Cue vs Buffer: A Modern Alternative

Buffer pioneered social scheduling. Cue builds on that foundation with AI-powered content creation and a developer-friendly API. Here's how they compare.

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Comparison

Feature comparison

See how Cue stacks up against Buffer.

FeatureCueBuffer
Starting priceFreeFree
Paid plans from$19/mo (15 accounts)$6/mo/channel
8 profiles cost$19/mo$48/mo
Social accounts (free)23
AI content generationAdd-on
AI image generation—
MCP (Claude/ChatGPT)—
REST API accessGrowth+No
n8n integration—
Bluesky support—
Mastodon support—
Thread creation
AnalyticsGrowth+Paid plans
Browser extension—
Advantages

Where Cue excels

Key areas where Cue offers a better experience.

MCP for AI Assistants

Schedule posts directly from Claude or ChatGPT. Just say 'schedule this for tomorrow' in your AI conversation.

Built-in AI Writer

Generate captions, adapt content for platforms, and beat writer's block — all included in paid plans, not as an add-on.

API + n8n Integration

Full REST API plus official n8n node. Build automations with Google Sheets, Airtable, RSS feeds, and hundreds more.

More platforms included

8 platforms including Bluesky and Mastodon. Reach audiences Buffer doesn't support.

60% cheaper at scale

Cue's Growth plan ($19/mo) includes 15 accounts. Buffer charges $6/channel — 8 profiles would cost $48/mo with Buffer vs just $19/mo with Cue.

AI Image Generation

Create custom visuals for your posts without leaving Cue. No need for separate design tools.

Honest assessment

Where Buffer might be better

We believe in being upfront about trade-offs.

Established track record

Buffer has been around for 10+ years with millions of users. They're a known, trusted brand.

Browser extension

Share content directly from anywhere on the web. Cue doesn't have a browser extension yet.

Start Page feature

Buffer offers a landing page builder for your social links. Cue focuses on scheduling.

Larger team features

Buffer has more collaboration tools for agencies managing many clients.

Which is right for you?

Here's our honest recommendation based on your needs.

Choose Cue if you...

  • Want to schedule posts from Claude or ChatGPT via MCP
  • Want AI content generation included, not as an add-on
  • Need API or n8n integration to automate workflows
  • Are active on Bluesky or Mastodon
  • Want to save money — 8 profiles for $19/mo vs $48/mo with Buffer

Choose Buffer if you...

  • Need a proven tool with a long track record
  • Rely heavily on browser extensions for sharing
  • Want a link-in-bio landing page feature
  • Manage a large team with complex approval workflows

Questions & Answers

Yes, especially as you add accounts. Buffer charges $6/mo per channel — 8 profiles would cost $48/mo. Cue's Growth plan is $19/mo for up to 15 accounts. That's 60% savings at 8 profiles.
Not yet. Browser extension is on our roadmap. For now, you can use our web app or API.
There's no automatic import, but you can export from Buffer and manually recreate posts in Cue. We're exploring import tools for the future.
Buffer's AI is an add-on cost. Cue includes AI generation in paid plans at no extra charge. Both help with content creation, but Cue also offers AI image generation.
Buffer deprecated their public API. Cue offers full REST API access on Growth plans and above.

Ready to try Cue?

Start for free and see why creators are switching to Cue for their social media scheduling.

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