PPluckly
Comparison

Buffer vs Pixlr

Side-by-side comparison of Buffer and Pixlr.

Tool
Buffer

Schedule social posts across every major platform

Pixlr

Browser-based photo editing without the software install

Starting price
5/mo
1.99/mo
Founded
2010
2008
Pricing model
freemium
freemium
Free option
Free tier
Free tier

What they are

Buffer

Buffer is a social media scheduling tool that lets creators and small teams queue posts for Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and more from a single dashboard. It suits solo creators, freelancers, and small businesses who want a straightforward publishing workflow without a steep learning curve. The analytics cover the basics but stop short of the depth that larger teams or agencies typically need.

Pixlr

Pixlr is a web and mobile photo editor that covers everything from quick retouches to layered compositions, running entirely in the browser with no download required. It attracts social media creators, bloggers, and small-business owners who need Photoshop-adjacent tools without the Adobe subscription cost. The free tier is functional but ad-supported and now leans heavily on AI features that push users toward paid plans. At $1.99 per month the entry plan is genuinely affordable, though the feature set per tier can feel inconsistently gated.

Choose
Buffer

if you need scheduling. It has a usable free tier to start with.

  • +Free plan supports 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts each
  • +Clean, minimal interface with a short onboarding curve
  • +Paid plans start at $5 per channel/month (when billed annually)
Choose
Pixlr

if you need thumbnails and visuals. It has a usable free tier to start with.

  • +Runs in any modern browser with no install needed
  • +Entry paid plan is very affordable compared to Adobe alternatives
  • +Supports layers, masks, and blending modes familiar to Photoshop users

Which to choose

Buffer and Pixlr solve different problems, so most people would not choose between them directly. The comparison below helps if you are weighing where to spend budget, or deciding whether you need both.

Read the full reviews for Buffer and Pixlr.

Pricing checked 5 Jun 2026.