports and custom UTM parameters
- Team approval workflows and access permissions
- Start Page link-in-bio builder
- API and MCP connection to Claude or ChatGPT
S Smartly.io
- Creative suite to design, scale and launch ad creative
- Media suite for cross-channel campaign activation and optimization
- Intelligence suite for planning, performance and measurement insights
- Connected TV ads across 200+ streaming services
- Open web buying through all major DSPs
- Brand Pulse for real-time measurement
- Automated campaign launch and management
Plans and prices
From each vendor's site. Prices change — confirm before buying.
Buffer
FreeFree
Essentials$5/mo per channel ($60 billed yearly)
Team$10/mo per channel ($120 billed yearly)
Smartly.io
Contact for pricing. Plan details aren't published.
Strengths and limitations
Buffer
- Free plan connects up to 3 channels with no credit card
- Per-channel pricing from $5/month
- API access included on every plan, free plan too
- Supports 12 platforms including Substack, Bluesky and Mastodon
- Free plan limited to 10 scheduled posts per channel and 30-day insights
- Approval workflows and branded reports only on Team plan
- Costs scale with the number of connected channels
Smartly.io
- Covers social, connected TV, open web and video in one platform
- Brings creative, media and measurement together
- Used by large brands such as Samsung, Spotify and Uber
- No public pricing; you have to request a demo
- No free plan or trial listed
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Built from each vendor's public website; we haven't tested them hands-on. Editorial policy