4 tools compared
Buffer, Publer, Postiz and Post Bridge compared for scheduling Instagram posts, including which free plans can connect an account.
Buffer
Buffer
An Instagram scheduler connects an Instagram account and publishes a post later. All four tools on this site name Instagram as a network.
Good to knowThe free plans that can connect it are Buffer (3 channels) and Publer (3 accounts). Postiz starts at $29/mo after a 7-day trial. Post Bridge starts at $39/mo.
Buffer is a social scheduler priced per channel. The free plan covers three channels with a small queue. Paid plans add a higher queue, analytics and API access.
Verified November 4, 2026
Publer is a social scheduler with a permanent free plan for three accounts. Paid plans add X, unlimited scheduling, workspaces and team members.
Verified November 4, 2026
Postiz is an open-source social scheduler with a hosted cloud. You connect channels, schedule posts, and can also drive it from an API, CLI or MCP server.
Verified November 4, 2026
Post Bridge is a hosted scheduler for one person posting the same content to several networks. The Marketer plan covers 15 accounts.
Verified November 4, 2026
Scores blend entry price (40%), free plan (20%), API (20%) and team features (20%) from published plan pages. Missing values are ignored, never guessed. Read the methodology. Some links are affiliate links.
Profiles
InstagramBuffer lists Instagram under Channels. Each account is a channel.
Buffer is a social scheduler priced per channel. The free plan covers three channels with a small queue. Paid plans add a higher queue, analytics and API access.
Best for Creators who want a known brand and a free plan before paying per channel
InstagramInstagram is on the free plan, within the 3-account cap.
Publer is a social scheduler with a permanent free plan for three accounts. Paid plans add X, unlimited scheduling, workspaces and team members.
Best for Someone who wants to schedule a few accounts without a monthly fee
InstagramNamed in the Postiz provider list.
Postiz is an open-source social scheduler with a hosted cloud. You connect channels, schedule posts, and can also drive it from an API, CLI or MCP server.
Best for Teams that want a scheduler they can also self-host or call from an agent
InstagramInstagram is in the Post Bridge platform row.
Post Bridge is a hosted scheduler for one person posting the same content to several networks. The Marketer plan covers 15 accounts.
Best for One person who posts the same update to every network they use
Buying guide
An Instagram account uses one of Buffer's channels or one of Publer's three free accounts. A second Instagram account is a second slot.
Buffer and Publer publish a free plan with no stated end date. Postiz publishes a 7-day trial, then a paid plan.
Reach, Reels length and shopping tags are not in the score. The score is entry price, a free plan, an API and team features.
Guide
An instagram scheduler connects an Instagram account and publishes later. All four tools here name Instagram. Buffer and Publer include it on a free plan. Postiz and Post Bridge start on a paid plan.
An Instagram account is one slot. Buffer's free plan is 3 channels in total. Publer's free plan is 3 accounts in total. A second Instagram account uses a second slot.
Buffer and Publer are the two permanent free plans. Buffer's paid step is $5 per channel billed yearly. Publer's paid price is a calculator, so it is not stored as one number. Postiz Standard is $29/mo for 5 channels. Post Bridge Marketer is $39/mo for 15 accounts.
FAQ
Buffer and Publer both publish a free plan that includes Instagram. Buffer's first paid step is $5 per channel billed yearly. Publer's paid price is a calculator, so it is not stored as one number.
Yes, until you hit the plan's account cap. Buffer's free plan is 3 channels total, not 3 Instagram accounts plus other networks.
Postiz and Post Bridge publish an API. Buffer's API is on paid plans. Publer's API was not verified.
