Buffer vs Circle: what each really costs

Team size

Billing

Buffer

No plan for this billing option

No paid plan to compare for this billing option.

Circle

No plan for this billing option

No paid plan to compare for this billing option.

10 peopleBufferCircle
Entry paid planNo plan for this billing optionNo plan for this billing option
Vendor price
Monthly cost
Annual cost
Per user / year
Billing commitmentNot recordedNot recorded
Minimum seatsNone statedNone stated
Free planYesNo free plan listed
Free trialNot statedNot stated

Calculated by SpecEntry from official vendor prices. Taxes and optional add-ons are not included. Open each product page for every plan and the official source.

Buffer vs Circle: features

Key features as each vendor lists them. A feature missing from a list does not mean the product lacks it.

Buffer

  • Post schedulingSchedule content to platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
  • Content creation toolsCreate, organize and repurpose content for any channel.
  • Comment managementTriage and respond to comments from one dashboard.
  • Analytics and reportingBasic analytics or in-depth reporting on what works.
  • Team approvalsManage, edit and approve your team's social posts.
  • Start PageTurn your social bio into a personalized hub.
  • AI AssistantBrainstorm ideas, rewrite content and craft platform-specific posts.
  • API and MCPConnect Buffer to agents and automation tools, or to Claude or ChatGPT.

Source:buffer.com ·

Circle

  • Community spaces and eventsCustomize spaces, run discussions, host live events and launch courses.
  • Branded mobile appLaunch your own branded community app for iOS and Android.
  • Built-in paymentsPayments are handled inside Circle alongside content and members.
  • Customizable checkoutGives full control over the checkout experience.
  • Personalized emailSend personalized emails to members.
  • Connected website and coursesConnects your website, community, courses and payments.

Source:circle.so ·

Buffer vs Circle pricing questions

  1. How much do Buffer and Circle cost?

    Buffer paid plans start at $5 per month, billed annually (Essentials). Circle paid plans start at $89 per month, based on annual billing (Professional).

  2. Is Buffer or Circle cheaper for 5 users?

    Buffer is cheaper for 5 users: $60 per year on Essentials, against $1,068 per year for Circle on Professional. That is $1,008 less per year, before tax.

  3. Is Buffer or Circle cheaper for 10 users?

    Buffer is cheaper for 10 users: $60 per year on Essentials, against $1,068 per year for Circle on Professional. That is $1,008 less per year, before tax.

  4. Is Buffer or Circle cheaper for 25 users?

    Buffer is cheaper for 25 users: $60 per year on Essentials, against $1,068 per year for Circle on Professional. That is $1,008 less per year, before tax.

  5. Do Buffer and Circle have a free plan?

    Buffer lists a free plan; Circle does not list one on its official pricing.