Head to head · updated August 2026
Loomly vs Buffer
Loomly and Buffer sit at opposite ends of the pricing philosophy spectrum. Loomly sells a complete guided workflow (AI post ideas, optimization tips, approvals) for a fixed $65/month covering 12 accounts and 3 users. Buffer sells simplicity by the channel: free for 3 channels, then $5 per channel per month, with team access at $10 per channel.
The practical differences that decide most people: Buffer has a real free plan and supports X; Loomly has neither, but bundles team structure Buffer only partially matches. Here's the honest breakdown.
Choose Loomly if…
Choose Loomly if you're a marketing team of 2-3 that wants the guided workflow and approvals, posts across many accounts, and doesn't need X. At that shape, the flat $65 beats Buffer's per-channel team math.
Choose Buffer if…
Choose Buffer if you're starting out or staying lean: the free plan is real, X is supported, and at 2-4 channels solo nothing here is cheaper.
Side by side
| Loomly | Buffer | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $65/month ($49/mo annual) for 12 accounts, 3 users | Free (3 channels); Essentials $5/channel/month |
| Pricing model | Flat tiers: $65 Starter, $332 Beyond | Per channel: $5 (solo) or $10 (team) each, per month |
| X (Twitter) | Not on the current supported-platform list | Supported |
| Free plan | None; trial only | Real free plan: 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts each |
| Signature strengths | AI ideas, optimization tips, approval workflows | Clean UX, free start, 11 networks incl. Pinterest, Bluesky, Mastodon |
| Seven channels, solo | $65/month (within Starter's 12 accounts) | About $35/month on Essentials |
| Seven channels, with a team | $65/month (3 users included) | About $70/month on Team (7 x $10) |
Details from each tool’s public pricing and marketing pages as of August 2026. Plans change, so check their sites for the latest.
When Loomly is the right call
- Approval workflows and post guidance will actually get used.
- You're near the 12-account allowance, where flat beats per-channel.
- X isn't part of your spread.
When Buffer is the right call
- You want to start free and pay only as channels earn their place.
- X matters: Buffer posts there, Loomly doesn't.
- You're solo on a handful of channels.
The third option (our cards on the table)
There's a shape neither price fits well: one business posting everywhere, with a helper or two. On Buffer that's about $70/month (Team rate across seven channels); on Loomly it's $65/month and X is missing entirely.
Unbusied is $33/month per brand for all seven platforms including X, unlimited posts, and up to 5 team seats included. No idea-generators or approval chains: it's for owners who write it, ship it, and get back to work.
Fair questions
Is Buffer cheaper than Loomly?
Usually. Buffer is free for 3 channels and about $35/month for seven channels solo, versus Loomly's $65/month. The exception is teams on many channels: Buffer's Team rate ($10/channel) makes seven channels about $70/month, while Loomly Starter stays $65 with 3 users included.
Does Loomly or Buffer support X (Twitter)?
Buffer supports X. Loomly currently doesn't: X is absent from their supported-platform list as of this writing.
Which should a small business pick?
Testing the waters on a few channels: Buffer, free. Marketing team that wants guidance and approvals: Loomly. One brand posting everywhere with help: that's the gap both leave, and it's the exact shape flat-rate tools like Unbusied ($33/month, X included, team included) are built for.