8 Free Scheduling Tools That Outperform Premium Alternatives
You don't have to pay big bucks to manage your content like a pro
Managing your social media doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. In fact, some of the best scheduling tools out there are completely free—and they can easily compete with paid options. Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or running social accounts for a brand, these tools will help you stay consistent, save time, and post like a pro.
1. Buffer (Free plan)
Buffer’s free version is simple but surprisingly effective. You can manage up to three channels and schedule 10 posts per channel—perfect if you’re just getting started. The clean interface makes planning content super easy.
2. Later (Free forever plan)
Later’s free plan gives you visual scheduling, a drag-and-drop calendar, and linkin.bio for Instagram. Great for creators who focus on aesthetic content and want to streamline IG posting.
3. Metricool (Free plan)
This tool is a gem. Metricool offers planning, analytics, and performance reports in its free version. Bonus? It supports TikTok, which is a huge plus for brands targeting Gen Z.
4. Publer (Free account)
Publer’s free account lets you manage up to 5 social accounts and schedule posts with some automation. It's perfect for solopreneurs or small teams looking to stay organized without breaking the bank.
5. Planoly (Free for IG + Pinterest)
If Instagram and Pinterest are your jam, Planoly is for you. Visual planners, grid previews, and content drafts all come with the free plan. It’s designed for visual thinkers and content-first brands.
6. Zoho Social (Free tier)
Zoho Social isn’t as flashy, but it gets the job done. It’s reliable, has a solid UI, and integrates with the rest of Zoho’s tools. Great for businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem.
7. Combin Scheduler (Free)
Focused on Instagram, Combin Scheduler is a lean and clean solution for content planning. Schedule stories, carousels, and posts without the complexity of bigger platforms.
8. Hootsuite Free (limited-time access)
Though it’s mostly a premium tool now, Hootsuite still occasionally offers free access for limited features. It’s a good way to test out the platform if you’re considering upgrading in the future.
Final Thoughts: Free Doesn’t Mean Basic
Don't let the price tag fool you. These tools might be free, but they're powerful enough to level up your social media game. The trick is to choose the one that fits your style, needs, and platforms.