# Hootsuite vs Sprout Social Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Sprout Social excels in user experience, particularly with its intuitive interface and centralized messaging system. Users appreciate how it enhances social media reporting and simplifies content scheduling, making it a favorite for those managing multiple platforms.
- **Users say** Hootsuite is a reliable tool for content sharing and scheduling, with seamless integration into social apps. However, some users have noted occasional performance issues, such as disconnections, which can disrupt workflow. Despite this, many find it easy to use and beneficial for daily operations.
- **Reviewers mention** that Sprout Social's analytics capabilities are a standout feature, providing comprehensive insights all in one place. This functionality is particularly praised for helping users track performance and plan effectively, which is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their social media strategies.
- **According to verified reviews** , Hootsuite's interface is appreciated for its clarity and ease of use, especially for users in educational and nonprofit sectors. The ability to preview content before posting is highlighted as a significant advantage, helping maintain brand consistency.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that Sprout Social offers superior customer support, with many users noting the quality of assistance they receive. This support is seen as a key factor in enhancing the overall user experience, especially for those new to social media management tools.
- **Users report** that while both platforms have strong features, Sprout Social's entry-level pricing at $79 is more accessible for small businesses compared to Hootsuite's starting price of $199. This affordability, combined with its robust features, makes Sprout Social an attractive option for smaller organizations.



| | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 7,171 | 6,418 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (59.6% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $99.00 1 user Per Month | Starting at $79.00 1 user/per month (billed annually) | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Hootsuite

Pros:
- Post Scheduling (1584 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1454 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Features (483 reviews)
- Missing Features (459 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 | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.4 (6280 reviews) | 8.5 (5434 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (6360 reviews) | 8.8 (5494 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.7 (4142 reviews) | 8.7 (3849 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (2556 reviews) | 8.8 (2247 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.1 (4716 reviews) | 8.6 (4850 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.6 (2328 reviews) | 8.7 (2213 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.0 (6153 reviews) | 8.9 (5318 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Hootsuite

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Standard

Price: $99.00 1 user Per Month

Key Features:
- Up to 10 social accounts
- Unlimited post scheduling
- Best time to post recommendations

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/hootsuite/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### 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 |
|---|---|---|
| **Hootsuite** | 7.5/10 | 2896 |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.3/10 | 3636 |

#### Social Analytics

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Competitor Analysis** | 7.5 (2158 reviews) | 7.7 (2978 reviews) | 
| **Follower Analysis** | 7.9 (2360 reviews) | 7.8 (3156 reviews) | 
| **Post Performance** | 8.6 (2534 reviews) | 8.8 (3378 reviews) | 
| **Paid Campaign Tracking** | 7.4 (1813 reviews) | 7.2 (2601 reviews) | 
| **Attribution** | 7.4 (2043 reviews) | 7.0 (2607 reviews) | 
| **Hashtag Analytics** | 7.6 (1492 reviews) | 7.3 (2370 reviews) | 
| **Sentiment Analysis** | 7.5 (1452 reviews) | 7.1 (2308 reviews) | 

#### Reports & Dashboards

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Report Customizability** | 8.1 (2408 reviews) | 8.1 (3228 reviews) | 
| **Report Exporting** | 8.3 (2371 reviews) | 8.5 (3272 reviews) | 
| **Scalability** | 8.4 (2411 reviews) | 8.5 (3127 reviews) | 
| **White Label** | 7.1 (1390 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

#### Agentic AI - Social Media Analytics

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 6.7 (148 reviews) | 6.2 (893 reviews) | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 6.8 (160 reviews) | 6.3 (890 reviews) | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 6.6 (146 reviews) | 6.2 (879 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 6.6 (148 reviews) | 6.3 (887 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | 6.7 (150 reviews) | 6.3 (892 reviews) | 

### Social Media Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Hootsuite** | 7.7/10 | 5429 |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.5/10 | 4659 |

#### Content & Collaboration

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Content Calendar** | 9.0 (2810 reviews) | 8.9 (3216 reviews) | 
| **Content Library** | 8.0 (2569 reviews) | 7.9 (2926 reviews) | 
| **Shared Inbox** | 8.0 (2538 reviews) | 8.2 (3026 reviews) | 
| **Approval Workflows** | 7.8 (2408 reviews) | 8.0 (2910 reviews) | 
| **Users and Permissions** | 8.2 (2531 reviews) | 8.3 (3011 reviews) | 
| **Content Creation** | 8.1 (2552 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

#### Social Management

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Social Analytics** | 8.1 (4612 reviews) | 8.6 (4377 reviews) | 
| **Social Publishing** | 8.9 (5173 reviews) | 8.9 (4416 reviews) | 
| **Campaign Optimization** | 8.2 (4510 reviews) | 8.1 (3825 reviews) | 
| **Social Engagement** | 8.4 (4893 reviews) | 8.5 (4239 reviews) | 
| **Social Ads** | 7.1 (3477 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Campaign Planning** | 8.0 (2537 reviews) | 7.9 (2912 reviews) | 
| **Hashtag Capabilites** | 7.9 (2162 reviews) | 7.5 (2495 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Social Media Management

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 6.8 (281 reviews) | 6.2 (1064 reviews) | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | 7.0 (278 reviews) | 6.4 (1054 reviews) | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 7.2 (307 reviews) | 6.6 (1070 reviews) | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 7.1 (279 reviews) | 6.5 (1046 reviews) | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | 7.0 (273 reviews) | 6.4 (1037 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 7.0 (275 reviews) | 6.4 (1038 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | 7.1 (269 reviews) | 6.5 (1038 reviews) | 

### Social Media Advertising

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Hootsuite** | 8.0/10 | 700 |
| **Sprout Social** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform Interoperability

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Close Ecosystem API** | 7.7 (562 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Social Media Advertising

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 7.4 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | 7.2 (57 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 7.4 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 7.3 (59 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 7.6 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | 7.7 (59 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Social Functionality

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Social Functionality** | 8.4 (666 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Campaign Management

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Campaign Dashboard** | 8.4 (672 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Campaign Optimization** | 8.1 (664 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reach** | 8.1 (654 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Bulk Editing** | 7.9 (664 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch Uploading** | 8.0 (662 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Brand Safety** | 8.4 (650 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Fraud Protection** | 8.2 (645 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Frequency Capping** | 7.8 (630 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Budget Pacing** | 7.7 (633 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Creative Optimization** | 8.1 (627 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rich Media Capabilties** | 8.0 (619 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **In-App Ads** | 7.5 (618 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Rich Media Capabilities** | 7.8 (614 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Targeting

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Targeting** | 8.1 (626 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Retargeting** | 7.8 (614 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Geo-Targeting** | 7.9 (614 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Contextual Targeting** | 7.8 (608 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **API / Integrations** | 7.7 (599 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Reports** | 8.3 (616 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | 8.5 (611 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Performance and Reliability** | 8.6 (611 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Enterprise Scalability** | 8.3 (600 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customization** | 8.2 (597 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Capability** | 8.3 (600 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Internationalization** | 8.0 (587 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Notifications** | 8.2 (592 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Social Media Listening Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Hootsuite** | 7.7/10 | 2299 |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.4/10 | 2200 |

#### Monitoring & Listening

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Social Measurement** | 8.1 (1914 reviews) | 8.5 (1909 reviews) | 
| **Influencer Identification** | 7.2 (1508 reviews) | 7.0 (1432 reviews) | 
| **Brand Monitoring** | 8.2 (716 reviews) | 8.1 (1231 reviews) | 
| **Keyword Tracking** | 8.0 (683 reviews) | 7.9 (1196 reviews) | 
| **Trend Analysis** | 7.9 (676 reviews) | 7.7 (1168 reviews) | 
| **Competitor Analysis** | 7.7 (648 reviews) | 7.8 (1193 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Social Media Listening Tools

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 7.3 (59 reviews) | 6.4 (386 reviews) | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 7.2 (59 reviews) | 6.5 (397 reviews) | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 7.4 (58 reviews) | 6.4 (386 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 7.3 (59 reviews) | 6.4 (387 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | 7.4 (59 reviews) | 6.5 (387 reviews) | 

#### Data Management & Analysis

| Feature | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sentiment Analysis** | 7.5 (1354 reviews) | 7.5 (1213 reviews) | 
| **Social Reporting** | 8.1 (1865 reviews) | 8.6 (1998 reviews) | 
| **Alerts and Notifications** | 8.2 (729 reviews) | 8.1 (1230 reviews) | 
| **Advanced Data Filtering** | 7.8 (649 reviews) | 7.8 (1128 reviews) | 

### Social Customer Service

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Hootsuite** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sprout Social** | 7.8/10 | 1632 |

#### Generative AI

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

#### Process

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

#### Channels

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

#### Insight

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

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (4):** [Social Media Suites](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-suites), [Social Media Management Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-mgmt), [Social Media Listening Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-listening-tools), [Social Media Analytics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-analytics)

**Unique to Hootsuite (1):** [Social Media Advertising Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-media-advertising)

**Unique to Sprout Social (1):** [Social Customer Service Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/social-customer-service)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Hootsuite | Sprout Social | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 59.6% | 44.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 28.8% | 37.7% | 
| **Enterprise** | 11.7% | 17.6% | 

### By Industry

#### Hootsuite

- **Marketing and Advertising:** 15.3%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 8.7%
- **Higher Education:** 4.3%
- **Computer Software:** 3.8%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 3.6%
- **Education Management:** 2.7%
- **Public Relations and Communications:** 2.6%
- **Retail:** 2.6%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.5%
- **Financial Services:** 2.4%
- **Other:** 51.5%

#### 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 Hootsuite

- [Vista Social](https://www.g2.com/products/vista-social/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1098 reviews)
- [Semrush](https://www.g2.com/products/semrush/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3382 reviews)
- [Meltwater](https://www.g2.com/products/meltwater/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (2645 reviews)
- [Sprinklr Social](https://www.g2.com/products/sprinklr-social/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (1207 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)
- [Eclincher](https://www.g2.com/products/eclincher/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (442 reviews)
- [Dash Social](https://www.g2.com/products/dash-social/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (395 reviews)
- [Emplifi](https://www.g2.com/products/emplifi-emplifi/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (382 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)
- [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)
- [Dash Social](https://www.g2.com/products/dash-social/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (395 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Hootsuite

- Title: [What do you get with free Hootsuite?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-do-you-get-with-free-hootsuite) — 4 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Nothing. Hootsuite discontinued their free tier "
- Title: [What is the most popular feature of Hootsuite?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-most-popular-feature-of-hootsuite) — 4 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Set it and forget it."
- Title: [How can I use Hootsuite in Instagram?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-i-use-hootsuite-in-instagram) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You cannot control Hootsuite inside of Instagram, but if you go to your Hootsuite dashboard, you can add Instagram as a social media account. This article..."
- Title: [How to connect Hootsuite to Facebook business page](https://www.g2.com/discussions/10564-how-to-connect-hootsuite-to-facebook-business-page) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hootsuite has deep, rich help pages that often include instructional videos.  Adding your Facebook page and other social networks can be found..."
- Title: [How is Hootsuite helping businesses manage their social media presence more effectively and efficiently?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-is-hootsuite-helping-businesses-manage-their-social-media-presence-more-effectively-and-efficiently) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Hootsuite helps businesses manage their social media presence by allowing them to schedule posts, monitor engagement, and analyze performance across multiple..."

### 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/hootsuite-vs-sprout-social)