Updated September 29, 2026 · ForgeCue Editorial Team
Hootsuite vs Restream
Hootsuite
Restream
Higher score in this comparison
Hootsuite vs Restream: the differences
| Compare | HootsuiteReviewVisitVisit | RestreamReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $99 | $19Lower |
| Free plan | No | YesHas it |
| Usage limits | Up to 10 social accounts | Stream on 2 channels at once |
| Tool type | Social | Video, SocialCovers more |
| Free trial length | 14 days | Not confirmed |
| Integrations | 100 | Not confirmed |
| Compliance certifications | SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017 | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Restream scores higher overall: 9.2 vs 8.9.
- Price from is lower at Restream: $19 vs $99.
- Free plan: only Restream.
- Support channels: only Restream offers Chat, Community.
- Founded is lower at Hootsuite: 2008 vs 2015.
- Audience: only Restream offers Beginners.
- Pricing model: only Hootsuite offers Free trial.
- Pricing model: only Restream offers Free plan.
- Tool type: only Restream offers Video.
Our verdict on each
Hootsuite
Hootsuite suits small-business and enterprise teams comparing social management tools on entry price and account limits for structured publishing. Plans start at $99 with Up to 10 social accounts on the entry tier, plus trial access for 14 to review scheduling and integrations before committing to paid use.
Restream
Restream suits beginners and small teams that want live video across social channels with an entry tier that carries no charge, with paid access priced at $19. Limits sit at Stream on 2 channels at once, so it fits lean multistreaming needs rather than large channel portfolios.
Score breakdown
| Area | Hootsuite | Restream |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.6Entry pricing is $99 with trial access for 14. | 9.3HigherEntry pricing at $19 with entry access without charge keeps starting spend modest. |
| Offer | 8.8Plan covers Up to 10 social accounts with 100 linked integrations. | 9.4HigherCovers video and social needs with Stream on 2 channels at once for lean multistreaming setups. |
| Trust | 9.5HigherCompliance coverage includes SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 for enterprise review. | 8.7Operated by Restream, Inc. with help via chat, help centre and community. |
Where they rank in our lists
| Ranking | Hootsuite | Restream |
|---|---|---|
| Social media tools | 7 of 34 | 3 of 34 |
Pick Hootsuite if, pick Restream if
Pick Hootsuite if trust matter most.
Pick Restream if cost, offer, price from, free plan, and tool type matter most.
A third option
Wondershare has price from at $3.33, against $99 for Hootsuite and $19 for Restream.
Wondershare reviewEvery fact side by side
| Fact | Hootsuite | Restream |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Small business, Enterprise | Beginners, Small business, EnterpriseCovers more |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free plan |
| Legal entity | Hootsuite Inc. | Restream, Inc. |
| Headquarters | Canada | Not confirmed |
| Founded | 2008Lower | 2015 |
| Support channels | Help centre | Chat, Help centre, CommunityCovers more |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Hootsuite | Restream | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $99highest quarter | $19below the median | $22 |
| Free trial length | 14 daysat the median | Not confirmed | 14 days |
| Integrations | 100above the median | Not confirmed | 36 |
Median across 353 listed software products.
Pros and cons
Hootsuite
Pros
- Covers Up to 10 social accounts for managing multiple profiles in a shared view
- Links with 100 through 100 for extended workflows
- Includes trial access for 14 before paid commitment
Cons
- There is no Free plan, with access through free trial only
- Support runs on help centre only, which limits direct contact options
Restream
Pros
- Access without charge lowers trial risk before paid spend under stated entry terms.
- Paid entry at $19 stays below Sprout Social at $99.
- Defined capacity at Stream on 2 channels at once gives clear planning for small channel sets.
Cons
- Paid access starts at $19, above Buffer at $5 for tight budgets.
- Streaming ceiling is defined by Stream on 2 channels at once, which limits wider channel coverage.
- Support runs on chat, help centre and community only, without phone assistance for urgent issues.
Who each suits
Hootsuite
Who it suits
- Small businesses managing multiple social profiles with defined limits
- Enterprise teams needing broad integrations and formal compliance coverage
Who should look elsewhere
- Teams wanting a no-payment entry option may prefer HubSpot because Hootsuite has no Free plan
- Very small setups may prefer Buffer because its entry pricing at $5 is lower than Hootsuite
Restream
Who it suits
- Beginners seeking video plus social reach who find Sprout Social heavier than needed.
- Small teams testing live output before scale who find Buffer less video centred.
Who should look elsewhere
- Teams needing broad scheduling depth rather than live video may prefer Buffer for its scheduling emphasis.
- Groups wanting enterprise management depth may prefer Sprout Social over lean multistreaming.
Questions about each
Hootsuite
What does Hootsuite cost at entry level?+
Entry pricing for Hootsuite is $99. The figure represents the starting point for paid access, so teams should compare included account limits and integration needs across tiers before choosing the level that matches publishing volume and reporting requirements.
Does Hootsuite offer trial access?+
Hootsuite provides trial access for 14. The period allows review of scheduling, supported accounts and connected integrations before moving to paid use. Teams can assess publishing workflows and account management during the trial to decide whether the entry tier fits ongoing needs.
Restream
What does Restream cost to start?+
Paid access is listed at $19, positioned for teams moving beyond entry access without charge. The amount reflects starting level pricing rather than renewal terms, so review billing cycle details before purchase. It remains below Sprout Social while above Buffer.
Does Restream offer access without charge?+
Yes, entry access without charge is available alongside paid options. The structure follows access without charge for evaluation, allowing teams to explore core streaming before committing spend. Paid access at $19 adds broader capacity for regular schedules and campaign activity.