Buffer vs Connect
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Cross-platform posting
- Content scheduling
- Idea organization
- Performance analytics
- Calendar view
- Apple Watch app
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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
Connect
Streamline business communication with clients and internal teams. Convert conversations into appointments and manage client information in one place. Enhance customer satisfaction and team collaboration for greater efficiency.
- 2-way business messaging
- Centralized client information
- Team chat for collaboration
- Capture chats as notes
- Transform chats into appointments
- Client insights
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Message clients, communicate with employees and turn chats into appointments. Transform the way you communicate, empowering you to streamline operations, boost client satisfaction, and elevate your business to new heights. Revolutionize Client Communication & Booking Effortless Connections: Connect seamlessly with clients through text message. This ensures you can always reach your clients, wherever they are, fostering a more convenient and personalized communication experience. Appointment Powerhouse: Simplify your booking process and reduce no-shows. Transforming chat directly into appointments, creating a frictionless booking experience that keeps clients coming back. Client Insights at Your Fingertips: Ditch scattered client information and wasted time searching for past interactions. Connect provides a centralized hub for all your client data. Access appointment history, communication preferences, and any relevant notes – all within a single, easy-to-navigate client profile. Leverage these valuable insights to personalize communication, offer targeted recommendations, and nurture stronger, more loyal client relationships. Unleash the Power of Teamwork & Collaboration Empower Your Team: Foster a culture of seamless internal communication with a dedicated team chat feature. Share updates on client schedules, assign tasks, and ensure everyone's on the same page – all within Connect. This real-time collaboration streamlines operations, minimizes communication breakdowns, and empowers your team to deliver exceptional service consistently. Capture Every Detail: Don't let important information get lost in the flow of conversation. Connect empowers you to transform your customer chats into detailed notes, ensuring no crucial details slip through the cracks. These notes live in your client chat for future reference, fostering better client service, smoother handoffs between team members, and enhanced continuity of care. Clear Communication Across the Board: Easily continue customer interactions with Internal Notes, allowing your entire team to stay informed on client details and appointment notes. Transform Client Interactions into Growth Opportunities Turn Conversations into Bookings: Don't let valuable client inquiries fall through the cracks and capitalize on client interest. With Connect, you can effortlessly transform in-app chats directly into appointments by simply sharing a booking link. Unlock a New Era of Business Efficiency Connect goes beyond messaging; it's a comprehensive communication, collaboration, and client management solution designed to elevate your service-based business. Features you'll love: - Secure, 2-way business messaging - Centralized client information for personalized service - Dedicated team chat for streamlined collaboration - Capture chat conversations as notes for future reference - Transform chats directly into appointments - Free to download and use Perfect for: Hair Stylists, Barbers, Nail Technicians, Microblading Technicians Massage Therapists, Personal Trainers, Coaches Download Connect: Business Messaging today and unlock streamlined communication, exceptional client service, and maximized booking opportunities.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Buffer at 54% against Connect's 7%. Buffer also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (35K vs 39). Connect's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Buffer sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.
Buffer holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Buffer has 35K ratings behind it against 39, 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 7% of Connect's.
Buffer ships an update every 5 days, Connect every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Buffer | Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (35K ratings) — better | 2.3 (39 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 54.2% of reviews — better | 7.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 35K — better | 39 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #131 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 154 MB | 148 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Buffer, Inc. | Vagaro Inc |
Customer experience
Buffer
Connect
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
Connect
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Buffer
- Essentials - 1 Channel$5.991 Month
- Essentials+Team: 1 Channel$11.991 Month
- Essentials - 2 Channels$11.991 Month
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- 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
Connect
No in-app purchases









