Social Media comparison 
Hootsuite vs Sprout Social
Our pick: Sprout Social scores 8.8/10 against 8.6/10 for Hootsuite. Here's how they differ and which one fits your needs.
Hootsuite
Social media management with OwlyWriter AI and listening
8.6/10From $99/mo
Visit Hootsuite VS
Sprout Social
Premium social management, care and analytics with AI Assist
8.8/10From $199/moOur pick
Visit Sprout Social At a glance
| Hootsuite | Sprout Social | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Best for | Social media teams, Agencies | Mid-market teams, Agencies |
| Type | Scheduling | Scheduling |
| Pricing | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | $99/mo | $199/mo |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Launched | 2008 | 2010 |
Key features
Hootsuite
- Scheduling & publishing
- OwlyWriter AI
- Unified inbox
- Social listening
- Analytics
Sprout Social
- Publishing calendar
- Smart Inbox
- AI Assist
- Listening
- Advanced reporting
Hootsuite: pros and cons
Pros
- Supports all major networks
- Mature team workflows
- Built-in listening
Cons
- Expensive versus newer rivals
- Interface can feel busy
Sprout Social: pros and cons
Pros
- Polished, reliable UI
- Excellent analytics
- Strong customer care tools
Cons
- Per-seat pricing gets expensive
- Listening is an add-on
Verdict: Hootsuite or Sprout Social?
Choose Hootsuite if you're social media teams or agencies and value supports all major networks.
Choose Sprout Social if you're mid-market teams or agencies and value polished, reliable UI.
Overall we rate Sprout Social slightly higher. Both are worth trying, and at least one has a free plan or trial. See all Social Media tools for more options.
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