Comparison

Buffer vs Companion

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Buffer

Streamline your social media presence by planning, scheduling, and publishing content across multiple platforms from one app. Engage with your audience and track performance with insightful analytics. Ideal for creators looking to grow their online presence efficiently.

Highlights
  • Cross-platform posting
  • Content scheduling
  • Idea organization
  • Performance analytics
  • Calendar view
  • Apple Watch app
Features
Read full description

Post to every social platform with a single app — simple, flexible, and powerful. Buffer helps creators stay consistent without the busywork. Plan and publish your posts automatically, engage with your audience, and keep track of what’s working, all from your phone. Whether you’re sharing your first TikTok, building an audience on LinkedIn, or running multiple accounts, Buffer gives you the tools to grow without feeling overwhelmed. What’s new in v15.0 • Fresh new design with Apple’s Liquid Glass system • Brand-new Apple Watch app (queues, goals, streaks, ideas) • Capture ideas instantly with the iOS Shortcut, Action Button, or on your wrist • New calendar day view across all channels WHY CREATORS LOVE BUFFER PLAN, SCHEDULE, AND PUBLISH • Share to Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Bluesky, Mastodon, and more. • Schedule YouTube Shorts, TikToks, Instagram Reels, and Stories. • Cross-post content across platforms with a single tap KEEP YOUR IDEAS ORGANIZED • Save inspiration in a central content library • Use tags to keep ideas organized by theme or campaign • Move ideas straight to your schedule when ready SEE WHAT WORKS • Simple analytics and reports show your top-performing posts • Track growth, clicks, and engagement A CALENDAR BUILT FOR CREATORS • Get an at-a-glance view of your upcoming posts • Drill down from a monthly to weekly view NEED HELP? Our friendly team is here for you with world-class support via email and social. Email: hello@buffer.com Twitter: @buffer Facebook: http://facebook.com/bufferapp Instagram: @buffer Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bufferapp/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bufferapp Privacy Policy: https://buffer.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://buffer.com/legal/terms-of-use/year/2023

About

Companion

An exclusive, invite-only social club connecting impact-driven professionals. Create a profile, access curated events, and gain perks from premium partners. Apply to join a network focused on meaningful connections and career advancement.

Highlights
  • Professional profile creation
  • Curated social, professional, and volunteer events
  • Exclusive talks and panels
  • Volunteer activities
  • Members-only gatherings
  • Premium business partner perks and discounts
Features
Read full description

Introducing Companion, the exclusive invite-only Social Club aimed at connecting impact-driven professionals. Tired of the same old networking events? Companion offers an exclusive experience to those seeking meaningful connections and opportunities. Download the app to create a professional profile and get access to our curated calendar of social, professional, and volunteer events in top cities. Rub shoulders with leaders at our exclusive talks and panels, or roll up your sleeves at our volunteer activities giving back to the community. After hours, unwind at our members-only gatherings with like-minded professionals. But the benefits don't stop there. As a Companion member, you'll also gain special perks from our premium business partners. Exclusive discounts, product trials, mentorship programs and more - it pays to be in the club. The journey to make a difference starts here. Submit your application at companionapp.net/apply, and we'll review your credentials - if accepted, you'll join our growing network of impact-driven professionals. Connect with us on a deeper level and start maximizing your potential. Download the Companion app now to get started or visit companionapp.net/apply. Spots are limited - apply today and begin your journey to connect, contribute and advance your career among an exclusive network of professionals committed to driving impact.

Screenshots

Buffer4 screens
Companion4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Companion at 100% against Buffer's 54%. Companion also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). Buffer's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (35K vs 5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Buffer sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Companion sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Companion holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Buffer has 35K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of Buffer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Companion's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Buffer ships an update every 5 days, Companion every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Buffer versus Companion: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBufferCompanion
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (35K ratings)5.0 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews54.2% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings35K — better5
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#120 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size154 MB44 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperBuffer, Inc.Kenneth McQueen JE

Customer experience

Buffer

All ratings34,554 ratings
Positive94.0%
Neutral2.7%
Negative3.3%
Written reviews578 reviews
Positive54.2%
Neutral10.2%
Negative35.6%

Companion

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Buffer

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Drafts not registering in visual calendar
  • Inability to reorder scheduled posts
  • Inconsistent behavior between mobile and desktop versions
  • Automatic posting not working as expected
  • Issues with image/video quality and formatting

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add support for Twitter threads
  • Improve visual planning and calendar view
  • Integrate with more platforms like Slack and Discord
  • Allow more customization and control over posts
  • Provide better analytics and performance insights

Companion

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Buffer

Subscriptions11
  • Essentials - 1 Channel$5.991 Month
  • Essentials+Team: 1 Channel$11.991 Month
  • Essentials - 2 Channels$11.991 Month
Show 8 more
  • Pro for 1 Month2 variants$14.991 Month
  • Essentials - 3 Channels$17.991 Month
  • Essentials - 4 Channels$23.991 Month
  • Essentials - 5 Channels$29.991 Month
  • Essentials - 6 Channels$35.991 Month
  • Small Business$99.991 Month
  • Small Business for 1 Month$99.991 Month
  • Pro for 1 Year$144.991 Year
6 purchases

Companion

Subscriptions5
  • Weekly Subscription$5.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium Plus$12.997 Days
  • VIP$34.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Monthly Premium Subscription$34.991 Month
  • Monthly Premium Plus$69.991 Month
One-time1
  • Companion$4.99

Questions

Is Buffer free?
Buffer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Companion free?
Companion is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Buffer or Companion?
Companion is rated higher. Buffer averages 4.7 out of 5 from 35K ratings, while Companion averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.
Do Buffer or Companion have ads?
Neither Buffer nor Companion shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Buffer or Companion?
Buffer ships an update every 5 days, and Companion every 3 months. Most recently, Buffer was updated on October 14, 2026 and Companion on October 10, 2026.

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