Later vs Metricool
A detailed comparison of Later and Metricool — features, pricing, pros & cons, and which one is right for you.
Last updated: April 3, 2026
Later
Visual social media planning and scheduling platform, originally focused on Instagram. Known for its visual content calendar and link-in-bio tool.
Metricool
All-in-one social media management platform with scheduling, analytics, ad management, and competitor analysis. Growing fast with generous free plan.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Later | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Post Scheduling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social Inbox | ✗ | ✓ |
| Analytics | Standard | Advanced |
| Social Listening | ✗ | ✗ |
| Team Collaboration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Content Calendar | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI Features | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Posting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platforms Supported | Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest | Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitch, Google Business |
| Approval Workflows | ✓ | ✗ |
| Bulk Scheduling | ✓ | ✓ |
| White Label | ✗ | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Later
✓ Pros
- •Excellent visual content calendar
- •Best-in-class Instagram scheduling
- •Great link-in-bio tool (Linkin.bio)
- •User-generated content features
- •Easy drag-and-drop interface
✗ Cons
- •Instagram-centric (others feel secondary)
- •Analytics less robust than competitors
- •Limited social listening
- •Free plan is very basic
Metricool
✓ Pros
- •Generous free plan
- •Excellent analytics dashboard
- •Ad management included
- •Competitor analysis built-in
- •Very affordable paid plans
✗ Cons
- •Less established than Hootsuite/Buffer
- •Social listening is limited
- •Team features on higher plans only
- •Some platforms have limited features
The Verdict: Later or Metricool?
Choose Later if…
you prioritize visual-first brands and instagram creators wanting easy content planning with a drag-and-drop calendar.
Choose Metricool if…
you prioritize small businesses and freelancers wanting an affordable all-in-one social media tool with great analytics.
Both tools offer free plans — we recommend trying both before committing. The best choice depends on your team size, workflow complexity, and specific needs.
Ready to try?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Later better than Metricool?▼
It depends on your needs. Later is best for visual-first brands and instagram creators wanting easy content planning with a drag-and-drop calendar, while Metricool excels at small businesses and freelancers wanting an affordable all-in-one social media tool with great analytics. Both have free plans you can try.
Can I switch from Later to Metricool?▼
Yes, most social media management tools offer data migration or import features. Metricool can typically import data from Later via export or direct integration. Plan for a transition period as your team adapts to the new workflow.
Which is cheaper, Later or Metricool?▼
Later pricing starts at Free (limited). Metricool pricing starts at Free (1 brand). Both offer free tiers — compare features at each price point to find the best value.
Do Later and Metricool have free plans?▼
Later offers a free plan. Metricool offers a free plan.