Metricool vs Later: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Metricool is built for analytics & reporting, while Later suits instagram-first creators. For most users Metricool is the stronger default, but Later can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Metricool has the lower entry price.
Metricool versus Later comes down to which trade-offs you can live with. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Metricool | Later | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | scheduling & analytics | visual scheduling |
| What it's known for | Combined scheduler plus deep analytics and competitor/ad reporting, with one of the most generous free plans in the niche. | Visual-first planner built around Instagram and short-form video, with a drag-and-drop calendar, link-in-bio (Linkin.bio) and influencer/affiliate campaign tools. |
| Pricing | Free plan; Starter from ~$22/mo; Advanced ~$54/mo; Custom/agency tiers higher (billed annually). | Starter from ~$25/mo; Growth ~$45/mo; Advanced ~$80/mo (billed annually). 14-day trial. |
| Best audience | Data-driven marketers and agencies wanting analytics plus a strong free tier. | Instagram-first creators and brands focused on visual content planning. |
| Best for | Analytics & reporting, Generous free tier, Tracking ads + organic together | Instagram-first creators, Visual content planning, Influencer & affiliate campaigns |
| Entry price | Free | ~$25/mo |
| Biggest strength | Best-in-class analytics for the price range. | Strong visual-first planning for Instagram/short-form. |
| Main caveat | Free plan excludes LinkedIn; X requires a paid add-on. | Base plans limited to one Social Set (extras cost more). |
Features compared
Beyond the spec sheet, these are the capabilities that define each tool:
Metricool key features
- Combined scheduler and deep analytics
- Organic + paid (ads) reporting in one place
- Competitor tracking (up to 100 profiles)
- Customizable PDF/PPT reports and Looker Studio connector
Later key features
- Visual drag-and-drop content calendar
- Linkin.bio clickable landing page
- Smart Scheduling (best time to post)
- Social Inbox on Growth and above
Pricing tiers side by side
Metricool plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 brand, ~20-50 posts/mo, no LinkedIn/X |
| Starter | ~$22/mo | Up to 5 brands; 10-brand option higher |
| Advanced | ~$54/mo | Up to 15 brands, full analytics, API access |
| Custom | Custom | Enterprise / agency |
Later plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$25/mo | Scheduling, Linkin.bio, basic analytics |
| Growth | ~$50/mo | Most popular; Smart Scheduling, Social Inbox, collaboration |
| Scale | ~$110/mo | Custom analytics, social listening, competitive benchmarking |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Metricool wins
A scheduler with genuinely best-in-class analytics that tracks paid and organic together.
- Best-in-class analytics for the price range.
- One of the most generous free plans in the niche.
That makes it the stronger pick for data-driven marketers and agencies wanting analytics plus a strong free tier.
Where Later wins
A visual-first planner built around Instagram and short-form video with a drag-and-drop calendar.
- Strong visual-first planning for Instagram/short-form.
- Built-in Linkin.bio at no extra cost.
That makes it the stronger pick for instagram-first creators and brands focused on visual content planning.
Verdict: choose by fit
Pick by fit rather than by an overall score.
- Choose Metricool if you fit its core audience — data-driven marketers and agencies wanting analytics plus a strong free tier.
- Choose Later if you fit its core audience — instagram-first creators and brands focused on visual content planning.
FAQ
Is Metricool better than Later?
Metricool is the stronger default for most users, but Later can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Metricool and Later?
Metricool is a scheduler with genuinely best-in-class analytics that tracks paid and organic together. Later is a visual-first planner built around Instagram and short-form video with a drag-and-drop calendar.
Which is cheaper, Metricool or Later?
Entry pricing differs: Metricool offers a free tier, while Later starts at ~$25/mo. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Metricool and Later: