Later vs Buffer vs Flow Free Plans Compared
Flow’s free plan offers unlimited Facebook and Instagram scheduling with AI credits, matching Buffer’s free tier and surpassing Later’s limited Instagram support.
Flow’s free plan provides unlimited scheduling for Facebook and Instagram, includes one AI‑generated caption credit and three AI image credits, matching Buffer’s free tier while offering more AI tools than Later’s limited Instagram support. It also lets you bulk‑post and view a content calendar at no cost.
What does each free plan include?
Understanding the baseline features helps you decide which tool fits your workflow without spending a dime.
- Later: Free tier limits you to 1 Instagram post per day, no AI assistance, and no Facebook publishing.
- Buffer: Allows up to 10 scheduled posts across Facebook, Instagram, and X, but AI caption or image generation is unavailable.
- Flow: Unlimited Facebook and Instagram posts, one AI caption credit, three AI image credits, bulk posting, and a visual content calendar.
All three platforms require a connected Facebook Page for Instagram publishing, and X remains text‑only on every plan.
How many posts can I schedule per month on the free tier?
Post volume directly impacts how often you can engage your audience without upgrading.
- Later: 30 Instagram posts per month (1 per day) and no Facebook scheduling.
- Buffer: 10 total posts per month across all supported networks.
- Flow: Unlimited posts on Facebook and Instagram, limited only by the platform’s API rate limits.
Because Flow imposes no post‑count ceiling, you can maintain a consistent publishing rhythm even on the free plan.
Are AI caption or image generators available for free?
AI assistance can save time and boost creativity, but not every free tier includes it.
- Later: No AI generation tools on any plan.
- Buffer: AI features are reserved for paid tiers; the free plan offers only manual text entry.
- Flow: Provides 1 caption credit and 3 image credits each month, letting you experiment with AI‑crafted content without cost.
These credits reset each month, giving you a modest but useful amount of AI output while you evaluate the feature.
Can I publish to all major platforms without paying?
Each tool supports a different mix of networks on its free tier.
- Later: Instagram only (requires a linked Facebook Page).
- Buffer: Facebook, Instagram, and X (text‑only), but limited to 10 total posts.
- Flow: Facebook, Instagram, X (text‑only), and LinkedIn Profile publishing, all at no cost.
Flow’s broader coverage means you can manage a multi‑channel presence without upgrading, as long as you respect Instagram’s JPEG image requirement.
What are the upgrade options after the free plan?
If you outgrow the free tier, each service offers paid tiers with additional capacity and features.
- Later: Paid plans start at $15 per month, adding more Instagram posts and a visual planner.
- Buffer: Starter plan at $19 per month unlocks unlimited posts and analytics.
- Flow: Flow pricing includes Starter ($19/mo), Growth ($49/mo), and Agency ($99/mo) with yearly or lifetime options, all billed via Razorpay and backed by a 7‑day money‑back guarantee.
All paid tiers add extra AI credits, team seats, RSS auto‑posting, and more robust scheduling controls.
Frequently asked questions
Does Flow’s free plan require a credit card?
No, you can sign up and start publishing without entering payment details.
Can I schedule Instagram carousel posts for free?
Yes, as long as the images are JPEGs and you have a connected Facebook Page.
Is the AI image generation limited to a specific size?
Free credits generate standard‑resolution images suitable for most social feeds; larger sizes require a paid credit.
How does the 7‑day money‑back guarantee work?
If you upgrade and are unsatisfied within the first week, contact support for a full refund; the guarantee does not apply to the free tier.
Ready to try a free plan that actually lets you schedule, post, and experiment with AI? Start your free Flow account today and see how it stacks up against Later and Buffer.
Related: See how Flow compares as a Buffer alternative.
