Later vs Metricool
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Paid
A visual social media planner for Instagram, TikTok and more, with influencer marketing tools.
AI tool · Freemium
A social media scheduler and analytics tool that also tracks ads and websites in one dashboard.
The short answer
Choose Later if you need…
- Instagram grid planning
- Creator and influencer programmes
Choose Metricool if you need…
- Freelancers managing several brands
- Combined social and ads reporting
Side-by-side
| Later | Metricool | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Social media · Scheduling | Social media · Scheduling |
| Price | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Works with | Canva, Shopify | Canva, Google Workspace |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
Later
A visual social media planner for Instagram, TikTok and more, with influencer marketing tools. Great for visual-first brands. Less strong for text-heavy networks like LinkedIn or X.
Metricool
A social media scheduler and analytics tool that also tracks ads and websites in one dashboard. Strong value for money. Interface is busy.
Best for
Later
- Instagram grid planning
- Creator and influencer programmes
Metricool
- Freelancers managing several brands
- Combined social and ads reporting
Strengths
Later
- Visual planner
- Link-in-bio
- AI caption writer
- Influencer marketing platform
Metricool
- Scheduling
- Analytics reports
- Ads tracking
- AI assistant
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Later and Metricool?
Later: A visual social media planner for Instagram, TikTok and more, with influencer marketing tools. Metricool: A social media scheduler and analytics tool that also tracks ads and websites in one dashboard. Later suits instagram grid planning, while Metricool suits freelancers managing several brands.
Are Later and Metricool free?
Later: Paid. Metricool: Freemium.
What are other alternatives to Later and Metricool?
Other options people compare them with include Planoly, Buffer, Publer.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.