# Buffer, Google Earth Pro vs Sprout Social Comparison

| | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,038 | 384 | 6,418 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (71.1% of reviews) | Small-Business (42.1% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Free | No pricing available | Starting at $79.00 1 user/per month (billed annually) | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Buffer

Pros:
- Ease of Use (13 reviews)
- Post Scheduling (10 reviews)

Cons:
- Lack of Analytics (5 reviews)
- High Pricing (3 reviews)

### Google Earth Pro

Pros:
- 3D Visualization (3 reviews)
- Geospatial Analysis (3 reviews)

Cons:
- Not User-Friendly (2 reviews)
- Poor Usability (2 reviews)

### Sprout Social

Pros:
- Ease of Use (1875 reviews)
- Post Scheduling (1233 reviews)

Cons:
- Missing Features (749 reviews)
- Limited Features (548 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (909 reviews) | 9.0 (318 reviews) | 8.5 (5434 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.2 (917 reviews) | 8.9 (318 reviews) | 8.8 (5494 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.2 (336 reviews) | 8.7 (54 reviews) | 8.7 (3849 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.1 (311 reviews) | 8.8 (45 reviews) | 8.8 (2247 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.5 (651 reviews) | 8.2 (232 reviews) | 8.6 (4850 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.8 (271 reviews) | 8.7 (35 reviews) | 8.7 (2213 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (889 reviews) | 8.6 (316 reviews) | 8.9 (5318 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Buffer

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Free

Price: Free

Description: For individuals and businesses getting started with social media.

Key Features:
- 3 social accounts
- Publish to Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Google Business Profiles, Mastodon, Pinterest and Bluesky
- 10 scheduled posts per social account

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/buffer/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Google Earth Pro

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Sprout Social

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Essentials

Price: Starting at $79.00 1 user/per month (billed annually)

Description: Created for social media professionals focused on simplifying publishing workflows.

Key Features:
- Connect up to 5 social profiles
- Increase your visibility with optimal send times
- Track performance with profile and post-level reporting

[Browse all 5 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/sprout-social/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Social Media Analytics

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Buffer** | N/A | N/A |
| **Google Earth Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.3/10 | 3636 |

#### Social Analytics

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Competitor Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (2978 reviews) | 
| **Follower Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (3156 reviews) | 
| **Post Performance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (3378 reviews) | 
| **Paid Campaign Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.2 (2601 reviews) | 
| **Attribution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.0 (2607 reviews) | 
| **Hashtag Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.3 (2370 reviews) | 
| **Sentiment Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.1 (2308 reviews) | 

#### Reports & Dashboards

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Report Customizability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (3228 reviews) | 
| **Report Exporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (3272 reviews) | 
| **Scalability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (3127 reviews) | 
| **White Label** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Agentic AI - Social Media Analytics

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.2 (893 reviews) | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.3 (890 reviews) | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.2 (879 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.3 (887 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.3 (892 reviews) | 

### GIS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Buffer** | N/A | N/A |
| **Google Earth Pro** | 8.4/10 | 191 |
| **Sprout Social** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data Management

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data Capture** | Not enough data | 8.8 (153 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Storage** | Not enough data | 8.2 (144 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Manipulation** | Not enough data | 8.1 (145 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | 8.9 (164 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Map Creation

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Geocoding** | Not enough data | 8.6 (143 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Buffer Zone Query** | Not enough data | 8.0 (132 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Overlaying** | Not enough data | 8.4 (156 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Publishing** | Not enough data | 8.1 (141 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Spatial Analysis** | Not enough data | 8.4 (145 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting ** | Not enough data | 8.4 (144 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Streaming ** | Not enough data | 8.3 (131 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Social Media Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Buffer** | 8.0/10 | 829 |
| **Google Earth Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.5/10 | 4659 |

#### Content & Collaboration

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Content Calendar** | 9.1 (145 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.9 (3216 reviews) | 
| **Content Library** | 8.6 (124 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.9 (2926 reviews) | 
| **Shared Inbox** | 8.2 (103 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.2 (3026 reviews) | 
| **Approval Workflows** | 8.5 (104 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.0 (2910 reviews) | 
| **Users and Permissions** | 8.7 (113 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (3011 reviews) | 
| **Content Creation** | 8.5 (97 reviews) | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Social Management

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Social Analytics** | 7.8 (668 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (4377 reviews) | 
| **Social Publishing** | 9.3 (797 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.9 (4416 reviews) | 
| **Campaign Optimization** | 8.4 (641 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.1 (3825 reviews) | 
| **Social Engagement** | 8.3 (693 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.5 (4239 reviews) | 
| **Social Ads** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Campaign Planning** | 8.6 (99 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.9 (2912 reviews) | 
| **Hashtag Capabilites** | 8.3 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.5 (2495 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Social Media Management

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 6.9 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.2 (1064 reviews) | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | 7.4 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.4 (1054 reviews) | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 6.7 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.6 (1070 reviews) | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 7.1 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.5 (1046 reviews) | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | 7.0 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.4 (1037 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 7.3 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.4 (1038 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | 7.0 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.5 (1038 reviews) | 

### Social Media Listening Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Buffer** | N/A | N/A |
| **Google Earth Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.4/10 | 2200 |

#### Monitoring & Listening

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Social Measurement** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (1909 reviews) | 
| **Influencer Identification** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.0 (1432 reviews) | 
| **Brand Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (1231 reviews) | 
| **Keyword Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (1196 reviews) | 
| **Trend Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (1168 reviews) | 
| **Competitor Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (1193 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Social Media Listening Tools

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.4 (386 reviews) | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.5 (397 reviews) | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.4 (386 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.4 (387 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.5 (387 reviews) | 

#### Data Management & Analysis

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Sentiment Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.5 (1213 reviews) | 
| **Social Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (1998 reviews) | 
| **Alerts and Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (1230 reviews) | 
| **Advanced Data Filtering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (1128 reviews) | 

### Social Customer Service

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Buffer** | N/A | N/A |
| **Google Earth Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.8/10 | 1632 |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.1 (865 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.0 (850 reviews) | 

#### Process

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mentions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (1469 reviews) | 
| **Tickets** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (1248 reviews) | 
| **Macros** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (1009 reviews) | 

#### Channels

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Email** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Social** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (1523 reviews) | 
| **Live Chat** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Phone** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Text** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Insight

| Feature | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Surveys** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (1126 reviews) | 
| **Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (1434 reviews) | 
| **Visitor Activity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Help Desk** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

---
## Categories

**Unique to Buffer (1):** [Social Media Management Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-mgmt)

**Unique to Google Earth Pro (1):** [GIS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis)

**Unique to Sprout Social (5):** [Social Media Suites](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-suites), [Social Media Listening Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-listening-tools), [Social Media Management Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-mgmt), [Social Media Analytics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-analytics), [Social Customer Service Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-customer-service)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Buffer | Google Earth Pro | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 71.1% | 42.1% | 44.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 22.5% | 39.4% | 37.7% | 
| **Enterprise** | 6.4% | 18.5% | 17.6% | 

### By Industry

#### Buffer

- **Marketing and Advertising:** 23.1%
- **Computer Software:** 7.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 6.6%
- **Internet:** 5.2%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 4.2%
- **Writing and Editing:** 2.5%
- **Higher Education:** 2.5%
- **Real Estate:** 2.3%
- **Design:** 2.3%
- **Education Management:** 2.0%
- **Other:** 42.3%

#### Google Earth Pro

- **Civil Engineering:** 12.3%
- **Construction:** 7.4%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 5.4%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 5.2%
- **Environmental Services:** 4.4%
- **Real Estate:** 4.4%
- **Government Administration:** 3.3%
- **Telecommunications:** 3.3%
- **Civic & Social Organization:** 3.0%
- **Higher Education:** 2.7%
- **Other:** 48.8%

#### Sprout Social

- **Marketing and Advertising:** 20.5%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 6.2%
- **Higher Education:** 5.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 3.8%
- **Financial Services:** 3.2%
- **Computer Software:** 3.2%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.9%
- **Public Relations and Communications:** 2.4%
- **Retail:** 2.4%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 47.7%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Buffer

- [HubSpot Marketing Hub](https://www.g2.com/products/hubspot-marketing-hub/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (14742 reviews)
- [Hootsuite](https://www.g2.com/products/hootsuite/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (7171 reviews)
- [Semrush](https://www.g2.com/products/semrush/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3382 reviews)
- [Zoho Social](https://www.g2.com/products/zoho-social/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (2913 reviews)
- [Loomly](https://www.g2.com/products/loomly/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1795 reviews)
- [Facebook Pages Manager](https://www.g2.com/products/facebook-pages-manager/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (1614 reviews)
- [Sprinklr Social](https://www.g2.com/products/sprinklr-social/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (1207 reviews)
- [Planable](https://www.g2.com/products/planable/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1045 reviews)
- [Brandwatch Social Media Management](https://www.g2.com/products/brandwatch-social-media-management/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (983 reviews)
- [Agorapulse](https://www.g2.com/products/agorapulse/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (971 reviews)

### Alternatives to Google Earth Pro

- [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (539 reviews)
- [QGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (154 reviews)
- [Maptitude](https://www.g2.com/products/maptitude/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (148 reviews)
- [MapInfo Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (120 reviews)
- [Global Mapper](https://www.g2.com/products/global-mapper/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (30 reviews)
- [ArcGIS Earth](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-earth/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (29 reviews)
- [BatchGeo](https://www.g2.com/products/batchgeo/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1047 reviews)
- [ArcGIS Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (190 reviews)
- [ArcGIS Online](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-online/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (190 reviews)
- [Octave Imagine (ERDAS IMAGINE)](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-imagine-erdas-imagine/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (31 reviews)

### Alternatives to Sprout Social

- [Reputation](https://www.g2.com/products/reputation/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (2469 reviews)
- [Sprinklr Social](https://www.g2.com/products/sprinklr-social/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (1207 reviews)
- [Eclincher](https://www.g2.com/products/eclincher/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (442 reviews)
- [Statusbrew](https://www.g2.com/products/statusbrew-inc/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (251 reviews)
- [Hootsuite](https://www.g2.com/products/hootsuite/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (7171 reviews)
- [Meltwater](https://www.g2.com/products/meltwater/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (2645 reviews)
- [Vista Social](https://www.g2.com/products/vista-social/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1098 reviews)
- [Brandwatch Social Media Management](https://www.g2.com/products/brandwatch-social-media-management/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (983 reviews)
- [Agorapulse](https://www.g2.com/products/agorapulse/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (971 reviews)
- [Sendible](https://www.g2.com/products/sendible/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (904 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Buffer

- Title: [Can I have tabs open for multiple companies at a time?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/10663-can-i-have-tabs-open-for-multiple-companies-at-a-time) — 4 comments
  > **Top comment:** "If you own the account, you can add multiple businesses/companies to your account. If you're logging in to each business / company (they own the account and..."
- Title: [What is Buffer used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-buffer-used-for) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "In simple its a social media management tool specifically used to connect many social media platforms at once. "
- Title: [LinkedIn workarounds](https://www.g2.com/discussions/linkedin-workarounds) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "When a data source like Facebook or LinkedIn removes an API  (the way the data is shared from their warehouse to someone else’s, like Buffer’s, and the way..."
- Title: [Which platforms are next on the Buffer integration roadmap?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-platforms-are-next-on-the-buffer-integration-roadmap) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "I don't think Buffer will be rolling out any major platform integrations other than possibly Snap Chat (depending on API functionality and user access). It..."
- Title: [Keep simple step](https://www.g2.com/discussions/43718-keep-simple-step) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Improve performance in content sharing features and keep steps simple"

### Google Earth Pro

- Title: [What software can I use as a complement to Google Earth?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/que-software-puedo-usar-como-complemento-de-google-earth) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It really depends on what you want to do with Google Earth in relation to other software. I have found that Google Earth does not always work well on cell..."
- Title: [What is Google Earth Pro used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-google-earth-pro-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Google Earth Pro is used for exploring and studying the Earth through detailed satellite images, 3D maps, and geographic data. It helps users view cities,..."
- Title: [how i can make this app easier to open?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/41189-how-i-can-make-this-app-easier-to-open) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Maybe make sure you do not have many objects in "My Sites", since they will load by default every time you open Google Earth Pro. On the other hand, you..."
- Title: [remote sensing in survey](https://www.g2.com/discussions/32797-remote-sensing-in-survey) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You can see the whole world or an interesting destination just by knowing the name,you can be on the site. You can get ready for a walk without going out."
- Title: [Placemark icon - exact location, end of pin or crosshairs?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/26799-placemark-icon-exact-location-end-of-pin-or-crosshairs) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "I wish I had an answer for you! I'm searching for the same information. It's super pedantic, but c'mon, this seems like a huge oversight when it comes to..."

### Sprout Social

- Title: [Is there a place of education for users?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15585-is-there-a-place-of-education-for-users) — 7 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "General education: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/webinars/ and overall intro webinar:..."
- Title: [Is Sprout Social legit?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-sprout-social-legit) — 4 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes!"
- Title: [Does Sprout Social have a free plan?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-sprout-social-have-a-free-plan) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "No"
- Title: [How can I access a more affordable reasonably priced membership with Sprout Social](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-i-access-a-more-affordable-reasonably-priced-membership-with-sprout-social) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "The best option? Get directly in contact with a sales rep. They'll be able to offer you a custom-made offer that suits your needs and budget. 
"
- Title: [What can sprout social do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-sprout-social-do) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "It’s a great tool for social listening "

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/buffer-vs-google-earth-pro-vs-sprout-social)