Teams that want to plan social posts usually turn to a cloud tool such as Buffer; those who want to self-host look at Mixpost or Postiz. Buffer is easy and mature. Mixpost and Postiz are open source but need their own server, Redis and queue workers. Flux Social puts the planning straight into WordPress. This post compares the three approaches.
The short answer
- Buffer‘s free plan allows 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel. Paid plans are priced per channel per month, and approval workflows are only on the Team plan.
- Mixpost / Postiz run on your own server but need Redis and queue workers, which shared hosting usually lacks.
- Flux Social runs inside WordPress: per-network previews, approvals, a calendar, statistics and AI writing help. No per-channel fee, and it works on shared hosting with an external trigger.
- Key difference: in Flux Social you open your own developer app for each network (Meta, Google, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest). Buffer handles that for you.
Comparison table
| Buffer | Flux Social | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | In Buffer’s cloud. | On your own WordPress site. |
| Pricing | Free plan: 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel. Paid plans per channel per month. | No per-channel fee. Networks’ own API fees (such as X) are separate. |
| Connecting accounts | One click; app approvals handled by Buffer. | Your own developer app and keys per network (stored encrypted). |
| Approvals | Team plan only. | Included; permissions from Flux Roles. |
| Per-network text and preview | Yes. | Yes: common text, per-account overrides, character and media checks, live preview. |
| Statistics | Detailed analytics on paid plans. | Daily posts per network, engagement, views, follower growth, top posts. |
| None. | WhatsApp status and groups (through Flux Mail or Flux Chat). | |
| Mobile app | Mature iOS and Android apps. | Mobile-friendly admin. |
Scheduling on shared hosting
Self-hosted planners need a queue worker running all the time to send posts on schedule; shared hosting has none. Flux Social sends scheduled posts through an external trigger URL (such as cron-job.org) or while the panel is open, so there is no extra server to run.
Volunteers prepare, a manager approves
In many nonprofits volunteers prepare the posts and a manager approves them. In Buffer approvals are on the Team plan only. In Flux Social a post by someone without publishing permission goes to “Awaiting approval”, and permissions come from the existing roles.
AI where you write
Flux AI helps write the post and adapt it for each network: short with hashtags for Instagram, more formal for LinkedIn. Images come from the media library or Flux Studio, and assistants can plan posts over MCP.
When Buffer is the better choice
- You do not want to deal with developer apps. Opening and getting apps approved with Meta, X or TikTok takes time; Buffer removes that step.
- You have few channels. Buffer’s free plan is a good start for 3 channels.
- A mobile app is a must. Buffer’s apps are great for quick posting from a phone.
- You need Bluesky, Threads or Mastodon. Buffer supports more networks.
Frequently asked questions
Are site posts shared automatically?
Yes. Auto-sharing when a site post is published can be turned on in the settings.
Can I edit a post after it is published?
Where the network’s API allows it, yes; Flux Social edits and deletes on the network itself.
Bottom line
Buffer is a mature cloud tool that is easy to set up. If you want your accounts and drafts on your own site, with approvals and statistics without per-channel fees, and you are willing to open the developer apps, Flux Social brings scheduling into WordPress.
Sources
- Buffer pricing (plans, free plan limits, approvals)
