1. How you are charged
Social media tools charge in three ways: per user (like Hootsuite), per channel (like Buffer) or per plan (like PilotPost). Work out the real monthly cost for your number of people and accounts, not just the starting price.
2. Team members and roles
If others help with your social media, check how many team members are included and whether they get roles. PilotPost includes team members on every plan, each with their own login and a role: Admin, Editor or Contributor.
3. The networks you actually use
Make sure every network you post to is supported, including newer ones. PilotPost publishes to Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Telegram and Bluesky.
4. Replies and reporting
Scheduling is only half the job. Look for one inbox for comments and simple reports on what worked. PilotPost has both, plus AI help to write and improve captions.
5. A real free trial
Try the tool with your own accounts before you pay. PilotPost gives you 7 days with every feature and no card needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest alternative to Hootsuite?
For a single person posting to one or two channels, a free plan such as Buffer's may be enough. For small teams and several networks, flat-priced tools such as PilotPost (from €19 per month, team members included) usually cost far less than per-user pricing.
Is there a Hootsuite alternative with team members included?
Yes. PilotPost includes 1 team member on Starter, 5 on Pro and 20 on Agency, each with their own login and role.