Your prospects are speaking about your model proper now, on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, TikTok, and a dozen different channels. The query is: are you listening to them?
Social media listening isn’t nearly monitoring mentions or counting likes. It’s about tapping into unfiltered conversations to grasp how individuals actually really feel about your product, your rivals, and your class. It’s probably the most highly effective methods to identify developments early, catch points earlier than they escalate, and form smarter campaigns rooted in real-time suggestions.
However not all instruments are constructed equally. Some floor noise as an alternative of insights, whereas others supply depth however lack usability. That’s why I researched and in contrast the greatest social media listening instruments available on the market, reviewing G2 suggestions, core options, and the way actual groups use them to remain forward.
This information will assist you discover a platform that aligns along with your targets, whether or not you goal to watch model sentiment, monitor rising conversations, or extract viewers insights that inform higher selections.
10 greatest social media listening instruments: My picks for 2026
- Sprout Social: Greatest for deep listening insights and reporting
Presents superior key phrase monitoring, sentiment evaluation, and aggressive insights, alongside publishing and buyer care instruments (free trial obtainable, premium pricing begins at $199/mo/consumer) - Hootsuite: Greatest for all-in-one social media administration
Let’s you monitor model mentions, schedule posts, and analyze efficiency throughout a number of platforms from one dashboard (30-day free trial, premium pricing begins at $99/mo/consumer) - Meltwater: Greatest for international media and social monitoring
Tracks tens of millions of on-line sources in actual time to floor developments, measure sentiment, and handle model fame at scale (obtainable on request) - Brandwatch: Greatest for AI-powered client intelligence
Analyzes massive volumes of on-line conversations to uncover patterns, developments, and viewers sentiment (obtainable on request) - Statusbrew: Greatest for collaborative listening and response workflows
Permits groups to watch conversations, assign responses, and monitor developments, best for multi-brand or multi-location companies (14-day free trial, premium pricing begins at $69/mo) - Status: Greatest for combining social listening with evaluate administration
Brings collectively social mentions, buyer opinions, and survey responses to provide a 360° view of brand name well being (obtainable on request) - Agorapulse: Greatest for good listening with built-in scheduling
Presents filtered listening streams, sentiment tagging, and fast reporting, wrapped in a user-friendly platform (free for 30 days, premium pricing begins at $79/mo/consumer) - YouScan: Greatest for visible social listening and picture recognition
Makes use of AI to investigate images and movies in user-generated content material, making it best for figuring out emblem utilization, model moments, and developments ( begins at $499/mo) - Brand24: Greatest for real-time alerts and sentiment evaluation
Captures model mentions throughout net and social, serving to groups reply shortly and spot rising points (14-day free trial, premium pricing begins at $149) - Vista Social: Greatest for reasonably priced monitoring and scheduling
Combines social listening with publishing instruments, making it a superb match for lean groups or companies (free trial for 14 days, premium pricing begins at $64/mo)
* These greatest social media listening instruments are top-rated of their class, in keeping with G2’s Winter 2026 Grid Stories. I’ve added their standout options and pricing particulars for simpler comparability.
My 10 picks for the very best social media listening instruments in 2026
Whereas evaluating these instruments, it turned clear how a lot they enhance model monitoring, uncover real-time buyer insights, and assist advertising groups keep forward of necessary conversations.
In line with Grand View Analysis, the worldwide social listening market is projected to succeed in $20.18 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 14.3%, reflecting its rising significance in digital technique.
When you’re questioning which software PR groups belief throughout a disaster, which one surfaces competitor insights quickest, or which platform gives essentially the most intuitive dashboards, these instruments persistently lead the pack in accuracy, depth, and usefulness.
How did I discover and consider the very best social media listening instruments?
To establish the highest social media listening instruments, I analyzed actual consumer opinions on G2 to grasp how these platforms carry out throughout totally different advertising and model monitoring workflows.
I evaluated how every software helps key use circumstances, whether or not it is monitoring model mentions in actual time, analyzing sentiment, figuring out developments, or uncovering competitor insights.
I additionally used AI to sift via consumer suggestions and G2 Winter 2026 Grid® Stories to match ease of use, knowledge accuracy, dashboard high quality, and total satisfaction throughout platforms. This information contains screenshots from vendor G2 pages to point out what these instruments truly seem like in use.
I’ve curated this record to assist advertising, PR, and buyer expertise groups discover the proper resolution for listening to what actually issues — so you may make smarter selections, reply sooner, and keep forward of conversations that form your model.
What makes the very best social media listening instruments value it: My opinion
When evaluating the very best social media listening platforms, I centered on options that instantly impression model monitoring, real-time viewers perception, and cross-functional worth for advertising, PR, and product groups.
- Complete channel protection: One of the best instruments transcend Twitter or Instagram. I looked for platforms that monitor a variety of sources, together with social networks, boards, blogs, information websites, and even Reddit and YouTube feedback. Broad protection ensures you’re not lacking conversations that matter to your model or business.
- Actual-time alerts and sentiment evaluation: Velocity and context are the whole lot in social media. I prioritized instruments that supply immediate alerts for spikes in mentions, shifts in sentiment, or trending subjects. Constructed-in sentiment evaluation (particularly with help for a number of languages) helps groups reply proactively to reward, complaints, or potential crises.
- Viewers and subject segmentation: It’s not nearly what persons are saying, it’s about who’s saying it. I appeared for instruments that allow you to filter by demographics, location, affect, or curiosity segments. One of the best platforms assist you zero in on precedence audiences and uncover developments throughout totally different buyer teams.
- Aggressive and market benchmarking: Prime-tier social listening instruments don’t simply present your personal mentions. I valued platforms that present side-by-side comparisons with rivals, monitor share of voice, and monitor broader business key phrases. This helps groups benchmark efficiency and establish whitespace alternatives.
- Perception visualization and reporting: Knowledge is simply helpful if it’s digestible. I appeared for instruments with customizable dashboards, shareable stories, and visualizations that make it simple to inform a narrative with social knowledge. Whether or not it’s for an exec deck or a marketing campaign autopsy, nice reporting issues.
- Compliance and knowledge entry transparency: Social knowledge is topic to altering platform insurance policies and privateness rules. I favor instruments which are clear about how they entry and retailer knowledge, and that stay compliant with APIs and consumer consent requirements. Reliable knowledge dealing with is a should, particularly for enterprise groups.
The record beneath comprises real consumer opinions from our greatest Social Media Listening Instruments Class web page. To qualify for inclusion within the class, a product should:
- Hear for particular mentions throughout social media platforms
- Determine trending subjects or phrases by monitoring real-time conversations
- Analyze and element buyer sentiment (constructive, unfavorable, impartial)
- Set up buyer data for viewers segmentation and engagement
- Determine thought leaders and influencers inside related industries
This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2026. Some opinions have been edited for readability and accuracy.
1. Sprout Social: Greatest for deep listening insights and reporting
In line with G2 Knowledge, I discovered that Sprout Social is utilized by 45% of small-business and 37% of mid-market groups to successfully have interaction audiences, streamline content material publishing, and derive actionable insights from social media interactions.
One characteristic that stood out to me is its intuitive consumer interface. Many reviewers famous that transitioning from earlier social scheduling platforms was fast and seamless, and that the UI made it simple for groups to seek out options and grow to be absolutely built-in into the platform.
I seen that Sprout Social gives in depth instructional sources, together with in-depth masterclasses on social media development methods. Customers talked about that these sources had been extremely useful in bettering staff abilities and making social campaigns simpler.
One other widespread theme I noticed in opinions was reward for analytics capabilities. Reviewers stated that the platform presents knowledge in an easy-to-interpret method, and that options like marketing campaign tagging and reporting cut back the necessity to spend hours analyzing particular person posts. Many highlighted how thrilling it’s to test efficiency metrics as a result of they’re complete and actionable.
Publishing and scheduling instruments had been continuously talked about as a serious plus. Customers appreciated the flexibility to plan content material upfront throughout a number of channels, serving to to take care of consistency and engagement.
I seen reviewers praising collaboration options. Instruments like shared calendars, process assignments, and staff workflow administration had been referred to as out for making it simpler to coordinate campaigns throughout distributed groups.
Sprout Social’s social listening and monitoring instruments had been additionally highlighted. Customers talked about that with the ability to monitor model mentions and viewers sentiment helped them keep on high of engagement developments and reply proactively.
One other profit that comes up typically is responsive buyer help. Reviewers famous that Sprout Social’s help staff is fast and useful, offering help with setup, troubleshooting, and steering on superior options.
Pricing might be steep, notably for small groups or startups. Many customers famous that the platform’s superior options and analytics justify the associated fee, particularly for groups searching for complete social media administration.
Some superior instruments, similar to granular competitor evaluation or automation workflows, might require time to completely make the most of or necessitate higher-tier plans. Nonetheless, customers who invested in exploring these options discovered the effectivity beneficial properties and actionable insights from automation and reporting properly well worth the effort.
General, based mostly on my evaluate of G2, Sprout Social is broadly regarded for its intuitive UI, instructional sources, superior analytics, publishing instruments, collaboration options, social listening capabilities, and responsive help, making it a trusted selection for groups searching for to successfully develop and handle their social media presence.
What I like about Sprout Social:
- I respect that Sprout Social has an intuitive consumer interface, making it fast and straightforward to transition from different platforms. Customers on G2 additionally second this.
- Its analytics, publishing instruments, and collaboration options assist groups work smarter and keep organized, a characteristic that G2 customers additionally spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Sprout Social:
“I really like the folders that Sprout has obtainable to type the circumstances from the good inbox. The entire tags that assist manage circumstances/good inbox are extraordinarily useful, making it a lot simpler to sift via all of the incoming engagements. I additionally respect how Sprout updates the circumstances fairly instantly for the streams, which is useful contemplating we use it each day for work.”
– Sprout Social Evaluate, Sage Okay.
What I dislike about Sprout Social:
- The pricing might be steep for small groups or startups, as G2 customers have talked about; nevertheless, additionally they imagine the superior options make it worthwhile.
- G2 customers seen that superior instruments, similar to granular competitor evaluation, might require time to completely make the most of or necessitate higher-tier plans. Nonetheless, customers who invested in exploring these options discovered effectivity beneficial properties.
What G2 customers dislike about Sprout Social:
“There are a number of high quality of life enhancements I’d respect. As an example, being able to pull and drop notes to a different date, very similar to how posts might be rescheduled by dragging them, could be a welcome enchancment. Moreover, introducing a Fb first remark characteristic, just like the prevailing Instagram first remark choice, could be useful, particularly since Fb now suggests putting hyperlinks in feedback.”
– Sprout Social Evaluate, Jamie S.
2. Hootsuite: Greatest recognized for all-in-one social media administration
In line with G2 Knowledge, I discovered that Hootsuite helps 59% of enterprise and 29% of mid-market advertising groups handle content material scheduling, engagement, and analytics throughout varied platforms, together with Instagram, TikTok, Threads, X (previously Twitter), Fb, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube, effectively.
One characteristic that stood out to me is the flexibility to schedule throughout platforms. Many customers have reported that it saves them hours every week, permitting them to plan and publish posts throughout a number of networks while not having to change between instruments. They continuously point out that with the ability to handle each natural and paid content material in a single dashboard makes coordinating social methods a lot simpler.
Reviewers persistently reward Hootsuite’s integrations. Customers highlighted how easily it connects with totally different social media channels and advertising instruments, which helps groups keep a constant model voice and simplifies workflows.
One other widespread thread I noticed was appreciation for AI-powered publish creation. Reviewers talked about that the AI options assist them generate concepts, create participating captions, and save time, particularly when managing high-volume content material.
Inbox 2.0 additionally got here up continuously. Customers stated it successfully consolidates messages from a number of platforms into one unified inbox. I learn that options like Consumer Notes, Resolve, and Assign make managing staff communication a lot simpler, serving to groups reply to prospects effectively.
A number of reviewers highlighted the analytics dashboard, noting that it supplies clear metrics and actionable insights, thereby simplifying marketing campaign efficiency monitoring. Collaboration instruments, similar to shared calendars and role-based permissions, additionally emerged as a serious plus, enabling groups to coordinate campaigns easily.
Then again, I recognized a few widespread drawbacks that customers point out. Constructed for multi-network publishing, Hootsuite centralizes your workflow. As a result of Instagram doesn’t carry over alt textual content from third-party instruments, accessibility might have a fast handbook test on Instagram. Nonetheless, customers appreciated with the ability to depend on buyer help. Many reviewers talked about the short and useful responses they obtained throughout setup or after they encountered connection points.
Reviewers highlighted pricing, which some really feel is excessive should you’re primarily utilizing Hootsuite as a scheduling software. However using its superior options, similar to sturdy integrations, AI content material instruments, Inbox 2.0, and staff collaboration options, appears to justify the associated fee for a lot of customers, highlighting the platform’s velocity, flexibility, and actionable insights.
General, based mostly on my evaluate of G2, Hootsuite is broadly regarded for its cross-platform scheduling, AI enhancements, unified inbox, analytics, and staff collaboration instruments, making it a trusted selection for groups managing social media throughout a number of channels.
What I like about Hootsuite:
- Hootsuite makes cross-platform scheduling and managing each natural and paid content material a lot simpler, and customers on G2 agree.
- Options like Inbox 2.0, AI-powered publish creation, and analytics dashboards assist groups keep organized and make smarter content material selections, a profit additionally highlighted by G2 customers.
What G2 customers like about Hootsuite:
“Hootsuite is extraordinarily useful for organizing all features of social media advertising. From planning to analytics to caption era, I personally haven’t discovered something this software can’t assist me sort out. My favourite factor about Hootsuite is the flexibility to publish on a number of platforms directly. I choose the platforms I need to publish on, add the media and a caption, then schedule the publish with one click on.”
– Hootsuite Evaluate, Gabriela C.
What I dislike about Hootsuite:
- G2 customers felt that typically the alt textual content doesn’t switch to Instagram. Though additionally they suppose the platform’s total content material administration options make up for it.
- The pricing appears excessive should you primarily use it for scheduling, and G2 customers have additionally famous this. Nonetheless, they imagine the superior options justify the associated fee.
What G2 customers dislike about Hootsuite:
“The calendar view drives me a little bit nuts. I see solely platform icons within the month view as an alternative of actual content material, making it fairly tough to visualise posts to return. Additionally, post-edits typically vanish, with no actual undo. Final however not least, the cellular expertise wants a severe improve. It is clunky and never best when most posting takes place whereas on the transfer.”
– Hootsuite Evaluate, Volha P.
3. Meltwater: Greatest for international media and social monitoring
Meltwater is well known as a robust all-in-one platform for PR and social media administration. Many customers spotlight its potential to watch on-line conversations, monitor developments, and optimize engagement, making it a go-to resolution for groups searching for actionable insights.
One characteristic that persistently will get reward is the Discover perform. Reviewers continuously point out utilizing it to trace discussions about their group, comply with related subjects, and evaluate competitor exercise. A number of be aware that analyzing developments over totally different time durations helps them perceive the broader context and make extra knowledgeable strategic selections.
I’ve seen that G2 customers typically name out the “greatest time to publish” suggestions within the Have interaction perform. In line with a number of opinions, this characteristic analyzes viewers exercise and suggests optimum posting occasions, resulting in noticeably increased engagement on social media campaigns. Customers describe it as a sensible software for making content material simpler and data-driven.
One other generally appreciated ingredient is Meltwater’s intuitive interface and workflows. Many reviewers point out that even these with prior expertise in comparable instruments discover the platform simple to navigate, permitting them to get began shortly with out a steep studying curve.
Customers continuously spotlight the platform’s analytics and reporting capabilities. Evaluations be aware that Meltwater permits them to trace efficiency metrics, measure engagement developments, and visualize knowledge in ways in which simplify strategic planning and decision-making.
A characteristic that I discovered noteworthy from opinions is the contact administration database. Many customers talked about that Meltwater supplies sufficient contact data to help outreach efforts, even when some emails sometimes must be supplemented with handbook follow-ups. This helps streamline PR campaigns and saves time for groups managing a number of contacts.
Inspecting broader evaluate developments, the search perform is usually considered sturdy. Some reviewers point out minor limitations, similar to the lack to make use of an AND operator for beats, however most really feel that the software nonetheless supplies the insights they want with out relying closely on exterior options.
On the flip facet, I’ve come throughout dissatisfaction round contact administration. Some reviewers have famous lacking or incorrect emails and gaps within the database, which might impression focused outreach efforts. That stated, many additionally level out that Meltwater supplies sufficient baseline data to help campaigns, typically supplemented with handbook follow-ups or different instruments.
Customers additionally point out the e-mail sending characteristic. Some report that it lacks full customization for bulk emails, which might restrict flexibility and will not swimsuit groups anticipating superior personalization. Even so, most reviewers agree that the characteristic nonetheless helps efficient outreach via streamlined workflows and ample contact data, making it a greater match for groups that prioritize simplicity over intricate electronic mail design.
Primarily based on suggestions I gathered from G2 customers, Meltwater is valued for its Discover perform, greatest time to publish suggestions, intuitive interface, analytics and reporting, sturdy search, and speak to administration options. Its mixture of actionable insights, data-driven suggestions, and user-friendly design makes it an indispensable platform for PR and social media administration.
What I like about Meltwater:
- Meltwater makes it simple to watch conversations, monitor developments, and optimize engagement, and customers on G2 second this.
- Options just like the Discover perform, “greatest time to publish” suggestions, and the intuitive interface assist groups make data-driven selections and get began shortly, a characteristic that G2 customers additionally spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Meltwater:
“Meltwater supplies us with invaluable knowledge and insights. With the Discover perform, we will monitor on-line conversations about our group and associated areas, whereas additionally evaluating these discussions to competitor exercise and analyzing developments over totally different time durations. My favourite characteristic, nevertheless, is the “greatest time to publish” suggestions inside the Have interaction perform. By analyzing our viewers’s exercise and peak on-line occasions, Meltwater suggests optimum posting occasions, considerably boosting our engagement throughout all social media platforms.”
– Meltwater Evaluate, Megan D.
What I dislike about Meltwater:
- A number of customers have famous that contact information aren’t at all times correct, with occasional lacking or outdated electronic mail addresses. G2 customers acknowledged this however talked about that the platform nonetheless supplies sufficient data to help outreach.
- Customers have famous a problem with the e-mail sending characteristic, because it lacks full customization for bulk emails; nevertheless, additionally they imagine that the workflows stay efficient for outreach.
What G2 customers dislike about Meltwater:
“The backend of the platform remains to be difficult, however I haven’t got a lot productive suggestions on the way to make it higher. It is the most effective merchandise of its type available on the market, however utilizing it might actually, as at all times, be improved.”
– Meltwater Evaluate, Carter C.
Your on-line fame shapes first impressions. See which ORM instruments assist you monitor mentions, handle opinions, and keep accountable for your model narrative.
4. Brandwatch: Greatest for AI-powered client intelligence
Brandwatch is acknowledged as a complete resolution for monitoring social media, promoting, publishing, viewers analytics, and buyer knowledge. Many reviewers be aware that groups depend on it to trace model mentions, measure marketing campaign efficiency, and generate actionable insights throughout a number of channels.
One characteristic that continuously stands out is the convenience of integration with current workflows. Customers typically point out that after some preliminary coaching, the platform suits seamlessly into administration processes, permitting groups to undertake it with out main disruptions.
I’ve seen that reviewers persistently reward analytical capabilities. Many spotlight the flexibility to generate detailed stories and monitor content material efficiency throughout a number of channels, which allows groups to make data-driven selections and optimize their campaigns.
One other generally talked about energy is the Have interaction module. Customers be aware that it allows monitoring of brand name mentions and conversations they may in any other case miss, serving to groups keep well timed and related engagement with their viewers.
Content material publishing and scheduling additionally obtain constructive mentions. Reviewers spotlight that managing a number of social accounts from a single platform saves time and ensures constant messaging throughout channels.
Collaboration options are additionally continuously praised. Many customers be aware that staff roles, shared dashboards, and process administration make it simpler to coordinate campaigns and keep alignment throughout groups.
Customizable dashboards and reporting are one other space the place reviewers see worth. In line with suggestions, these dashboards make insights simple to interpret and actionable, successfully supporting KPI monitoring and management reporting.
Some reviewers point out that new customers might have time to get snug with Brandwatch’s analytics and reporting options. Many additionally be aware that the platform’s coaching sources and help assist make this transition smoother.
A number of customers have reported occasional lag or syncing points with particular social platforms. Whereas this may briefly disrupt workflows, most customers contemplate these points minor in comparison with the general worth of the platform, and say they grow to be simpler to handle with common use.
All in all, based mostly on suggestions from G2 customers, Brandwatch is broadly appreciated for its seamless integrations, analytical capabilities, Have interaction module, content material publishing, collaboration instruments, and customizable dashboards.
What I like about Brandwatch:
- Brandwatch integrates easily into current workflows, and it seems that G2 customers share an analogous sentiment about how simply groups can undertake it.
- Analytics and reporting capabilities assist monitor content material efficiency and optimize campaigns, one thing reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Brandwatch:
“The Planner characteristic in Brandwatch is excellent. It provides our total staff—and the broader enterprise clear visibility into all scheduled content material every day. The built-in approval workflow is seamless, making collaboration simple and guaranteeing the whole lot is completely tailor-made earlier than it goes stay.”
– Brandwatch Evaluate, Amanda H.
What I dislike about Brandwatch:
- I seen that new customers might have time to grow to be snug with analytics and reporting, and G2 reviewers have additionally highlighted this. Many additionally talked about that Brandwatch’s coaching sources and help make the transition simpler.
- I additionally noticed occasional lag or syncing points with sure social platforms, which reviewers famous; nevertheless, most contemplate these minor and manageable, given the platform’s total worth.
What G2 customers dislike about Brandwatch:
“As a department supervisor of an property company, it could be extra useful to have a full cellular app so I can handle issues on the go. The one different unfavorable I’ve discovered is that navigating the pictures and including textual content to them might be fairly fiddly and time-consuming. However I’ve by no means been nice with know-how, so which may simply be me.”
– Brandwatch Evaluate, Aaron D.
5. Statusbrew: Greatest for collaborative listening and response workflows
Statusbrew is valued as a complete platform for companies and companies to plan content material, handle communities, collaborate with groups, and analyze social media efficiency. In line with G2 Knowledge, 58% of companies use Statusbrew to streamline social media administration and help data-driven decision-making.
One characteristic that continuously stands out is the mini-tutorials that seem when clicking on every icon. Reviewers typically be aware that these tutorials assist customers perceive every software and discover platform options extra successfully, making the training course of smoother and lowering onboarding challenges.
I’ve seen that customers continuously reward the AI Assistant. In line with suggestions, it supplies inventive strategies for textual content and content material, enabling groups to generate concepts shortly and keep engagement with minimal handbook effort.
One other generally highlighted energy is the social media efficiency stories. Many customers point out that the stories are sensible and visible, giving groups the information they should analyze efficiency and enhance technique throughout a number of channels.
Reviewers level out the advantages of content material scheduling and planning. With the ability to plan and publish posts throughout platforms from a single dashboard is commonly described as a serious time-saver that helps keep constant messaging.
Collaboration options additionally obtain frequent mentions. G2 customers be aware that staff workflows, process assignments, and shared calendars make coordinating campaigns and managing a number of contributors extra environment friendly.
Superior analytics and reporting are one other space the place reviewers see worth. Many spotlight that these instruments allow groups to make data-driven selections and optimize social methods in actual time, enhancing total marketing campaign effectiveness.
I’ve gathered from some G2 customers that the preliminary setup can really feel a bit heavy as a result of platform’s depth, particularly round automation and workflow administration. Some customers, nevertheless, be aware that mini tutorials and sturdy help assist them stand up to hurry.
Some G2 reviewers famous that the cellular app can sometimes lag and gives restricted performance for scheduling or modifying posts on the go. Many customers nonetheless praised its comfort for monitoring exercise and staying linked with their social media accounts from wherever.
General, Statusbrew is broadly appreciated for its mini tutorials, AI Assistant, efficiency reporting, content material scheduling, collaboration options, and superior analytics.
What I like about Statusbrew:
- The mini tutorials make exploring the platform simpler and cut back onboarding challenges; plainly many G2 customers agree that this protects time.
- The AI Assistant gives inventive content material strategies and helps keep engagement, a characteristic reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Statusbrew:
“Statusbrew is maybe one of many easiest and most user-friendly social media platforms obtainable as we speak, providing complete options for managing social media streams. It makes it simple to handle a number of accounts, customise publish timing, and shortly schedule content material utilizing a queue system for particular days. The platform contains built-in analytics, direct posting to Instagram (together with Tales), staff administration instruments, and extra, supplied you are on a plan that features these options. General, Statusbrew has been my favourite social media administration software for its simplicity and core performance, although it does fall quick in a number of key areas.”
– Statusbrew Evaluate, David A.
What I dislike about Statusbrew:
- The preliminary setup can really feel a bit heavy due to the platform’s depth, and different G2 customers have talked about this too, although additionally they level out that tutorials and help assist ease the method.
- The cellular app can lag and has restricted performance for modifying or scheduling posts on the go. G2 reviewers have additionally seen this, however many really feel it’s nonetheless enough for fundamental administration duties.
What G2 customers dislike about Statusbrew:
“Statusbrew is nice for Fb and LinkedIn posts, and we use it frequently for these two channels. Nonetheless, it doesn’t work properly with Threads and doesn’t help Bluesky in any respect, which is disappointing. I’d give it a a lot increased score if these platforms had been higher supported.”
– Statusbrew Evaluate, Jens N.
6. Status: Greatest for combining social listening with evaluate administration
Status is well known for serving to firms measure, handle, and scale their model efficiency in real-time. Many reviewers spotlight that groups use the platform to streamline evaluate administration, monitor model sentiment, and achieve actionable insights that enhance buyer belief and loyalty.
One characteristic that continuously receives reward is automated evaluate gathering. Customers be aware that it’s simple to gather opinions throughout a number of platforms, guaranteeing suggestions is captured promptly. The evaluate feed itself is commonly described as clear and intuitive, permitting groups to view and handle incoming suggestions effectively.
I’ve seen that G2 customers typically name out the platform’s report filtering capabilities. With the ability to shortly filter sections of stories permits groups to deal with the insights that matter most, saving time and lowering effort in navigating irrelevant knowledge.
One other generally appreciated ingredient is buyer help. Reviewers continuously describe the staff as responsive, educated, and proactive in aiding with setup, troubleshooting, and greatest practices, which provides worth to the general expertise.
Many customers spotlight real-time fame monitoring as a standout characteristic. With the ability to monitor adjustments in sentiment and scores as they occur helps groups reply shortly to each constructive and unfavorable suggestions, giving them an edge in sustaining a powerful model picture.
Ease of use and an intuitive design are additionally generally talked about. Dashboards and navigation are sometimes described as simple, enabling new customers to get began shortly with out in depth coaching or onboarding.
Integration with core enterprise instruments is one other profit reviewers be aware. Whereas some customers would love much more integrations, similar to connecting with platforms like Glassdoor, present integrations with CRM and advertising techniques are seen as enough to tie fame metrics to broader enterprise outcomes.
On the flip facet, I’ve seen some customers point out points with efficiency and dashboard responsiveness. Dashboards might be sluggish to load, and deciding on dates might really feel unintuitive at occasions. These feedback are extra widespread amongst groups anticipating immediate responsiveness. Many reviewers be aware that the platform’s total design nonetheless permits entry to key insights with out main disruption.
Status is valued for its automated evaluate gathering, clear evaluate feed, report filtering, responsive buyer help, real-time monitoring, and intuitive design.
What I like about Status:
- Automated evaluate gathering makes it simple to gather suggestions throughout platforms, and it seems that many G2 customers share an analogous sentiment in regards to the time it saves.
- Actual-time fame monitoring and intuitive dashboards assist groups reply shortly to adjustments in sentiment, one thing I’ve seen reviewers spotlight typically.
What G2 customers like about Status:
“The software program is straightforward to navigate and quite simple to log into. When attempting to view particular data from the stories, it’s simple to filter the sections you want to see. I take advantage of this nearly each day to trace and monitor all of the opinions coming in for our enterprise. I’ve rarely needed to contact buyer help as a result of the whole lot has labored completely, however when I’ve, the stay chat characteristic was easy and efficient.”
– Status Evaluate, Adam F.
What I dislike about Status:
- I seen that dashboards can typically be sluggish, and deciding on dates isn’t at all times intuitive. It seems that different G2 customers have talked about comparable points, though they nonetheless discover the insights accessible.
- I seen that integrations could possibly be expanded past the present CRM and advertising techniques, and reviewers additionally point out this. Nonetheless, many customers, particularly small to mid-sized groups, discover that the platform meets most of their enterprise wants.
What G2 customers dislike about Status:
“There are a number of areas that could possibly be improved, however my predominant gripe just isn’t with the ability to add new customers in bulk myself. Having to undergo help for these requests can typically take longer than I’d like, nevertheless it’s acceptable.”
– Status Evaluate, Avery S.
7. Agorapulse: Greatest for good listening with built-in scheduling
Agorapulse gives publishing, reporting, monitoring, and staff collaboration instruments, making social media administration easier and extra environment friendly.
In line with G2 Knowledge, 86% customers respect with the ability to entry customized stories and dashboards to measure social exercise and engagement alternatives. I discovered that many groups depend on it to consolidate social media metrics, streamline content material planning, and handle viewers engagement from a single platform.
One characteristic that persistently stood out to me is reporting. Many reviewers talked about that the customizable weekly and month-to-month stories permit them to consolidate metrics throughout all platforms, making it simple to current clear, actionable knowledge to management.
I seen frequent reward for scheduling capabilities. Customers highlighted how planning content material days upfront, fairly than posting in actual time, saves important time and ensures consistency throughout channels.
One other widespread thread in opinions is the cellular app. Customers stated it permits them to seize and share content material on the fly, making it invaluable for groups that must publish well timed updates or reply shortly to developments.
Monitoring and inbox administration additionally obtained constructive mentions. Many reviewers appreciated how Agorapulse centralizes messages, feedback, and mentions, serving to groups keep on high of engagement effectively.
Collaboration options are one other robust level. Customers famous that shared calendars, staff roles, and process assignments make it simple to coordinate campaigns and handle a number of contributors seamlessly.
Lastly, the platform’s ease of use was highlighted. Reviewers famous that the interface is intuitive, lowering the training curve for even new staff members to social media administration platforms.
I seen a few widespread drawbacks throughout G2 opinions. One is that some superior metrics and report customization choices are restricted, notably for comparative or segmented stories. Whereas this may occasionally not meet the wants of extremely data-driven groups, many customers appreciated that the core reporting options stay clear, actionable, and straightforward to make use of for many eventualities.
One other space reviewers highlighted is that message response workflows and content material strategies could possibly be enhanced, for instance, with AI-driven subject concepts based mostly on social networks, positioning, or audience. Even so, Agorapulse nonetheless helps groups effectively handle engagement and plan content material.
General, G2 reviewers worth Agorapulse for its reporting, scheduling, cellular app, monitoring, collaboration instruments, and ease of use.
What I like about Agorapulse:
- Reporting is customizable and helps consolidate metrics throughout platforms, and lots of G2 customers appear to agree that it makes presenting knowledge simpler.
- Scheduling, cellular app options, and inbox administration streamline content material planning and engagement, one thing reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Agorapulse:
“A substantial time-saver because of Agorapulse, which aggregates our greater than 60 social media pages, particularly with the sorted inbox and options similar to response templates, in addition to content material scheduling (modifying visuals and captions by profile, hashtag teams, and so on.). It is an indispensable each day software that could be very simple to make use of and much forward of the competitors by way of interface and expertise. The relationships with the help groups are as common as they’re enriching.”
– Agorapulse Evaluate, Jean-Baptiste C.
What I dislike about Agorapulse:
- Superior metrics and report customization might be restricted, and G2 customers have additionally talked about this. Others be aware that the core reporting options are nonetheless clear and actionable, making them a superb match for groups that prioritize simple visibility over complicated dashboards.
- Message response workflows and content material strategies could possibly be strengthened, and reviewers level this out as properly; nevertheless, additionally they be aware that the platform nonetheless helps groups handle engagement successfully.
What G2 customers dislike about Agorapulse:
“There are some features I want had been simpler to customise, like labels, and it could be nice to have an integration that helps hyperlinks in Fb and Instagram Tales. I additionally want Pinterest reporting had been obtainable. With the ability to batch-label a gaggle of posts would save time, and I’d like to hear for key phrases throughout extra platforms.”
– Agorapulse Evaluate, Lindsey C.
8. YouScan: Greatest for visible social listening and picture recognition
YouScan is acknowledged as a next-generation, AI-powered social listening platform. Many customers depend on it to watch model fame, monitor rivals, and derive actionable insights for campaigns throughout a number of channels.
One characteristic that continuously stands out is fame monitoring. Reviewers typically point out that the platform allows fast responses to mentions throughout social media and on-line media, serving to groups keep model belief and engagement.
I’ve seen that customers continuously reward competitor monitoring. Many reviewers spotlight that monitoring rivals’ exercise permits them to undertake greatest practices or keep away from potential pitfalls in their very own campaigns.
One other generally appreciated ingredient is analytics dashboards. Customers be aware that YouScan’s deep analytics and visually intuitive dashboards make it simpler to grasp developments, measure efficiency, and construct strategic communication plans effectively.
Sentiment evaluation can also be continuously talked about as a helpful characteristic. In line with G2 Knowledge, 89% customers worth that it permits groups to shortly gauge public notion and modify messaging accordingly.
Collaboration options are one other energy reviewers spotlight. Many point out that sharing insights and coordinating responses throughout groups helps streamline social listening efforts and ensures alignment.
Ease of knowledge visualization got here up repeatedly in opinions. Customers typically reward clear, customizable graphs, charts, and dashboards that assist groups shortly translate insights into actionable methods.
I’ve seen that some customers categorical issues in regards to the accuracy of sentiment evaluation. Sometimes, the system misinterprets the emotional tone of feedback, necessitating handbook intervention, which can be extra important for groups that rely closely on exact emotional categorization. Nonetheless, reviewers emphasize that the general insights stay extremely helpful.
One other side to think about, talked about by some reviewers, is the dearth of a local response characteristic. At present, YouScan excels at monitoring, however the potential to answer on to mentions from inside the platform would improve its utility. That stated, customers persistently spotlight that monitoring and analytics capabilities are extremely efficient on their very own.
General, in keeping with G2 suggestions, YouScan is broadly valued for its fame monitoring, competitor monitoring, analytics dashboards, sentiment evaluation, collaboration options, and knowledge visualization.
What I like about YouScan:
- Status monitoring allows groups to reply shortly to mentions and keep model belief, and it seems that many G2 customers agree.
- I like that competitor monitoring, analytics dashboards, and sentiment evaluation present actionable insights and help technique, one thing reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about YouScan:
“The demo knowledge simply is sensible, no must continually faux or keep complicated datasets. Importing tables is straightforward and helps cohesive storytelling. The platform is logical to make use of, simple to manage, and the click-to-play and refresh options are good for non-technical customers. I completely love the flexibility to create customized tales and keep a personal library that’s not accessible to the whole group. I am simply beginning to discover Dwell & Seize, however the choice to tailor tokens as an SE, whereas having many of the heavy lifting dealt with by the admin, is a scalability dream.”
– YouScan Evaluate, Izabella D.
What I dislike about YouScan:
- G2 suggestions notes that sentiment evaluation can sometimes
misread tone; nevertheless, most say the general insights stay helpful. - Some customers point out that there’s no native response characteristic inside the platform, which can be a priority for groups searching for an all-in-one engagement software. However many really feel that monitoring and analytics capabilities are extremely efficient on their very own.
What G2 customers dislike about YouScan:
“There’s undoubtedly a studying curve, particularly relating to establishing queries and filtering knowledge successfully. Some options aren’t instantly intuitive, so onboarding new staff members can take a little bit of time.”
– YouScan Evaluate, Verified Consumer in Leisure, Journey & Tourism
9. Brand24: Greatest for real-time alerts and sentiment evaluation
Brand24 is acknowledged as a sophisticated social media monitoring software that gives AI-powered stories and actionable insights. Many customers depend on it to trace model mentions, analyze suggestions, and optimize campaigns throughout a number of channels.
One characteristic that continuously stands out is centralized model monitoring. Reviewers typically point out that having all model mentions in a single place makes it simple to remain on high of conversations and handle fame effectively.
I’ve seen that customers typically reward the real-time suggestions and response capabilities. In line with a number of opinions, the platform permits groups to shortly analyze buyer sentiment and reply promptly, serving to to enhance engagement and belief.
One other generally highlighted energy is using automated reporting and AI-powered insights. Reviewers continuously be aware that these options save important time on handbook evaluation, optimize campaigns, and help the creation of customer-focused content material.
Key phrase and filter customization can also be continuously talked about as a professional. Customers spotlight that the flexibility to fine-tune monitoring parameters ensures essentially the most related knowledge is captured for actionable insights.
Collaboration options additionally obtain constructive mentions. Many reviewers be aware that staff sharing, coordinated responses, and aligned fame administration methods make working collectively extra environment friendly.
Ease of integration with different instruments is one other energy reviewers point out. Connecting Brand24 with reporting or analytics techniques helps streamline workflows and ensures insights are actionable throughout groups.
Some customers talked about that the platform’s reporting choices can really feel restricted for extremely detailed or segmented evaluation. Even so, reviewers be aware that Brand24’s core reporting options stay clear, actionable, and straightforward to make use of for many eventualities.
One other minor concern is the limitation of historic knowledge. Brand24 shops collected mentions for a few 12 months, which can limit long-term evaluation. Even so, many customers discover that the platform supplies enough knowledge to handle fame and optimize campaigns successfully.
General, based mostly on suggestions from G2 customers, Brand24 is broadly valued for its centralized model monitoring, real-time suggestions, automated stories, key phrase customization choices, collaboration options, and seamless integration capabilities.
What I like about Brand24:
- Centralized model monitoring makes it simple to trace mentions and handle fame, and it seems that many G2 customers share this sentiment.
- Actual-time suggestions, automated stories, and AI-powered insights assist groups save time and optimize their campaigns, a characteristic reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Brand24:
“Essentially the most helpful side of Brand24 was not solely its potential to watch all mentions and interactions in actual time, but additionally its use of AI to interpret them and perceive their true impression. Moreover, the help from the Brand24 employees is a good benefit, as they supplied immediate options and gave us the arrogance wanted to grasp the software deeply. 10/10.”
– Brand24 Evaluate, Teodoro G.
What I dislike about Brand24:
- Organising key phrases and filters can have an preliminary studying curve, and G2 customers have additionally pointed this out; nevertheless, most say the platform turns into intuitive as soon as it’s correctly configured.
- G2 reviewers point out that historic knowledge is proscribed to a few 12 months, however many really feel there’s nonetheless sufficient data to handle fame and optimize campaigns successfully.
What G2 customers dislike about Brand24:
“It will be nice to have export capabilities that permit producing a spreadsheet of a number of model mentions. Moreover, integration with Threads could be a helpful addition as one other knowledge supply.”
– Brand24 Evaluate, Shay T.
10. Vista Social: Greatest for reasonably priced monitoring and scheduling
Vista Social is acknowledged as a contemporary all-in-one social media platform. Many customers depend on it to centralize engagement, automate responses, and generate actionable insights throughout a number of social channels.
One characteristic that continuously stands out is centralized inbox administration. Reviewers typically point out that it’s simple to view messages and reply to feedback or DMs throughout Fb, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Threads from a single dashboard, serving to groups handle communications extra effectively.
I’ve seen that customers continuously reward automated responses. In line with suggestions, having this characteristic constructed instantly into the platform saves important time and eliminates the necessity to use a number of apps for message administration.
One other generally highlighted energy is analytics and reporting. Many reviewers be aware that Vista Social’s in-depth evaluation instruments assist groups perceive which content material is performing greatest, measure engagement, and optimize social media methods successfully.
Content material scheduling and publishing additionally obtain constructive mentions. Customers spotlight that planning and posting content material throughout platforms from one platform improves consistency and reduces handbook effort, making campaigns simpler to handle.
Collaboration options are sometimes praised as properly. Reviewers continuously point out that staff workflows, process assignments, and shared dashboards make coordinating campaigns and managing a number of contributors extra environment friendly.
Ease of navigation, as soon as acquainted, is one other recurring theme. Whereas G2 customers initially take a while to get used to the software, they respect the coaching movies, pop-ups, and responsive help that assist them stand up to hurry shortly.
I’ve seen some customers categorical issues across the preliminary setup and error dealing with. Organising profiles isn’t at all times intuitive, and fixing errors might be complicated at first. Nonetheless, many reviewers spotlight how-to guides, coaching movies, and pop-ups make onboarding manageable.
One other level to think about is the inbox characteristic. Some reviewers report that LinkedIn feedback can sometimes be misclassified as messages, and new engagement updates could also be barely delayed. Even so, most customers be aware that these points don’t considerably impression total workflow or engagement administration.
General, based mostly on suggestions I gathered from G2 customers, Vista Social is broadly valued for its centralized inbox, automated responses, in-depth analytics, content material scheduling, collaboration options, and ease of navigation.
What I like about Vista Social:
- The centralized inbox makes it simple to handle messages and feedback throughout a number of platforms, and lots of G2 customers appear to really feel the identical.
- Automated responses save time and cut back the necessity for a number of apps, a characteristic that reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Vista Social:
“I favored that I can use only one software for all my social media profiles, that it connects with Canva, the place my content material designs are, and that the report was very helpful to point out development. It took only a fast tutorial to study the way it operates. The inbox supervisor saves time over utilizing Fb, since the whole lot is correct there and there isn’t any switching time. Replying to opinions was one thing I used to place off, however no extra! I goal to make use of DM automations sooner or later. For now, I’m very proud of all these options. Social listening can also be a helpful characteristic for model fame.”
–Vista Social Evaluate, Jennifer L.
What I dislike about Vista Social:
- G2 customers have talked about that the preliminary setup and error dealing with might be complicated. Nonetheless, additionally they be aware that coaching movies and guides make onboarding extra manageable.
- LinkedIn feedback can typically be misclassified, and engagement updates could also be barely delayed. Reviewers have identified these points, however most really feel that they don’t considerably disrupt workflows.
What G2 customers dislike about Vista Social:
“What I don’t like as a lot is that among the extra superior instruments, like bulk scheduling or deeper analytics, are solely obtainable within the costlier plans. Additionally, the cellular app nonetheless feels a bit restricted in comparison with the desktop model, which might be annoying after I’m engaged on the go.”
– Vista Social Evaluate, Markus B.
Social media listening instruments: Steadily requested questions (FAQs)
Have extra questions? Discover the solutions beneath.
Q1. What are the best-rated social media monitoring instruments?
Prime-rated instruments embrace Sprout Social, Brandwatch, and Meltwater. These platforms are praised for correct sentiment evaluation, multi-platform protection, and detailed reporting dashboards.
Q2. What are the very best social media listening instruments for small companies?
Vista Social and Brand24 are nice picks for small companies. They provide core monitoring options, similar to model mentions, sentiment monitoring, and competitor evaluation, at accessible worth factors.
Q3. What are the highest social media monitoring apps for advertising groups?
Hootsuite and Sprout Social lead right here. Each instruments assist advertising groups monitor model efficiency, marketing campaign hashtags, and viewers engagement—all from a unified dashboard.
This fall. What are the top-rated apps for social media monitoring?
Extremely rated platforms embrace:
- Agorapulse – recognized for robust engagement and inbox instruments
- Brandwatch – nice for superior knowledge evaluation
- Status – best for multi-location companies managing model fame
Q5. What’s the very best software program for monitoring social media mentions?
Brand24 is very efficient at real-time point out monitoring. It scans information websites, blogs, boards, and social platforms to provide you with a warning every time your model, rivals, or key phrases are talked about.
Q6. What is very really helpful social media listening software program?
Meltwater and Brandwatch are continuously really helpful for his or her complete international knowledge protection, AI-powered insights, and talent to trace developments throughout information and social media in real-time.
Q7. What’s the greatest platform for social media listening for companies?
Sprout Social is agency-friendly, providing options similar to shopper reporting, approval workflows, and staff roles. Statusbrew can also be widespread amongst companies for its scalable listening and publishing capabilities.
Q8. What’s an reasonably priced social media listening service?
YouScan and Vista Social supply robust core options, similar to sentiment evaluation, visible recognition, and reporting, at a cheaper price level—best for groups with tight budgets.
Q9. Which social media listening software is greatest for retail?
Status is purpose-built for retail and multi-location manufacturers. It focuses on managing buyer opinions, native social mentions, and store-level sentiment throughout channels.
Q10. What are the very best social media analytics instruments for 2026?
The highest analytics instruments for 2026 embrace:
- Sprout Social – complete insights throughout platforms
- Agorapulse – detailed efficiency and ROI monitoring
- Brandwatch – superior analytics powered by AI and visible dashboards
Cease! Do not tweet into the void!
Skipping a social media listening software means you’re flying blind whereas your prospects are virtually yelling their opinions on-line.
With out it, you miss developments, ignore suggestions, and let rivals swoop in with higher responses. The precise software helps you tune in, spot patterns, and really hear what your viewers cares about.
So cease guessing and begin listening, as we speak.
Is listening sufficient? Not likely. Think about using a social media administration platform to show these insights into motion.
