Metricool vs Sprout Social: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Metricool and Sprout Social? Both are popular social media management tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Metricool is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Sprout Social does not. Choose Sprout Social when its specific features justify the cost. In our catalog, Sprout Social rates slightly higher (4.4 vs 4.0 out of 5).
Metricool vs Sprout Social — Side by Side
| Metricool | Sprout Social | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Social Media Management | Social Media Management |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $25/mo | From $79/seat/mo |
| Starting price | Free tier available | From $79/seat/mo |
| Free tier | — | |
| Rating | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Best for | Social Media Management — social-media, analytics | Social Media Management — social, analytics |
Pros & Cons
- Priced by brand, so agencies can run many clients cheaply
- Free plan with AI assistant
- Strong analytics and competitor tracking
- Free plan excludes LinkedIn and X
- X is a paid add-on on Starter
- Team features need Advanced
- Best-in-class reporting
- Strong social listening
- Solid unified inbox
- Among the most expensive options
- Per-seat pricing punishes teams
Key Features Compared
Metricool
- Up to 5 brands
- Unlimited publishing and analytics history
- 20 AI credits per brand
- $20 billed yearly
Sprout Social
- 5 social profiles
- Trellis AI agent
- AI Assist for posts
Choose Metricool if…
- You want to start free — Metricool has a free tier and Sprout Social does not.
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($25/mo vs $79/mo).
- Priced by brand, so agencies can run many clients cheaply
- Free plan with AI assistant
Choose Sprout Social if…
- Best-in-class reporting
- Strong social listening
- Solid unified inbox
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metricool better than Sprout Social?⌄
Metricool is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Sprout Social does not. Choose Sprout Social when its specific features justify the cost. In our catalog, Sprout Social rates slightly higher (4.4 vs 4.0 out of 5).
What is the difference between Metricool and Sprout Social?⌄
Metricool — Scheduling, analytics and competitor tracking for many brands at once, with a free plan and an AI assistant. Sprout Social — Premium social suite with deep listening and analytics. Both are social media management tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Metricool vs Sprout Social: which is cheaper?⌄
Metricool pricing: Free · paid from $25/mo. Sprout Social pricing: From $79/seat/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Metricool or Sprout Social?⌄
In our catalog, Metricool rates 4.0 out of 5 and Sprout Social rates 4.4 out of 5, so Sprout Social has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best social media management tools for startups.
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