10 Best Alternatives to Planable for SMM

Planable is a popular social media collaboration tool, best known for its visual content calendar, real-time feedback features, and ease of use when working with teams or clients. It's especially useful for content approval workflows. But if you've hit the limits of what Planable can offer—whether it's more advanced automation, better analytics, or a pricing model that supports larger teams—you're not alone.

More agencies and businesses are demanding fully integrated platforms that offer visual planning and robust backend power, like AI tools, white-label dashboards, unlimited users, or client-facing reporting. If you're exploring Planable alternatives, you're likely looking for a tool that grows with your business.

Below are 10 of the best alternatives to Planable.

1. Cloud Campaign

Key Features:

• Unlimited user access with no per-seat pricing
• Drag-and-drop visual content calendar
• AI-powered caption writer
• Seamless Canva integration
• White-label dashboards and client portals

Cons:

• More features than a solo user may need
• Slight learning curve for complex setups

Best For: Agencies and freelancers who manage multiple brands and clients.

How it compares to Planable:
While Planable focuses on content collaboration, Cloud Campaign expands that collaboration into a full-service platform with scheduling, automation, AI assistance, and client-facing dashboards. It's built for scale and client growth, without charging extra for additional users.

2. Agorapulse

Key Features:

• Unified inbox for all platforms
• Visual calendar and publishing queue
• Built-in team roles and content approvals

Cons:

• Limited white-labeling options
• Per-user pricing can add up for larger teams

Best For:T eams looking for easy collaboration and centralized engagement.

How it compares to Planable:
Agorapulse offers similar collaborative features, but adds publishing and inbox management. It’s ideal if you want to handle both content planning and engagement in one platform.

3. ContentStudio

Key Features:

• Content discovery and AI suggestions
• Automation workflows
• Approval workflows and multi-brand support

Cons:

• Some users report occasional interface bugs
• Not as visually focused as Planable

Best For: Teams who want a blend of AI-powered content ideation and workflow automation.

How it compares to Planable:
ContentStudio provides more automation than Planable, with content curation built in. However, it’s less visual and more workflow-oriented.

4. Zoho Social

Key Features:

• Smart scheduling and CRM integration
• Custom roles and team collaboration
• Social listening and analytics

Cons:

• Best if you already use Zoho suite
• Lacks strong visual calendar UX

Best For: Sales-driven teams and marketers already using Zoho CRM.

How it compares to Planable:
Zoho Social is more analytics- and CRM-focused than Planable. It’s a better fit for teams that want tight sales and social media alignment.

5. Metricool

Key Features:

• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Scheduling and performance tracking
• Integrates with ads platforms

Cons:

• Less intuitive for collaboration
• No built-in approval workflows

Best For: Marketing teams focused on performance, not just content planning.

How it compares to Planable:
Metricool trades visual planning for advanced metrics. If your team needs better ROI tracking, it’s a solid switch.

6. Sprout Social

Key Features:

• Social listening and sentiment tracking
• Custom reports and analytics
• Team collaboration with approvals

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Complex interface for new users

Best For: Enterprise teams needing insights and integrations.

How it compares to Planable:
Sprout offers deeper analytics and monitoring tools, which Planable lacks. It’s better suited for large teams with a research focus.

7. Publer

Key Features:

• Automation tools like post recycling
• Collaboration roles and internal notes
• Watermarking and link shortening tools

Cons:

• Fewer native integrations
• UI can feel basic

Best For: Small teams needing scheduling and light collaboration.

How it compares to Planable:
Publer offers similar collaboration but emphasizes automation and affordability. It’s a great budget-conscious upgrade.

8. StoryChief

Key Features:

• Editorial calendar with SEO tools
• Multi-channel content publishing
• Approval flows and guest contributors

Cons:

• Not focused on real-time social media management
• Expensive for small teams

Best For: Content marketing teams focused on long-form and SEO content.

How it compares to Planable:
StoryChief isn’t just about social—it’s for blog + email + social. It supports broader content teams, not just social managers.

9. Hootsuite

Key Features:

• Broad platform support (150+ integrations)
• Advanced analytics and reports
• Scheduling with approval workflows

Cons:

• Steep pricing model
• Dated interface compared to newer tools

Best For: Large companies with complex integration needs.

How it compares to Planable:
Hootsuite offers more power under the hood but feels heavier and less intuitive than Planable. It’s better for technical or enterprise teams.

10. Buffer

Key Features:

• Clean interface and calendar
• Team approval workflows
• Affordable entry-level plans

Cons:

• Limited analytics
• Fewer integrations than competitors

Best For: Startups, solopreneurs, and small marketing teams.

How it compares to Planable:
Buffer is simpler but more affordable than Planable. If you don’t need Planable’s visual feedback tools, Buffer is a budget-friendly pick.

Final Thoughts

Planable is still a go-to for many content collaboration workflows, but it’s not the only player in town. If you're looking to grow your team, streamline approvals, or need more automation, reporting, or white-label features—Cloud Campaign is an excellent upgrade.

Unlike many alternatives, Cloud Campaign gives you unlimited users, AI caption support, white-labeled workspaces, and a drag-and-drop calendar that rivals Planable’s. With no per-user pricing, it's built to grow with your agency or team.

Choose the platform that aligns with your goals—whether that’s more data, deeper collaboration, or just better value for money.

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