Emplifi (formerly Socialbakers) promises a unified customer experience platform that brings marketing, commerce, and care together. But for many businesses, the enterprise pricing, complex implementation, and declining support quality make it worth exploring alternatives.
If you're researching Emplifi alternatives, you're likely facing one of these challenges:
- Enterprise pricing without transparency: Custom quotes that climb quickly, making budgeting difficult
- Declining support quality: Delayed responses and lack of clarity since the Astute acquisition
- Over-engineered for your needs: You need social media management, not a full unified CX platform
- Reporting accuracy issues: Users report months of inaccurate data without resolution
- Complex implementation: Enterprise-level setup when you need something simpler
This guide compares 13 Emplifi alternatives across pricing, features, and ideal use cases. Whether you need affordable cross-posting automation, comprehensive analytics, or enterprise-grade capabilities, you'll find an option that fits.
Quick comparison: Top 13 Emplifi alternatives
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Key Strength | Emplifi Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PostOnce | Cross-posting automation | $19/mo | Automatic content syncing | Simple, affordable, transparent pricing |
| Sprout Social | Comprehensive analytics | $199/user/mo | Advanced reporting & CRM | Better support, clearer pricing tiers |
| Hootsuite | All-in-one management | $99/mo | Extensive integrations | More affordable, flexible licensing |
| Sprinklr | Enterprise CX | Custom | Multi-team operations | Similar enterprise features |
| Meltwater | Media intelligence | Custom | PR & brand monitoring | Stronger media monitoring focus |
| Buffer | Budget-friendly scheduling | $6/mo | Simplicity & affordability | Fraction of the cost |
| Agorapulse | Agency workflows | $49/user/mo | Organized team collaboration | Better user experience |
| Later | Visual planning | $25/mo | Instagram-first approach | Visual content focus |
| Publer | Affordable all-in-one | $12/mo | Budget-friendly features | Better value for small teams |
| Zoho Social | Zoho ecosystem | $15/mo | CRM integration | More affordable ecosystem play |
| Sendible | Agency client management | $29/mo | White-label reporting | Purpose-built for agencies |
| Statusbrew | Team collaboration | $69/mo | Workflow automation | Better collaboration tools |
| SocialPilot | Budget agencies | $30/mo | Bulk scheduling | More affordable for agencies |
Why consider an Emplifi alternative?
Emplifi serves major brands like McDonald's and Ford, but that enterprise focus creates challenges for smaller organizations:
Pricing concerns
Emplifi uses custom enterprise pricing without public rate cards. While some sources mention starting points around $200/year, reviews consistently describe it as "pricey" compared to alternatives like Buffer or Later. For small teams, the cost "quickly climbs above other tools."
Without transparent pricing, budgeting becomes difficult. You need to contact sales for quotes, go through demos, and negotiate—adding friction when you just want to start managing social media.
Support quality decline
Multiple users report support issues since Emplifi's formation through the Astute-Socialbakers merger:
"Responses from the support team are often delayed or lacked clarity... reliable and responsive support is essential and unfortunately, that's where Emplifi fell short for us."
"Since there was a change of management with Emplifi, all the support has declined."
Users describe waiting months for reporting issues to be resolved, with support unable to provide answers. For businesses relying on social media data to make decisions, this creates serious operational problems.
Reporting accuracy problems
Several reviewers highlight accuracy concerns:
"The accuracy of Emplifi's insights has been under scrutiny by users."
Users report "false engagement rates" and note that "reporting is more or less automated, and if it is not functioning do not expect a quick solution." One user complained about "months without reporting showing accurately."
If you can't trust your analytics platform, it loses its primary value.
Over-complexity for small teams
Emplifi unifies marketing, commerce, and customer care in one AI-powered platform. But if you only need social media scheduling and basic analytics, you're paying for functionality you'll never use.
Many teams just need to:
- Schedule posts across platforms
- Track basic engagement metrics
- Respond to comments and messages
- Collaborate with teammates
For these core use cases, simpler alternatives deliver better value.
How I evaluated these Emplifi alternatives
I assessed each tool across five key dimensions:
1. Core functionality Does it handle publishing, analytics, and engagement effectively? Can you manage multiple platforms from one dashboard?
2. Pricing transparency Are costs clear upfront? How does pricing scale as you add users or features?
3. Ease of use Can your team start using it quickly without extensive training? Is the interface intuitive?
4. Support quality Do you get timely, helpful responses when issues arise? What support channels are available?
5. Target market fit Is it designed for your business size and use case, or will you pay for enterprise features you don't need?
Let's dive into each alternative.
1. PostOnce — Best for automatic cross-posting
What is PostOnce?
PostOnce automates content distribution across social platforms. When you post on one platform, it automatically syncs to your other connected accounts—eliminating manual cross-posting work.
PostOnce vs Emplifi
| Feature | PostOnce | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $19-$49/mo | Custom (enterprise) |
| Setup Time | Minutes | Weeks (enterprise) |
| Primary Focus | Cross-posting automation | Unified CX platform |
| Target Market | Creators & small teams | Enterprise brands |
| Support Model | Email support | Enterprise support |
Core Differences:
- PostOnce focuses exclusively on content distribution automation
- Emplifi provides comprehensive customer experience management
- PostOnce has transparent, affordable pricing vs custom enterprise quotes
- Emplifi includes advanced features like influencer discovery and unified care
Key Features
Cross-Platform Automation Connect Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and more. Content posted on one platform automatically syncs to others based on your rules.
Content Filtering Set rules for what gets cross-posted. Filter by content type (text, images, videos), hashtags, or platform compatibility. Don't want quote tweets syncing to LinkedIn? Create a rule.
Media Optimization Images and videos are automatically converted to meet each platform's requirements. No manual resizing or format conversion needed.
Real-Time Syncing Posts sync within seconds of publishing. Your audience sees content quickly across all platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eliminates repetitive cross-posting work
- Transparent pricing starting at $19/month
- Simple setup—connect accounts and start posting
- Media automatically optimized per platform
- No enterprise implementation needed
Cons:
- No advanced analytics like Emplifi provides
- Doesn't include customer care or commerce features
- Limited to content distribution (not full social media management)
- No influencer discovery or social listening
Pricing
- Free: 1 social account, 10 cross-posts/month
- Standard ($19/mo): 5 accounts, 100 cross-posts/month
- Pro ($39/mo): 15 accounts, unlimited cross-posts
- Business ($49/mo): 30 accounts, priority support
All plans include content filtering, media optimization, and real-time syncing.
Verdict: When to choose PostOnce over Emplifi
Choose PostOnce if you:
- Need affordable cross-posting automation, not a full CX platform
- Want transparent pricing under $50/month
- Prefer simple setup over enterprise implementation
- Don't need advanced analytics, customer care, or commerce features
- Are a content creator, freelancer, or small team
Skip PostOnce if you:
- Need comprehensive social media analytics
- Require influencer discovery and social listening
- Want unified marketing, care, and commerce in one platform
- Need enterprise-grade support and SLAs
- Manage social media for large brands
2. Sprout Social — Best for comprehensive analytics
What is Sprout Social?
Sprout Social is a comprehensive social media management platform known for advanced analytics and reporting. It's positioned as a direct Emplifi competitor in the mid-market to enterprise space.
Sprout Social vs Emplifi
| Feature | Sprout Social | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $199-$399/seat/mo (public) | Custom (opaque) |
| Analytics Depth | Advanced reporting | Enterprise analytics |
| CRM Integration | Built-in CRM tools | Full CX platform integration |
| Support Quality | Consistently rated high | Declining per reviews |
| Target Market | Mid-market to enterprise | Large enterprise |
Core Differences:
- Sprout Social has public pricing tiers vs Emplifi's custom quotes
- Both offer advanced analytics, but Emplifi goes deeper into unified CX
- Sprout Social's support quality remains strong vs reported Emplifi decline
- Sprout Social focuses on social media management; Emplifi spans marketing, care, commerce
Key Features
Advanced Reporting Custom reports with data visualization, competitor benchmarking, and trend analysis. Export reports in multiple formats for stakeholders.
Smart Inbox Unified inbox for messages across all platforms. Assign conversations, add internal notes, and track response times.
Publishing & Scheduling Visual content calendar with optimal posting time recommendations. Queue posts, schedule campaigns, and preview content.
Social Listening Monitor keywords, hashtags, and brand mentions. Track sentiment and identify trending topics relevant to your brand.
CRM Integration Connect social interactions to customer profiles. See conversation history and context when engaging with followers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class analytics and reporting
- Transparent pricing structure
- Consistently high support quality ratings
- Robust CRM integration
- Intuitive interface with visual calendar
Cons:
- Expensive at $199-$399 per seat per month
- Users complain about price increases at renewal
- Still pricey for small businesses
- Doesn't include commerce or care features like Emplifi
- Advanced features locked in higher tiers
Pricing
- Standard ($199/seat/mo): 5 profiles, all-in-one social inbox, publishing tools
- Professional ($299/seat/mo): Competitive reports, message spike alerts, custom workflows
- Advanced ($399/seat/mo): Social listening, sentiment analysis, chatbots
Enterprise plans available with custom pricing for large organizations.
Verdict: When to choose Sprout Social over Emplifi
Choose Sprout Social if you:
- Need advanced analytics without Emplifi's CX complexity
- Value transparent pricing tiers
- Want consistently reliable support
- Focus primarily on social media (not unified CX)
- Are a mid-size business with budget for $199+/seat/month
Skip Sprout Social if you:
- Need unified marketing, care, and commerce in one platform
- Can't justify $199+/user/month
- Want more affordable options for small teams
- Require customer care and commerce features
- Are a solo creator or freelancer
3. Hootsuite — Best for extensive integrations
What is Hootsuite?
Founded in 2008, Hootsuite is a veteran social media management platform known for extensive integrations and flexible licensing. It offers a broad feature set at more accessible price points than Emplifi.
Hootsuite vs Emplifi
| Feature | Hootsuite | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $99-$739/mo (public) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Integrations | 250+ apps | Limited enterprise integrations |
| Licensing Model | Flexible seat-based | Custom enterprise |
| Founded | 2008 (15+ years) | 2021 (merger, rebranded) |
| Complexity | Moderate | High (enterprise) |
Core Differences:
- Hootsuite offers more affordable, transparent pricing
- Hootsuite has 250+ integrations vs Emplifi's select enterprise tools
- Emplifi provides unified CX; Hootsuite focuses on social media only
- Hootsuite prioritizes function over form; simpler than Emplifi's enterprise platform
Key Features
Streams Dashboard Monitor multiple social feeds in customizable columns. Track mentions, keywords, lists, and engagement in real-time.
Bulk Scheduling Upload CSV files to schedule hundreds of posts at once. Ideal for agencies and teams managing multiple accounts.
App Directory Access 250+ integrations including Canva, Dropbox, Google Drive, Slack, and more. Extend functionality without switching tools.
Team Workflows Assign posts for review, add approval workflows, and collaborate on content calendars. Permissions control what each team member can access.
Analytics & Reporting Track performance across networks with customizable reports. Compare metrics, identify trends, and export data for presentations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- More affordable than Emplifi ($99-$739/mo vs custom enterprise)
- 250+ integrations extend functionality
- Flexible licensing and pricing tiers
- Bulk scheduling for efficiency
- Long track record since 2008
Cons:
- Interface feels dated compared to newer tools
- UI prioritizes function over aesthetics
- Not as deep analytics as Emplifi or Sprout Social
- Some features feel clunky
- Doesn't include commerce or care capabilities
Pricing
- Professional ($99/mo): 1 user, 10 social accounts, unlimited scheduling
- Team ($249/mo): 3 users, 20 social accounts, custom analytics
- Enterprise (Custom): Unlimited users and accounts, advanced security
30-day free trial available across all plans.
Verdict: When to choose Hootsuite over Emplifi
Choose Hootsuite if you:
- Want affordable social media management ($99+ vs enterprise pricing)
- Need extensive integrations with tools you already use
- Value flexible, transparent pricing
- Focus on publishing and basic analytics
- Don't need Emplifi's unified CX platform
Skip Hootsuite if you:
- Need cutting-edge UI/UX
- Require advanced analytics like Sprout Social or Emplifi
- Want unified customer experience management
- Need customer care and commerce features
- Prefer modern, visually-focused interfaces
4. Sprinklr — Best for enterprise CX operations
What is Sprinklr?
Founded in 2010, Sprinklr is an enterprise customer experience management platform similar to Emplifi. It offers social media management alongside marketing automation, care, and commerce capabilities.
Sprinklr vs Emplifi
| Feature | Sprinklr | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom (enterprise) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Founded | 2010 (longer track record) | 2021 (recent merger) |
| Platform Breadth | Full unified CXM | Marketing, care, commerce |
| Social Listening | Advanced AI-driven | Standard enterprise |
| Target Market | Large enterprise | Large enterprise |
Core Differences:
- Both target large enterprises with custom pricing
- Sprinklr has longer track record (founded 2010 vs 2021 rebrand)
- Similar breadth covering social, marketing, care, commerce
- Sprinklr emphasizes AI-driven social listening more prominently
- Both designed for complex, multi-team operations
Key Features
Unified CX Platform Manage social media, marketing campaigns, customer care, and commerce from one interface. Data flows across teams for unified customer view.
AI-Driven Social Listening Monitor online conversations across social media and news channels. Identify emerging themes, track sentiment, and spot trends early.
Marketing Automation Create automated campaigns triggered by customer behavior. Personalize messaging based on social interactions and customer data.
Multi-Team Collaboration Permissions, workflows, and governance tools designed for large organizations with multiple departments managing social presence.
Enterprise Security SOC 2 compliance, SSO, role-based access control, and audit logs. Built for enterprises with strict security requirements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive enterprise CX platform like Emplifi
- Longer track record (founded 2010)
- Advanced AI-driven social listening
- Multi-team collaboration tools
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
Cons:
- Custom enterprise pricing (likely similar to Emplifi)
- Complex implementation process
- Overkill for small to mid-size businesses
- Steep learning curve
- Requires dedicated resources to manage
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing—contact sales for quotes. Likely similar pricing tier to Emplifi given comparable feature set and target market.
Verdict: When to choose Sprinklr over Emplifi
Choose Sprinklr if you:
- Need enterprise CX management but want proven track record
- Value AI-driven social listening capabilities
- Require multi-team collaboration at scale
- Have enterprise security requirements
- Want an alternative to Emplifi at similar price point
Skip Sprinklr if you:
- Are a small to mid-size business
- Need affordable, transparent pricing
- Want simple social media management
- Don't require unified CX platform
- Can't justify enterprise implementation costs
5. Meltwater — Best for media intelligence
What is Meltwater?
Meltwater is a media intelligence platform specializing in brand monitoring and public relations. While it includes social media management, its strength is monitoring across social media, news, and digital channels.
Meltwater vs Emplifi
| Feature | Meltwater | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Media intelligence & PR | Social media & CX |
| Media Monitoring | Extensive (news + social) | Social-focused |
| Publishing Tools | Basic | Advanced |
| Pricing | Custom (enterprise) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Best For | PR teams | Marketing teams |
Core Differences:
- Meltwater emphasizes media monitoring; Emplifi emphasizes social media management
- Meltwater covers news and digital channels more comprehensively
- Emplifi has more robust publishing and content creation tools
- Meltwater targets PR teams; Emplifi targets marketing teams
- Both use custom enterprise pricing
Key Features
Media Monitoring Track brand mentions across online news, blogs, forums, social media, podcasts, and broadcast media. Get alerts for important mentions.
Influencer Identification Discover journalists and influencers covering topics relevant to your brand. Track their reach and engagement.
Sentiment Analysis Understand how your brand is perceived across channels. Track sentiment trends over time.
Crisis Detection Automated alerts when mention volume spikes or sentiment turns negative. Respond to crises quickly.
Social Publishing Schedule posts across social networks. Less robust than Emplifi but covers core publishing needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strongest media intelligence capabilities
- Comprehensive monitoring across channels
- Excellent for PR and reputation management
- Influencer and journalist identification
- Crisis detection and alerting
Cons:
- Custom enterprise pricing
- Publishing tools less advanced than Emplifi
- Not focused on unified CX like Emplifi
- Better suited for PR teams than marketing teams
- Social media management secondary to monitoring
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing—contact sales. Likely similar to Emplifi given enterprise positioning.
Verdict: When to choose Meltwater over Emplifi
Choose Meltwater if you:
- Need comprehensive media intelligence and brand monitoring
- Are a PR or communications team
- Want to track news and digital channels beyond social
- Need journalist and influencer identification
- Prioritize reputation management
Skip Meltwater if you:
- Focus primarily on social media content creation
- Need robust publishing and analytics tools
- Want unified marketing, care, and commerce
- Are a marketing team (not PR-focused)
- Need affordable options for small teams
6. Buffer — Best for budget-friendly scheduling
What is Buffer?
Buffer is a simple, affordable social media scheduling tool. It's positioned as the opposite of Emplifi—focused on core publishing features at prices accessible to individuals and small teams.
Buffer vs Emplifi
| Feature | Buffer | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $6-$120/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Complexity | Simple, focused | Complex, comprehensive |
| Target Market | Individuals & small teams | Enterprise |
| Learning Curve | Minutes | Weeks |
| Feature Breadth | Core publishing + basic analytics | Full CX platform |
Core Differences:
- Buffer costs a fraction of Emplifi ($6-$120/mo vs custom enterprise)
- Buffer focuses only on publishing and basic analytics
- Emplifi provides unified CX with marketing, care, commerce
- Buffer has simple setup; Emplifi requires enterprise implementation
- Buffer for small teams; Emplifi for large brands
Key Features
Visual Queue See scheduled posts in a visual queue. Drag and drop to reorder. Schedule to custom time slots or optimal posting times.
Basic Analytics Track reach, engagement, and clicks. Export data to CSV. Understand what content resonates.
Browser Extension Share content to Buffer while browsing. Queue articles, images, and videos without opening the main app.
Team Collaboration Share access with team members. Review and approve posts before publishing (paid plans).
Multiple Platforms Post to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok from one dashboard.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable ($6-$120/mo)
- Transparent, simple pricing tiers
- Easy to learn and use
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Great for individuals and small teams
Cons:
- Very basic analytics compared to Emplifi
- No social listening or monitoring
- Limited team collaboration features
- No customer care or commerce capabilities
- Not suitable for enterprise needs
Pricing
- Free: 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts
- Essentials ($6/mo/channel): Unlimited scheduled posts, basic analytics
- Team ($12/mo/channel): Collaboration tools, engagement features
- Agency ($120/mo): 10 channels, unlimited team members, client management
All paid plans include a 14-day free trial.
Verdict: When to choose Buffer over Emplifi
Choose Buffer if you:
- Need affordable social media scheduling ($6+ vs enterprise pricing)
- Want simple publishing tools, not comprehensive CX
- Are an individual, freelancer, or small team
- Value ease of use over advanced features
- Don't need analytics deeper than basic engagement metrics
Skip Buffer if you:
- Need advanced analytics and reporting
- Require social listening or media monitoring
- Want unified marketing, care, and commerce
- Manage social media for large brands
- Need enterprise features and support
7. Agorapulse — Best for organized agency workflows
What is Agorapulse?
Agorapulse is a social media management platform known for user-friendly workflows and organized team collaboration. It's popular among agencies and teams prioritizing clear processes.
Agorapulse vs Emplifi
| Feature | Agorapulse | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $49-$149/user/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Target Market | Agencies & teams | Enterprise |
| User Experience | Highly intuitive | Complex |
| Social Inbox | Unified, organized | Part of larger CX platform |
| Workflow Focus | Strong | Enterprise-grade |
Core Differences:
- Agorapulse has transparent pricing; Emplifi uses custom quotes
- Agorapulse focuses on user-friendly workflows; Emplifi on comprehensive CX
- Agorapulse popular with agencies; Emplifi targets large brands
- Agorapulse simpler to implement and use
- Emplifi provides broader marketing, care, commerce integration
Key Features
Unified Social Inbox All messages, comments, and mentions in one organized inbox. Tag conversations, assign to team members, and track resolution.
Content Calendar Visual calendar showing all scheduled content. Drag and drop to reschedule. Color-code by campaign or client.
Social Listening Monitor keywords and hashtags relevant to your brand. Get alerts for important conversations to join.
Detailed Reporting Custom reports with engagement metrics, follower growth, and best posting times. White-label reports for agency clients.
Collaboration Tools Internal notes, approval workflows, and role-based permissions. Keep teams coordinated.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Intuitive interface with organized workflows
- Transparent pricing ($49-$149/user/month)
- Excellent for agencies managing multiple clients
- Unified inbox simplifies engagement
- Good balance of features and usability
Cons:
- More expensive than Buffer or Publer
- Not as advanced analytics as Emplifi or Sprout Social
- Doesn't include care or commerce features
- Limited integrations compared to Hootsuite
- Still too pricey for solo creators
Pricing
- Standard ($49/user/mo): 10 social profiles, unlimited scheduling
- Professional ($79/user/mo): 20 profiles, social listening
- Advanced ($119/user/mo): 40 profiles, custom reports
- Custom ($149+/user/mo): Unlimited profiles, dedicated support
14-day free trial available.
Verdict: When to choose Agorapulse over Emplifi
Choose Agorapulse if you:
- Are an agency managing multiple client accounts
- Value organized workflows and team collaboration
- Want transparent pricing under $150/user/month
- Need unified social inbox for engagement
- Don't need Emplifi's full CX capabilities
Skip Agorapulse if you:
- Need unified marketing, care, and commerce
- Require enterprise-grade analytics
- Want more affordable options (Buffer, Publer)
- Are a large enterprise needing custom solutions
- Need deeper social listening than basic monitoring
8. Later — Best for visual content planning
What is Later?
Later is a visual-first social media scheduler particularly strong for Instagram. It emphasizes visual planning with drag-and-drop calendars and preview grids.
Later vs Emplifi
| Feature | Later | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $25-$80/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Visual Focus | Strong (Instagram-first) | Standard |
| Platform Strength | Instagram, Pinterest | All major platforms |
| Target Market | Visual brands | Enterprise |
| Complexity | Simple | High |
Core Differences:
- Later focuses on visual content (Instagram/Pinterest); Emplifi is platform-agnostic
- Later costs $25-$80/month vs Emplifi's enterprise pricing
- Later emphasizes drag-and-drop visual planning; Emplifi on comprehensive analytics
- Later for visual brands and creators; Emplifi for large enterprises
- Later simple to use; Emplifi requires training
Key Features
Visual Content Calendar See your Instagram feed layout before publishing. Drag and drop posts to plan aesthetic. Preview grid shows how profile will look.
Link in Bio Create clickable landing page for Instagram bio link. Direct followers to multiple links from one URL.
Best Time to Post Analyze when your audience is most active. Get recommendations for optimal posting times.
Media Library Store images and videos for easy reuse. Organize by campaign or content type.
TikTok & Pinterest Schedule video content to TikTok and pins to Pinterest. Manage visual platforms from one dashboard.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best visual planning for Instagram
- Affordable ($25-$80/month)
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Link in bio tool included
- Great for visual brands and creators
Cons:
- Limited analytics compared to Emplifi
- Focused on Instagram/Pinterest (less strong for other platforms)
- No customer care or commerce features
- Not built for enterprise needs
- Basic team collaboration tools
Pricing
- Starter ($25/mo): 1 user, 1 social set, 60 posts/month
- Growth ($45/mo): 3 users, 3 social sets, 150 posts/month
- Advanced ($80/mo): 6 users, 6 social sets, unlimited posts
Free plan available with limited features.
Verdict: When to choose Later over Emplifi
Choose Later if you:
- Focus on visual content (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok)
- Want affordable visual planning tools ($25-$80/mo)
- Are a visual brand, influencer, or content creator
- Value drag-and-drop calendar and grid preview
- Don't need enterprise analytics or unified CX
Skip Later if you:
- Need comprehensive multi-platform analytics
- Manage non-visual platforms primarily (Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Require unified customer experience management
- Want advanced social listening and monitoring
- Need enterprise features and support
9. Publer — Best for affordable all-in-one features
What is Publer?
Publer is an affordable social media management tool offering surprising feature depth at low prices. It's positioned between simple tools like Buffer and comprehensive platforms like Emplifi.
Publer vs Emplifi
| Feature | Publer | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $12-$100/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Feature Breadth | Comprehensive for price | Enterprise-grade |
| Target Market | Freelancers & small agencies | Large enterprises |
| Analytics Depth | Good | Advanced |
| Workspaces | Multiple included | Enterprise implementation |
Core Differences:
- Publer costs $12-$100/month vs Emplifi's enterprise pricing
- Publer offers surprising features for the price; Emplifi more comprehensive
- Publer easy to start using; Emplifi requires implementation
- Emplifi targets large brands; Publer for freelancers and small agencies
- Emplifi includes care and commerce; Publer focuses on social media
Key Features
Multiple Workspaces Create separate workspaces for different brands or clients. Keep projects organized.
AI Content Generation Generate post captions with AI assistance. Get suggestions based on topic and tone.
Bulk Scheduling Upload CSV files or use the bulk scheduler to queue many posts at once.
Auto-Posting Connect RSS feeds and automatically share new blog posts to social media.
Analytics Dashboard Track performance across platforms. See engagement trends and top-performing content.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value ($12-$100/month)
- Multiple workspaces included
- AI content generation
- Bulk scheduling capabilities
- Good analytics for the price
Cons:
- Not as deep analytics as Emplifi or Sprout Social
- Interface less polished than premium tools
- Limited team collaboration features
- No social listening or media monitoring
- Not suitable for enterprise needs
Pricing
- Free: 3 social accounts, 10 posts/month
- Professional ($12/mo): 5 accounts, 100 posts/month, 1 workspace
- Business ($29/mo): 10 accounts, 500 posts/month, 3 workspaces
- Agency ($100/mo): 50 accounts, 2000 posts/month, 10 workspaces
Verdict: When to choose Publer over Emplifi
Choose Publer if you:
- Need affordable all-in-one features ($12-$100/mo)
- Are a freelancer or small agency
- Want multiple workspaces for clients
- Value AI content generation and bulk scheduling
- Don't need enterprise-level analytics or unified CX
Skip Publer if you:
- Need advanced analytics and deep reporting
- Require unified marketing, care, and commerce
- Want enterprise-grade support and SLAs
- Need social listening and media monitoring
- Manage social media for large brands
10. Zoho Social — Best for Zoho ecosystem integration
What is Zoho Social?
Zoho Social is part of the Zoho suite of business software. It offers social media management with tight integration to Zoho CRM, Desk, and other Zoho products.
Zoho Social vs Emplifi
| Feature | Zoho Social | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $15-$65/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Ecosystem | Zoho products | Standalone + integrations |
| CRM Integration | Native (Zoho CRM) | Enterprise integrations |
| Target Market | Zoho users | Large enterprises |
| Complexity | Moderate | High |
Core Differences:
- Zoho Social integrates deeply with Zoho ecosystem
- Zoho Social costs $15-$65/month vs Emplifi's enterprise pricing
- Emplifi offers broader unified CX beyond social media
- Zoho Social best for existing Zoho customers
- Emplifi targets larger organizations
Key Features
Zoho CRM Integration Connect social interactions to customer records in Zoho CRM. See conversation history and customer context.
Social Listening Monitor keywords, hashtags, and competitor activity. Track brand mentions and sentiment.
Publishing & Scheduling Schedule posts across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google My Business.
Team Collaboration Assign tasks, share calendars, and coordinate with team members. Role-based permissions control access.
Custom Reports Build reports with metrics that matter to your business. Schedule automatic report delivery.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable ($15-$65/month)
- Excellent integration with Zoho ecosystem
- Native CRM connection
- Social listening included
- Good value for Zoho customers
Cons:
- Less valuable if you don't use other Zoho products
- Not as advanced analytics as Emplifi
- Smaller user community than major platforms
- Limited integrations outside Zoho ecosystem
- Not designed for enterprise at Emplifi's scale
Pricing
- Standard ($15/mo): 1 brand (8 channels), 1 team member
- Professional ($40/mo): 1 brand, 3 team members, bulk scheduling
- Premium ($65/mo): 1 brand, 5 team members, social listening
Verdict: When to choose Zoho Social over Emplifi
Choose Zoho Social if you:
- Already use Zoho CRM, Desk, or other Zoho products
- Want affordable social media management ($15-$65/mo)
- Need native CRM integration
- Are a small to mid-size business
- Value ecosystem integration over standalone features
Skip Zoho Social if you:
- Don't use other Zoho products
- Need advanced analytics like Emplifi
- Want unified marketing, care, and commerce platform
- Require enterprise-grade features and support
- Need deeper social listening capabilities
11. Sendible — Best for agency client management
What is Sendible?
Sendible is a social media management platform purpose-built for agencies. It emphasizes client management, white-label reporting, and team workflows.
Sendible vs Emplifi
| Feature | Sendible | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $29-$399/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Target Market | Agencies | Enterprise brands |
| White-Label | Yes (reports, dashboards) | No |
| Client Management | Core feature | Not focused |
| Complexity | Moderate | High |
Core Differences:
- Sendible built for agencies; Emplifi for in-house teams at large brands
- Sendible offers white-label reporting; Emplifi doesn't emphasize this
- Sendible costs $29-$399/month vs Emplifi's enterprise pricing
- Sendible focuses on client management; Emplifi on unified CX
- Emplifi provides broader platform (care, commerce); Sendible stays social-focused
Key Features
Client Management Organize social accounts by client. Give clients limited access to review and approve content.
White-Label Reports Customize reports with your agency branding. Schedule automatic delivery to clients.
Content Approval Workflows Submit posts for client approval before scheduling. Track what's pending, approved, or rejected.
Compose Box Create posts once and customize per platform. Preview how content will appear on each network.
Collaboration Tools Assign tasks, leave internal notes, and coordinate with team members on client accounts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Purpose-built for agencies
- White-label reporting and dashboards
- Client approval workflows
- Transparent pricing ($29-$399/month)
- Good balance of features for agency needs
Cons:
- More expensive than some alternatives
- Not as deep analytics as Emplifi
- Interface feels somewhat dated
- Limited integrations compared to Hootsuite
- Not ideal for in-house teams
Pricing
- Creator ($29/mo): 1 user, 6 profiles, basic features
- Traction ($89/mo): 4 users, 24 profiles, white-label reports
- Growth ($199/mo): 7 users, 49 profiles, client management
- Large ($399/mo): 15 users, 105 profiles, priority support
14-day free trial available.
Verdict: When to choose Sendible over Emplifi
Choose Sendible if you:
- Are an agency managing multiple client accounts
- Need white-label reporting and dashboards
- Want client approval workflows
- Value transparent pricing ($29-$399/mo)
- Don't need Emplifi's unified CX capabilities
Skip Sendible if you:
- Are an in-house team (not an agency)
- Need advanced analytics and deep reporting
- Want unified marketing, care, and commerce
- Require enterprise-grade platform
- Need more modern interface
12. Statusbrew — Best for collaboration-focused teams
What is Statusbrew?
Statusbrew is a social media management platform emphasizing team collaboration and workflow automation. It's designed for teams that need coordinated social media operations.
Statusbrew vs Emplifi
| Feature | Statusbrew | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $69-$349/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Collaboration Focus | Strong | Enterprise-grade |
| Workflow Automation | Emphasized | Part of larger platform |
| Target Market | Teams & agencies | Large enterprises |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Steep |
Core Differences:
- Statusbrew emphasizes team collaboration; Emplifi offers comprehensive CX
- Statusbrew costs $69-$349/month vs Emplifi's enterprise pricing
- Statusbrew focuses on workflow automation; Emplifi on unified platform
- Statusbrew for mid-size teams; Emplifi for large enterprises
- Emplifi includes care and commerce; Statusbrew stays social-focused
Key Features
Workflow Automation Create custom workflows for content approval, publishing, and engagement. Automate repetitive tasks.
Unified Social Inbox All messages, comments, and mentions in one place. Tag conversations, set priorities, and assign to team members.
Team Collaboration Internal notes, task assignment, and role-based permissions. Keep teams coordinated across accounts.
Custom Dashboards Build dashboards with metrics relevant to your business. Share with stakeholders.
Advanced Analytics Track performance across platforms. Competitive benchmarking and trend analysis.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong team collaboration features
- Workflow automation capabilities
- Transparent pricing ($69-$349/month)
- Good analytics and reporting
- Unified inbox for engagement
Cons:
- More expensive than Buffer or Publer
- Not as comprehensive as Emplifi's full CX platform
- Steeper learning curve than simpler tools
- Doesn't include care or commerce features
- Limited integrations beyond social platforms
Pricing
- Engage ($69/mo): 1 user, 10 profiles, publishing & engagement
- Analyze ($149/mo): 3 users, 25 profiles, advanced analytics
- Listen ($249/mo): 5 users, 50 profiles, social listening
- Scale ($349/mo): 10 users, 100 profiles, workflow automation
14-day free trial available.
Verdict: When to choose Statusbrew over Emplifi
Choose Statusbrew if you:
- Prioritize team collaboration and workflows
- Need workflow automation at affordable price
- Are a mid-size team or agency
- Want transparent pricing ($69-$349/mo)
- Don't need Emplifi's full unified CX platform
Skip Statusbrew if you:
- Need unified marketing, care, and commerce
- Want simpler, more affordable tools (Buffer, Publer)
- Require enterprise-grade features and support
- Are a solo creator or very small team
- Need deeper integrations beyond social media
13. SocialPilot — Best for budget-conscious agencies
What is SocialPilot?
SocialPilot is an affordable social media scheduling tool popular among small agencies and teams. It offers solid features at lower prices than most competitors.
SocialPilot vs Emplifi
| Feature | SocialPilot | Emplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $30-$200/mo (transparent) | Custom (enterprise) |
| Target Market | Small agencies | Large enterprises |
| Bulk Scheduling | Strong | Standard |
| Analytics Depth | Basic | Advanced |
| Complexity | Simple | High |
Core Differences:
- SocialPilot costs $30-$200/month vs Emplifi's enterprise pricing
- SocialPilot focuses on scheduling efficiency; Emplifi on comprehensive CX
- SocialPilot for small agencies; Emplifi for large brands
- Emplifi provides unified platform; SocialPilot stays focused on publishing
- SocialPilot simple to use; Emplifi requires training
Key Features
Bulk Scheduling Upload posts via CSV or RSS feeds. Schedule hundreds of posts quickly. Great for agencies managing many accounts.
Content Curation Discover and share relevant content from across the web. Build content libraries for easy reuse.
Client Management Organize accounts by client. Give clients view-only access to calendars and reports.
White-Label Reports Customize reports with your agency branding. Schedule automatic delivery.
Team Collaboration Assign content creation tasks to team members. Approval workflows for client content.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable ($30-$200/month)
- Strong bulk scheduling capabilities
- Good for small agencies
- White-label reporting included
- Simple to learn and use
Cons:
- Basic analytics compared to Emplifi
- Interface less polished than premium tools
- Limited social listening
- Not designed for enterprise scale
- Fewer integrations than Hootsuite
Pricing
- Professional ($30/mo): 3 users, 25 accounts, 500 posts/mo
- Small Team ($50/mo): 6 users, 50 accounts, bulk scheduling
- Agency ($100/mo): 15 users, 100 accounts, white-label reports
- Agency+ ($200/mo): 30 users, 200 accounts, priority support
14-day free trial, no credit card required.
Verdict: When to choose SocialPilot over Emplifi
Choose SocialPilot if you:
- Are a small agency on tight budget
- Need affordable bulk scheduling ($30-$200/mo)
- Want white-label reporting without premium pricing
- Manage many client accounts
- Don't need Emplifi's comprehensive analytics or unified CX
Skip SocialPilot if you:
- Need advanced analytics and deep reporting
- Want unified marketing, care, and commerce platform
- Require social listening and media monitoring
- Need enterprise features and support
- Want more polished interface and user experience
Which Emplifi alternative fits your needs?
For content creators and solo entrepreneurs
→ PostOnce ($19/mo) or Buffer ($6/mo)
If you need simple cross-posting automation, PostOnce eliminates manual work. If you prefer scheduling with basic analytics, Buffer is hard to beat on price.
For small businesses and startups
→ Publer ($12/mo) or Zoho Social ($15/mo)
Publer offers surprising features for the price. If you use Zoho CRM, Zoho Social's native integration provides extra value.
For visual brands and influencers
→ Later ($25/mo)
Instagram-focused visual planning with grid preview and Link in Bio. Perfect for brands where aesthetics matter.
For small agencies
→ SocialPilot ($30/mo) or Sendible ($89/mo)
SocialPilot wins on affordability. Sendible offers more robust client management if budget allows.
For growing teams
→ Agorapulse ($49/user/mo) or Statusbrew ($69/mo)
Both emphasize team collaboration. Agorapulse has cleaner interface; Statusbrew offers more workflow automation.
For established agencies
→ Hootsuite ($99/mo) or Sprout Social ($199/user/mo)
Hootsuite provides extensive integrations at reasonable cost. Sprout Social offers superior analytics if budget supports it.
For enterprises
→ Sprinklr (custom) or Meltwater (custom)
If you need enterprise CX like Emplifi but want alternatives, Sprinklr offers similar breadth. Meltwater excels if media intelligence is priority.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emplifi the same as Socialbakers?
Yes, Emplifi is the rebranded name of Socialbakers. In 2020, customer experience company Astute acquired Socialbakers, and in June 2021 the combined company rebranded as Emplifi. The platform now offers unified customer experience management spanning marketing, commerce, and care—broader than Socialbakers' original social media analytics focus.
Why are users looking for Emplifi alternatives?
Users seek alternatives primarily due to:
- Pricing concerns: Enterprise custom pricing without transparency makes budgeting difficult
- Support quality decline: Multiple users report delayed, unclear responses since the Astute merger
- Reporting accuracy: Issues with false engagement rates and months of inaccurate data
- Over-complexity: Many need social media management, not full unified CX platform
- Better options: Tools like Sprout Social offer comparable features with public pricing
What's the cheapest Emplifi alternative?
Buffer is the cheapest full-featured alternative at $6/month per social channel. For pure cross-posting automation, PostOnce starts at $19/month. Both offer transparent pricing far below Emplifi's enterprise rates.
For agencies managing multiple accounts, SocialPilot provides excellent value at $30/month for 3 users and 25 accounts.
What's the best Emplifi alternative for agencies?
Sendible ($89-$399/mo) is purpose-built for agencies with white-label reporting, client approval workflows, and organized client management.
Agorapulse ($49-$119/user/mo) offers excellent team collaboration with clean interface. SocialPilot ($30-$200/mo) provides strong value for budget-conscious agencies.
Do any alternatives match Emplifi's unified CX capabilities?
Sprinklr is the closest match—an enterprise platform offering unified customer experience management across marketing, care, and commerce. Both target large enterprises with custom pricing.
However, most teams don't need full unified CX. If you only need social media management, tools like Sprout Social or Hootsuite provide robust features without the complexity and cost of enterprise CX platforms.
Can I switch from Emplifi without losing data?
Most alternatives allow importing historical data via CSV exports or API connections. Before switching:
- Export your scheduled posts, analytics history, and team workflows
- Document your approval processes and team permissions
- Test the new platform with one or two accounts first
- Run both platforms in parallel during transition period
- Train team members on new tool before full cutover
Contact your new platform's support team—many offer migration assistance, especially for agency and enterprise plans.
Final thoughts on Emplifi alternatives
Emplifi serves major brands well with its unified customer experience platform. But for most businesses, the enterprise pricing, implementation complexity, and reported support issues make alternatives worth serious consideration.
Choose PostOnce if you need simple, affordable cross-posting automation that just works. No enterprise complexity, no custom quotes—connect accounts and start posting for $19/month.
Choose Sprout Social if you need advanced analytics with transparent pricing. You'll pay more than budget tools but less than enterprise platforms, with consistently high support quality.
Choose Buffer or Publer if you're on tight budget. Both deliver core scheduling features at prices accessible to individuals and small teams.
Choose Hootsuite if you need extensive integrations and flexible licensing at reasonable cost.
Choose Sprinklr only if you truly need enterprise unified CX comparable to Emplifi—but verify support quality and implementation timeline.
The right choice depends on your team size, budget, and whether you need comprehensive CX or focused social media management. For most businesses leaving Emplifi, simpler tools with transparent pricing deliver better value.
→ Try PostOnce free — automatic cross-posting, no enterprise complexity
Research sources
- Emplifi Social Marketing Cloud Review - Research.com
- Emplifi Reviews - G2
- Top 9 Emplifi Alternatives - Sprinklr
- 11 Emplifi Competitors - Sprout Social
- Emplifi (Formerly Socialbakers) Review - RecurPost
- Emplifi Wikipedia
- Emplifi Alternatives - OMR Reviews
- Emplifi vs Sprout Social Comparison
- Hootsuite vs Emplifi - Software Advice