vs
The Best Buffer Alternative
with an Actual API
Buffer deprecated its public API in 2019. It's rebuilding one, but it's not public yet. Late is API-first with instant access, 99.97% uptime SLA, and 7-15x cheaper at scale.
No credit card required • Instant API key • Buffer has no API
// Late: Production-grade API available NOW
fetch('https://api.getlate.dev/v1/posts', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY',
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
},
body: JSON.stringify({
platforms: ['instagram', 'twitter', 'linkedin'],
content: 'Hello world!'
})
})
// Buffer: NO PUBLIC API AVAILABLE
// Deprecated 2019 • Rebuilding • Not public yetThe Fatal Flaw: Buffer Has No Public API
In 2019, Buffer deprecated its public API that had served 47,000+ API clients. As of December 2025, Buffer has no public API available. They're rebuilding a GraphQL API, but it's only in early access — not publicly available.
"We don't currently have a public API available, but we're actively working on building a new one..." — Buffer Support Documentation
Late: Sign up → Settings → API → Copy key. Available NOW on all plans including free.
API vs No API
A working API vs "coming soon"
Buffer
- ✕NO PUBLIC API — deprecated in 2019
- ✕New GraphQL API in development — not public yet
- ✕Per-channel pricing: $5/channel adds up fast
- ✕50 channels = $250+/month (vs Late's $33/mo)
- ✕No published rate limits for new API
- ✕No uptime SLA — rebuilding from scratch
- ✕6+ year API gap (2019-2025+)
Late
- Production-grade API — available NOW
- Instant API key on all plans (even free)
- Flat pricing: $33/mo for 50 profiles
- No per-channel fees — predictable costs
- Published rate limits: 60-1200 req/min
- 99.97% uptime SLA — publicly documented
- 2+ years battle-tested (2023+)
Late wins by default — Buffer has no public API. Late has a production-grade API with instant access.
Feature Comparison
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Late | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Public API | Yes (all plans) | NO — deprecated 2019 |
| API status | Production (2+ years) | Rebuilding (not public) |
| API access time | 30 seconds | N/A — no public API |
| 50 profiles cost | $33/mo | $250+/mo |
| Pricing model | Flat tiers | Per-channel ($5/ch) |
| Rate limits | 60-1200 req/min | None published |
| Uptime SLA | 99.97% (published) | None |
| Free plan | Yes (with API) | Yes (no API) |
| UI dashboard | Basic | Excellent |
| AI assistant | No | Yes (paid) |
| Analytics | $10/mo add-on | Built-in (Team+) |
| Support reputation | Good | World-class |
The Buffer API Tragedy
What happened to Buffer's API?
2019: API Deprecated
Buffer made the controversial decision to shut down its public API that had served 47,000+ API clients. Reasons included Cambridge Analytica fallout, compliance burden, and competitive concerns about third-party tools.
“After an audit of existing API integrations, we've chosen to revoke access to third-party tools that provide similar functionality to Buffer's core product...”
2025: Rebuilding (Not Public)
In July 2025, Buffer announced it's rebuilding a new GraphQL-based API. Current status: early access only, not publicly available, no published rate limits or SLA, uncertain timeline ("2025-2026").
For production use today, Late is the only option with a working API.
Production-Ready API
What Late offers that Buffer can't
Working API Today
Late has a production-grade REST API available right now. Buffer's API was deprecated in 2019 and isn't public yet. For any automation or integration, Late is the only choice.
Instant API Access
Sign up for Late, go to Settings, copy your API key. 30 seconds. Buffer requires waiting for early access to an API that isn't public yet.
99.97% Uptime SLA
Late publishes a 99.97% uptime guarantee. Buffer is rebuilding from scratch — no SLA, no guarantees, no production track record for the new API.
7-15x Cheaper at Scale
Late: $33/mo for 50 profiles. Buffer: $5/channel × 50 = $250+/mo. Buffer's per-channel model doesn't scale for agencies.
Published Rate Limits
Late: 60-1200 req/min by tier, publicly documented. Buffer: no published limits for the new API. Old API was 60 req/min.
2+ Years Battle-Tested
Late's API has been in production since 2023. Buffer's new API hasn't launched publicly yet. Maturity matters for production apps.
Which One?
API platform vs UI-only dashboard
Choose Late if you:
- Need API automation today
- Can't wait for Buffer's API rebuild
- Want 7-15x lower costs at scale
- Value published uptime guarantees
- Need programmable posting for SaaS
- Want flat, predictable pricing
- Prefer instant API access
Stay with Buffer if you:
- →Only need UI-based scheduling
- →Value Buffer's world-class support
- →Want AI writing assistance
- →Don't need API access
- →Prefer established brand reputation
- →Can accept per-channel pricing
- →Are willing to wait for API rebuild
Need API automation?
If you're a Buffer user who needs API access, Late is your only option. Buffer's API doesn't exist publicly. Sign up for Late, copy your API key, and start automating — today, not "someday."
Late's free plan includes API access. Test it before you commit.
Simple Pricing
Flat pricing vs per-channel chaos
Free
$0/mo
Forever free
- ✓ 2 profiles
- ✓ 10 posts/month
- ✓ Full API access
- ✓ All 12 platforms
- ✓ Instant API key
Buffer: Free but NO API
Build
$13/mo
Billed annually ($19/mo monthly)
- ✓ 10 profiles
- ✓ 120 posts/month
- ✓ Unlimited team
- ✓ Webhooks
- ✓ 120 req/min
Buffer: $50/mo for 10 channels
Accelerate
$33/mo
Billed annually ($49/mo monthly)
- ✓ 50 profiles
- ✓ Unlimited posts
- ✓ Unlimited team
- ✓ Priority support
- ✓ 600 req/min
Buffer: $250+/mo for 50 channels
Need more profiles? View all plans →
Common Questions
Does Buffer really have no API?
Correct. Buffer deprecated its public API in 2019 that served 47,000+ clients. They announced in July 2025 they're rebuilding a GraphQL API, but as of December 2025, it's only in early access — not publicly available. For production use, Late is the only option.
Why did Buffer kill its API?
Buffer cited Cambridge Analytica fallout (2018), compliance burden, and competitive concerns. They admitted they couldn't offer the developer experience customers deserved without massive investment. The practical result: 6+ years without a public API.
How is Late 7-15x cheaper at scale?
Buffer charges $5/channel, so 50 channels = $250+/mo. Late's Accelerate plan is $33/mo flat for 50 profiles. At scale, per-channel pricing is devastating. Late's flat tiers are designed for agencies managing many accounts.
When will Buffer's new API launch?
Buffer announced a 2025-2026 window but hasn't committed to a specific date. The API is in early access with no published rate limits, SLA, or pricing. If you need API access today, Late is the only production-ready option.
Is Buffer better for UI-only use?
For UI-focused teams who don't need API access, Buffer has an excellent reputation. Their visual calendar, AI assistant, and customer support are world-class. If you only need manual scheduling for 1-5 accounts, Buffer works well.
Can I switch from Buffer to Late easily?
Yes. Late's free plan includes API access so you can test before committing. The setup takes 30 seconds — sign up, copy your API key, and start posting. No waiting lists, no approval process.
Ready for an API that exists?
Start with the free plan. Get an instant API key. Don't wait for Buffer's "coming soon."
No credit card required • Instant API key • 99.97% uptime SLA