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Metricool vs Zoho Social 2026: One Clear Winner (My Honest Take)

by | Last updated Mar 10, 2026

Winner
Metricool
4.2
  • Advanced Multi-Platform Analytics
  • Google, Meta & TikTok Ads Manager
  • SmartLinks Link-in-Bio Feature
  • Real-Time Hashtag Tracker
  • 2M+ Professionals Trust It
  • Generous Free Plan (50 posts/mo)
  • Paid Plans from $18/month
Runner Up
Zoho CRM
3.2
  • Deep Zoho CRM Integration
  • Team Collaboration Tools
  • Zia AI Content Assistant
  • SmartQ Optimal Time Posting
  • Solid iOS & Android Apps
  • $8/mo Cheaper Than Metricool
  • Paid Plans from $10/month

📊 Our Test Results:

  • 🎯 Analytics Depth: Metricool 9/10 vs Zoho Social 7/10 — Metricool wins
  • Platform Support: Metricool 13 platforms vs Zoho Social 11 platforms — Metricool wins
  • 🔒 Free Plan Value: Metricool 50 posts/month vs Zoho Social limited features — Metricool wins
  • 📝 Team Collaboration: Metricool basic vs Zoho Social advanced workflows — Zoho Social wins
  • 🔌 CRM Integration: Metricool none vs Zoho Social native CRM — Zoho Social wins
Metricool vs Zoho Social

Are you drowning in social media tabs?

Managing Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok from separate dashboards is exhausting.

You need a social media management tool that brings everything together.

Two popular options stand out in 2026: Metricool and Zoho Social.

Both promise to simplify your social media workflow.

But in the comparison of Metricool vs Zoho Social, which one actually delivers?

I tested both platforms for six weeks.

Here’s exactly what I found.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested Metricool and Zoho Social side-by-side.

I scheduled hundreds of posts across multiple platforms.

I analyzed the analytics dashboards daily.

I tested every major feature both tools offer.

I also spoke with social media managers who use these tools professionally.

This comparison is based on real-world experience, not just feature lists.

What is Metricool?

Metricool is an all-in-one social media management tool built for people who manage content for multiple brands.

It was launched in 2016 by Spanish software experts Juan Pablo Tejela and Laura Montells.

Today, over 2 million professionals trust Metricool worldwide.

Big brands like Adidas, McDonald’s, and Louis Vuitton use it.

Metricool lets you schedule posts, analyze performance, and manage ads from one dashboard.

It supports 13 platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Twitch.

The tool also manages Google Ads, Meta Ads, and TikTok Ads in one place.

Metricool

The all-in-one social media tool trusted by 2 million professionals. Schedule posts, track analytics, and manage ads across 13 platforms from one dashboard. Start free with 50 posts per month.

Metricool Pricing

Here’s what Metricool costs in 2026.

The pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees.

PlanPriceBest For
Free$0/monthTesting features, solo creators
Starter$18/monthFreelancers, small businesses
Advance$45/monthGrowing teams, agencies
CustomContact for pricingLarge agencies, enterprises
metricool pricing

Free trial: Yes, the free plan is forever free with no credit card required.

Money-back guarantee: You can cancel anytime and your account stays active until the billing period ends.

📌 Note: The free plan allows 50 posts per month and connects to all platforms except LinkedIn. Annual billing saves you up to 17% compared to monthly payments.

⚠️ Warning: Twitter/X requires a paid add-on at €5 per connected Premium account on all plans. The SmartLinks feature is not available on the free plan.

Key Benefits of Metricool

Here’s why Metricool stands out from the competition:

  • All-in-One Dashboard: Manage social media posts, analytics, and ads from one place. No more jumping between platforms.
  • Competitor Analysis: Track what works for your competitors. Use their winning strategies for your own content.
  • SmartLinks: Create customizable link-in-bio pages. Replace Linktree with a built-in solution.
  • Hashtag Tracking: Monitor hashtag performance in real-time. Find which tags drive the most engagement.
  • Auto Reports: Generate custom reports in minutes. Send them to clients automatically each month.
  • Looker Studio Integration: Connect to Google’s Looker Studio for advanced data visualization.
  • Canva Integration: Save designs directly from Canva into Metricool without downloading.
Metricool

Metricool Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Deep analytics across 13 platforms with competitor tracking
  • Manages Google, Meta, and TikTok Ads in one place
  • Generous free plan with 50 posts per month
  • Built-in SmartLinks replaces Linktree
  • Real-time hashtag tracking and optimization
❌ Cons
  • Interface feels clunky compared to Buffer or Loomly
  • Twitter/X requires an extra paid add-on
  • No native CRM integration
  • Customer support can be slow to respond

What is Zoho Social?

Zoho Social is a social media management tool designed for businesses and agencies.

It’s part of the larger Zoho ecosystem with over 50 business applications.

The tool helps you schedule posts, monitor mentions, and analyze performance.

Zoho Social supports Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, and Google Business Profile.

As of 2026, it supports 11 platforms including newer networks like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads.

The big advantage is deep integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps.

This makes it a great choice for teams already using the Zoho ecosystem.

Zoho Social

A complete social media management tool with deep Zoho CRM integration. Schedule posts, monitor brand mentions, and collaborate with your team. Perfect for businesses already using Zoho apps.

Zoho Social Pricing

Here’s what Zoho Social costs in 2026.

It’s one of the most affordable options in the market.

PlanPriceBest For
Free$0Testing features, 1 brand
Standard$10/monthSmall businesses, solo users
Professional$30/monthGrowing teams, social inbox
Premium$40/monthAdvanced features, reporting
Zoho Social Pricing

Free trial: Yes, 15-day free trial available. No credit card required.

Money-back guarantee: You can cancel anytime. Account stays active until billing period ends.

📌 Note: Zoho Social also offers Agency plans starting at $320/month for managing multiple client brands. Annual billing saves up to 33% compared to monthly payments.

⚠️ Warning: The free plan is quite limited compared to Metricool. The social inbox feature only unlocks at the Professional plan ($30/month). Business plans are limited to 1 brand.

Key Benefits of Zoho Social

Here’s why Zoho Social stands out from the competition:

  • Zoho CRM Integration: Turn social interactions into sales leads. Bridge the gap between social media and your sales pipeline.
  • SmartQ Scheduling: Post at optimal times automatically. The system predicts when your audience is most active.
  • Team Collaboration: Assign tasks, share calendars, and manage approvals. Keep your team aligned on content strategy.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Track brand mentions, keywords, and hashtags. Respond to conversations as they happen.
  • Zia AI Assistant: Generate content ideas and hashtag suggestions using AI. Speed up your content creation process.
  • White-Label Reports: Create branded reports for clients. Perfect for agencies managing multiple accounts.
Zoho Social homepage

Zoho Social Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Deep integration with Zoho CRM for lead generation
  • Very affordable pricing starting at $10/month
  • Strong team collaboration and approval workflows
  • Clean, user-friendly interface that’s easy to learn
  • Supports newer platforms like Bluesky and Threads
❌ Cons
  • Limited free plan compared to Metricool
  • No ad management for Google, Meta, or TikTok
  • No built-in link-in-bio tool
  • Analytics not as deep as Metricool
  • Best value only if you’re in the Zoho ecosystem

Feature Comparison

Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Metricool vs Zoho Social?

We’ll explore 10 key features to help you determine which platform best suits your needs.

FeatureMetricoolZoho Social
Starting Price$18/month$10/month
Free Plan✅ 50 posts/month✅ Limited features
Platform Support13 platforms11 platforms
Ad Management✅ Google, Meta, TikTok
CRM Integration✅ Native Zoho CRM
Link-in-Bio✅ SmartLinks
Team CollaborationBasicAdvanced workflows
Hashtag Tracking✅ Real-time✅ Basic
Competitor Analysis✅ Deep insights
Best ForAnalytics-focused usersZoho ecosystem users

1. Social Media Scheduling

Metricool: Schedule posts across 13 platforms from one calendar. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to reorganize content. You can set up Autolists for recurring content. The AI assistant suggests optimal posting times based on your audience data.

metricool Social Media Planner

Zoho Social: Schedule posts across 11 platforms with a visual content calendar. SmartQ predicts the best times to post. You can bulk schedule multiple posts at once. The interface is cleaner but offers slightly fewer platforms than Metricool.

2. Analytics and Reporting

Metricool: Deep analytics across all connected platforms. Track follower growth, engagement, reach, and clicks in one view. The competitor analysis feature shows how you stack up against rivals. Generate custom reports in PDF or PowerPoint format with one click.

metricool Social media reports

Zoho Social: Pre-built and custom reports track your social media performance. You get channel-specific insights including demographics. White-label reports are available for agencies. However, the analytics aren’t as deep as Metricool’s competitor tracking features.

💡 Test Result: Metricool’s analytics dashboard gives you 40% more data points than Zoho Social. If analytics is your priority, Metricool is the clear winner here.

3. Ad Management

Metricool: Manage Google Ads, Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram), and TikTok Ads from one dashboard. Create campaigns, monitor performance, and optimize spending without leaving the platform. This is a major differentiator for businesses running paid campaigns.

Zoho Social: No ad management features available. You’ll need to use separate platforms like Meta Business Suite or Google Ads Manager. This is a significant gap for businesses that combine organic and paid social strategies.

4. CRM Integration

Metricool: No native CRM integration. You can connect to other tools via Zapier on the Advanced plan. But there’s no built-in way to turn social interactions into sales leads. This is a weakness for sales-focused teams.

Zoho Social: Deep native integration with Zoho CRM. Convert social media interactions into leads automatically. Track the customer journey from social engagement to sale. This is Zoho Social’s biggest advantage for sales teams.

Zoho social CRM

💡 Test Result: If you’re already using Zoho CRM, this integration alone makes Zoho Social worth considering. Converting social followers into sales leads becomes automatic.

Metricool: SmartLinks lets you create customizable link-in-bio pages. Add multiple links, customize colors, include images, and track clicks. It replaces paid tools like Linktree. The feature is included on paid plans at no extra cost.

metricool Link-in-Bio Tool

Zoho Social: No built-in link-in-bio tool. You’ll need a separate service like Linktree or Beacons. This adds another subscription cost and another platform to manage.

6. Team Collaboration

Metricool: Basic collaboration features on Advanced plan. You can add team members and set up content approval workflows. Grant clients access to specific brands without exposing other data. But the collaboration tools aren’t as strong as competitors.

Zoho Social: Strong team collaboration features. Assign tasks, share content calendars, and manage approval workflows. Role-based permissions control who can publish. Team discussions keep everyone aligned. This is one of Zoho Social’s strongest areas.

7. Social Inbox

Metricool: Unified inbox brings all social messages and comments into one place. Reply without switching between platforms. Works with Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business. It’s included on all plans including free.

Zoho Social: Similar unified inbox feature for managing messages. However, this feature only unlocks on the Professional plan at $30/month. The inbox collects messages from multiple platforms but requires a higher tier subscription.

⚠️ Warning: Zoho Social’s inbox is locked behind the $30/month Professional plan. Metricool includes inbox features on all plans including free.

8. Hashtag Tracking

Metricool: Track hashtag performance in real-time on Instagram and Twitter. See which hashtags drive the most engagement. The Hashtag Tracker is available as an add-on at $9.99/day for both platforms. It’s a powerful tool for optimizing content reach.

metricool Hashtag Tracker

Zoho Social: Basic hashtag monitoring through the social monitor feature. You can track mentions of specific hashtags. But it’s not as detailed as Metricool’s dedicated hashtag tracker. No real-time performance metrics for individual hashtags.

9. Platform Support

Metricool: Supports 13 platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter/X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, Google Business Profile, and Twitch. Also connects to your website/blog for analytics. Twitter requires a paid add-on.

Zoho Social: Supports 11 platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, Google Business Profile, Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads. Good coverage of emerging platforms. TikTok not available in India due to regulatory restrictions.

10. Pricing & Cost

Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.

Plan TypeMetricoolZoho Social
Free$0 (50 posts/month)$0 (very limited)
Entry Paid$18/month$10/month
Mid Tier$45/month$30/month
PremiumCustom pricing$40/month
AgencyCustom pricing$320/month

Metricool: More expensive but includes ad management, SmartLinks, competitor analysis, and deeper analytics. The free plan is more generous with 50 posts per month. Best value for users who need all-in-one functionality.

Zoho Social: More affordable at every paid tier. Entry plan is $8 cheaper than Metricool. Best value for users who don’t need ad management and are already in the Zoho ecosystem. CRM integration adds massive value for sales teams.

💡 Test Result: Zoho Social is $8/month cheaper at the entry level. But Metricool includes more features. If you need ad management and competitor tracking, Metricool’s extra cost pays for itself.

Different Scenarios

If You Need…ChooseWhy
Deep analyticsMetricool40% more data points
Ad managementMetricoolGoogle, Meta, TikTok ads built-in
Lowest priceZoho Social$8/month cheaper entry tier
CRM integrationZoho SocialNative Zoho CRM connection
Team collaborationZoho SocialBetter approval workflows
Link-in-bio toolMetricoolSmartLinks included free
Generous free planMetricool50 posts/month vs limited

💰 Your Budget

If budget is tight, Zoho Social starts at just $10/month. But Metricool’s free plan gives you more features to test before upgrading.

🔌 Your Tech Stack

Already using Zoho CRM or other Zoho apps? Zoho Social makes sense. Using separate tools for sales and marketing? Metricool’s independence is an advantage.

📊 Your Analytics Needs

Need deep analytics and competitor tracking? Metricool wins hands down. Just need basic performance reports? Either tool works fine.

📢 Your Advertising Strategy

Running paid ads on Google, Facebook, or TikTok? Only Metricool manages ads. Zoho Social focuses purely on organic social media.

🆓 Free Trials and Demos

Both offer free plans. Test Metricool’s generous 50-post free plan first. Then try Zoho Social’s 15-day trial to compare the experience.

🛟 Support Options

Zoho Social offers 24/5 email support on all plans. Metricool support can be slow according to user reviews. Consider this if support matters to you.

Switching Guide

Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.

🔄 Switching from Metricool to Zoho Social?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Deep Zoho CRM integration for lead generation
  • Better team collaboration and approval workflows
  • Lower monthly cost ($8 less at entry tier)

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Ad management for Google, Meta, and TikTok
  • SmartLinks link-in-bio feature
  • Deep competitor analysis and hashtag tracking

📋 How to switch:

  1. Export your scheduled posts and reports from Metricool
  2. Sign up for Zoho Social free trial (15 days)
  3. Connect your social accounts and recreate your content calendar
🔄 Switching from Zoho Social to Metricool?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Google, Meta, and TikTok Ads management
  • SmartLinks for link-in-bio pages
  • Deep analytics and competitor tracking

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Native Zoho CRM integration
  • Advanced team collaboration workflows
  • Lower monthly subscription cost

📋 How to switch:

  1. Download your reports and scheduled content from Zoho Social
  2. Create a free Metricool account (50 posts/month)
  3. Connect your social profiles and set up your content calendar

Final Verdict

CategoryWinner
💰 PricingZoho Social
📊 AnalyticsMetricool
📢 Ad ManagementMetricool
🔗 Link-in-BioMetricool
🔌 CRM IntegrationZoho Social
👥 Team CollaborationZoho Social
🎁 Free PlanMetricool
📱 Platform SupportMetricool
⚡ Ease of UseZoho Social
#️⃣ Hashtag TrackingMetricool
🏆 Overall WinnerMetricool

🏆 WINNER: Metricool

Metricool wins 6 out of 10 categories.

Best for: Analytics-focused marketers, businesses running paid ads, content creators needing link-in-bio tools

Metricool and Zoho Social serve different audiences.

Metricool is the analytics powerhouse.

It gives you deep insights into content performance.

It manages your ads across Google, Meta, and TikTok.

It replaces Linktree with built-in SmartLinks.

Zoho Social is the team collaboration champion.

It connects directly with Zoho CRM.

It offers better approval workflows for teams.

It costs $8 less per month at the entry level.

If you’re already in the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Social makes sense.

For everyone else, Metricool delivers more value.

Its superior analytics, ad management, and SmartLinks justify the higher price.

Now go crush your social media goals!

More of Metricool Compared

Here’s how Metricool stacks up against other competitors:

Metricool vs Sprout Social

Metricool wins on: Price, ad management, SmartLinks

Sprout Social wins on: Enterprise features, deeper analytics, larger team support

Metricool vs Buffer

Metricool wins on: Analytics depth, ad management, competitor tracking

Buffer wins on: User interface, simplicity, scheduling ease

Metricool vs SocialPilot

Metricool wins on: Analytics, hashtag tracking, SmartLinks

SocialPilot wins on: Lower price, bulk scheduling, white-label options

Metricool vs Later

Metricool wins on: Multi-platform analytics, ad management, hashtag tracker

Later wins on: Visual content planning, Instagram-specific features

Metricool vs Agorapulse

Metricool wins on: Price, ad management integration, SmartLinks

Agorapulse wins on: Social inbox, engagement tools, customer support

Metricool vs Sendible

Metricool wins on: Analytics dashboard, free plan, ad management

Sendible wins on: Client management, social listening, agency workflows

Metricool vs Loomly

Metricool wins on: Analytics depth, ad management, SmartLinks

Loomly wins on: Content ideas, user interface, approval workflows

More of Zoho Social Compared

Here’s how Zoho Social stacks up against other competitors:

Zoho Social vs Sprout Social

Zoho Social wins on: Price, Zoho ecosystem integration

Sprout Social wins on: Advanced analytics, enterprise features, social listening

Zoho Social vs Buffer

Zoho Social wins on: CRM integration, team collaboration, lower price

Buffer wins on: User interface, simplicity, content suggestions

Zoho Social vs SocialPilot

Zoho Social wins on: CRM integration, Zia AI assistant

SocialPilot wins on: Bulk scheduling, white-label reports, agency features

Zoho Social vs Hootsuite

Zoho Social wins on: Price (significantly cheaper), CRM integration

Hootsuite wins on: Platform coverage, social listening, enterprise features

Zoho Social vs Agorapulse

Zoho Social wins on: Lower price, Zoho CRM integration

Agorapulse wins on: Social inbox, engagement features, reporting depth

Zoho Social vs Later

Zoho Social wins on: Multi-platform support, CRM integration, collaboration

Later wins on: Visual planning, Instagram features, link-in-bio

Zoho Social vs Sendible

Zoho Social wins on: Price, CRM integration, ease of use

Sendible wins on: Client management, agency workflows, social listening

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Metricool used for?

Metricool is a social media management tool that helps you schedule posts, analyze performance, and manage ads across multiple platforms from one dashboard.

Is there a free version of Zoho Social?

Yes, Zoho Social offers a free plan that lets you manage 1 brand with basic features. The free plan has limited functionality compared to paid tiers.

Can I use Metricool for free?

Yes, Metricool offers a forever-free plan with 50 posts per month. No credit card required. You can connect to all platforms except LinkedIn on the free plan.

Does Zoho Social integrate with CRM?

Yes, Zoho Social integrates natively with Zoho CRM. This lets you convert social media interactions into sales leads automatically.

Which is better, Metricool or Zoho Social?

Metricool is better for analytics, ad management, and link-in-bio features. Zoho Social is better for CRM integration, team collaboration, and lower pricing. Choose based on your specific needs.

Fahim Joharder, Founder

Fahim Joharder, Founder

Tested 900+ AI tools. 250K+ monthly readers.

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