Your clients 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 folks actually really feel about your product, your opponents, 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 a substitute of insights, whereas others supply depth however lack usability. That’s why I researched and in contrast the greatest social media listening instruments in the marketplace, reviewing G2 suggestions, core options, and the way actual groups use them to remain forward.
This information will provide help to discover a platform that aligns together with your objectives, whether or not you goal to watch model sentiment, observe 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
Gives superior key phrase monitoring, sentiment evaluation, and aggressive insights, alongside publishing and buyer care instruments (free trial obtainable, premium pricing begins at $199/mo/person) - 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/person) - Meltwater: Greatest for world media and social monitoring
Tracks hundreds of thousands of on-line sources in actual time to floor developments, measure sentiment, and handle model repute 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 observe developments, ideally suited for multi-brand or multi-location companies (14-day free trial, premium pricing begins at $69/mo) - Popularity: Greatest for combining social listening with evaluation administration
Brings collectively social mentions, buyer opinions, and survey responses to present a 360° view of brand name well being (obtainable on request) - Agorapulse: Greatest for good listening with built-in scheduling
Gives filtered listening streams, sentiment tagging, and fast reporting, wrapped in a user-friendly platform (free for 30 days, premium pricing begins at $79/mo/person) - YouScan: Greatest for visible social listening and picture recognition
Makes use of AI to research photographs and movies in user-generated content material, making it ideally suited for figuring out brand utilization, model moments, and developments ( begins at $499/mo) - Brand24: Greatest for real-time alerts and sentiment evaluation
Captures model mentions throughout internet 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 great match for lean groups or businesses (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 perfect 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 and marketing groups keep forward of vital conversations.
In keeping 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.
In the event you’re questioning which software PR groups belief throughout a disaster, which one surfaces competitor insights quickest, or which platform presents essentially the most intuitive dashboards, these instruments persistently lead the pack in accuracy, depth, and usefulness.
How did I discover and consider the perfect social media listening instruments?
To determine the highest social media listening instruments, I analyzed actual person opinions on G2 to grasp how these platforms carry out throughout completely different advertising and marketing and model monitoring workflows.
I evaluated how every software helps key use instances, 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 by way of person suggestions and G2 Winter 2026 Grid® Stories to match ease of use, information accuracy, dashboard high quality, and general satisfaction throughout platforms. This information consists of screenshots from vendor G2 pages to point out what these instruments truly appear to be in use.
I’ve curated this checklist to assist advertising and marketing, PR, and buyer expertise groups discover the best resolution for listening to what actually issues — so you can also make smarter selections, reply quicker, and keep forward of conversations that form your model.
What makes the perfect social media listening instruments price it: My opinion
When evaluating the perfect social media listening platforms, I centered on options that straight affect model monitoring, real-time viewers perception, and cross-functional worth for advertising and marketing, PR, and product groups.
- Complete channel protection: The perfect 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 every little thing in social media. I prioritized instruments that provide immediate alerts for spikes in mentions, shifts in sentiment, or trending subjects. Constructed-in sentiment evaluation (particularly with assist for a number of languages) helps groups reply proactively to reward, complaints, or potential crises.
- Viewers and matter segmentation: It’s not nearly what persons are saying, it’s about who’s saying it. I regarded for instruments that allow you to filter by demographics, location, affect, or curiosity segments. The perfect platforms provide help to zero in on precedence audiences and uncover developments throughout completely different buyer teams.
- Aggressive and market benchmarking: High-tier social listening instruments don’t simply present your personal mentions. I valued platforms that present side-by-side comparisons with opponents, observe share of voice, and monitor broader business key phrases. This helps groups benchmark efficiency and determine whitespace alternatives.
- Perception visualization and reporting: Information is simply helpful if it’s digestible. I regarded for instruments with customizable dashboards, shareable reviews, and visualizations that make it straightforward to inform a narrative with social information. Whether or not it’s for an exec deck or a marketing campaign autopsy, nice reporting issues.
- Compliance and information entry transparency: Social information is topic to altering platform insurance policies and privateness laws. I favor instruments which can be clear about how they entry and retailer information, and that stay compliant with APIs and person consent requirements. Reliable information dealing with is a should, particularly for enterprise groups.
The checklist beneath comprises real person 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
- Establish trending subjects or phrases by monitoring real-time conversations
- Analyze and element buyer sentiment (constructive, damaging, impartial)
- Arrange buyer data for viewers segmentation and engagement
- Establish thought leaders and influencers inside related industries
This information 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 keeping with G2 Information, I discovered that Sprout Social is utilized by 45% of small-business and 37% of mid-market groups to successfully interact audiences, streamline content material publishing, and derive actionable insights from social media interactions.
One function that stood out to me is its intuitive person interface. Many reviewers famous that transitioning from earlier social scheduling platforms was fast and seamless, and that the UI made it straightforward for groups to search out options and change into totally built-in into the platform.
I observed that Sprout Social presents intensive academic 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 more practical.
One other widespread theme I noticed in opinions was reward for analytics capabilities. Reviewers mentioned that the platform presents information in an easy-to-interpret manner, and that options like marketing campaign tagging and reporting scale back the necessity to spend hours analyzing particular person posts. Many highlighted how thrilling it’s to examine efficiency metrics as a result of they’re complete and actionable.
Publishing and scheduling instruments had been continuously talked about as a significant plus. Customers appreciated the power to plan content material upfront throughout a number of channels, serving to to take care of consistency and engagement.
I observed reviewers praising collaboration options. Instruments like shared calendars, activity 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 having the ability to observe model mentions and viewers sentiment helped them keep on high of engagement developments and reply proactively.
One other profit that comes up usually is responsive buyer assist. Reviewers famous that Sprout Social’s assist staff is fast and useful, offering help with setup, troubleshooting, and steering on superior options.
Pricing will be steep, significantly for small groups or startups. Many customers famous that the platform’s superior options and analytics justify the fee, particularly for groups searching for complete social media administration.
Some superior instruments, akin to granular competitor evaluation or automation workflows, might require time to totally make the most of or necessitate higher-tier plans. Nonetheless, customers who invested in exploring these options discovered the effectivity positive aspects and actionable insights from automation and reporting effectively definitely worth the effort.
General, based mostly on my evaluation of G2, Sprout Social is broadly regarded for its intuitive UI, academic sources, superior analytics, publishing instruments, collaboration options, social listening capabilities, and responsive assist, making it a trusted alternative for groups searching for to successfully develop and handle their social media presence.
What I like about Sprout Social:
- I admire that Sprout Social has an intuitive person interface, making it fast and simple 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 function that G2 customers additionally spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Sprout Social:
“I really like the folders that Sprout has obtainable to kind the instances from the good inbox. All the tags that assist arrange instances/good inbox are extraordinarily useful, making it a lot simpler to sift by way of all of the incoming engagements. I additionally admire how Sprout updates the instances fairly instantly for the streams, which is useful contemplating we use it day by day for work.”
– Sprout Social Assessment, Sage Ok.
What I dislike about Sprout Social:
- The pricing will 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 observed that superior instruments, akin to granular competitor evaluation, might require time to totally make the most of or necessitate higher-tier plans. Nonetheless, customers who invested in exploring these options discovered effectivity positive aspects.
What G2 customers dislike about Sprout Social:
“There are just a few high quality of life enhancements I might admire. As an example, being able to tug and drop notes to a different date, very similar to how posts will be rescheduled by dragging them, can be a welcome enchancment. Moreover, introducing a Fb first remark function, just like the prevailing Instagram first remark choice, can be helpful, particularly since Fb now suggests putting hyperlinks in feedback.”
– Sprout Social Assessment, Jamie S.
2. Hootsuite: Greatest identified for all-in-one social media administration
In keeping with G2 Information, I discovered that Hootsuite helps 59% of enterprise and 29% of mid-market advertising and marketing 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 function that stood out to me is the power 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 without having to modify between instruments. They continuously point out that having 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 completely different social media channels and advertising and marketing 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 mentioned 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 clients effectively.
A number of reviewers highlighted the analytics dashboard, noting that it offers clear metrics and actionable insights, thereby simplifying marketing campaign efficiency monitoring. Collaboration instruments, akin to shared calendars and role-based permissions, additionally emerged as a significant 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 examine on Instagram. Nonetheless, customers appreciated having the ability to depend on buyer assist. Many reviewers talked about the fast and useful responses they acquired throughout setup or once they encountered connection points.
Reviewers highlighted pricing, which some really feel is excessive in the event you’re primarily utilizing Hootsuite as a scheduling software. However using its superior options, akin to strong integrations, AI content material instruments, Inbox 2.0, and staff collaboration options, appears to justify the fee for a lot of customers, highlighting the platform’s velocity, flexibility, and actionable insights.
General, based mostly on my evaluation of G2, Hootsuite is broadly regarded for its cross-platform scheduling, AI enhancements, unified inbox, analytics, and staff collaboration instruments, making it a trusted alternative 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 and marketing. 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 power 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 Assessment, Gabriela C.
What I dislike about Hootsuite:
- G2 customers felt that generally the alt textual content doesn’t switch to Instagram. Though additionally they suppose the platform’s general content material administration options make up for it.
- The pricing appears excessive in the event you primarily use it for scheduling, and G2 customers have additionally famous this. Nonetheless, they imagine the superior options justify the fee.
What G2 customers dislike about Hootsuite:
“The calendar view drives me somewhat nuts. I see solely platform icons within the month view as a substitute of actual content material, making it fairly tough to visualise posts to return. Additionally, post-edits generally vanish, with no actual undo. Final however not least, the cell expertise wants a critical improve. It is clunky and never ideally suited when most posting takes place whereas on the transfer.”
– Hootsuite Assessment, Volha P.
3. Meltwater: Greatest for world media and social monitoring
Meltwater is widely known as a robust all-in-one platform for PR and social media administration. Many customers spotlight its capability to watch on-line conversations, observe developments, and optimize engagement, making it a go-to resolution for groups searching for actionable insights.
One function that persistently will get reward is the Discover operate. Reviewers continuously point out utilizing it to trace discussions about their group, comply with related subjects, and evaluate competitor exercise. A number of observe that analyzing developments over completely different time intervals helps them perceive the broader context and make extra knowledgeable strategic selections.
I’ve observed that G2 customers usually name out the “greatest time to publish” suggestions within the Have interaction operate. In keeping with a number of opinions, this function analyzes viewers exercise and suggests optimum posting instances, resulting in noticeably larger engagement on social media campaigns. Customers describe it as a sensible software for making content material more practical and data-driven.
One other generally appreciated component is Meltwater’s intuitive interface and workflows. Many reviewers point out that even these with prior expertise in comparable instruments discover the platform straightforward to navigate, permitting them to get began shortly with no steep studying curve.
Customers continuously spotlight the platform’s analytics and reporting capabilities. Evaluations observe that Meltwater permits them to trace efficiency metrics, measure engagement developments, and visualize information in ways in which simplify strategic planning and decision-making.
A function that I discovered noteworthy from opinions is the contact administration database. Many customers talked about that Meltwater offers sufficient contact data to assist outreach efforts, even when some emails sometimes have to be supplemented with handbook follow-ups. This helps streamline PR campaigns and saves time for groups managing a number of contacts.
Analyzing broader evaluation developments, the search operate is mostly considered strong. Some reviewers point out minor limitations, akin to the shortcoming to make use of an AND operator for beats, however most really feel that the software nonetheless offers 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 may affect focused outreach efforts. That mentioned, many additionally level out that Meltwater offers sufficient baseline data to assist campaigns, usually supplemented with handbook follow-ups or different instruments.
Customers additionally point out the e-mail sending function. Some report that it lacks full customization for bulk emails, which may restrict flexibility and should not go well with groups anticipating superior personalization. Even so, most reviewers agree that the function nonetheless helps efficient outreach by way of streamlined workflows and ample contact data, making it a greater match for groups that prioritize simplicity over intricate e-mail design.
Primarily based on suggestions I gathered from G2 customers, Meltwater is valued for its Discover operate, greatest time to publish suggestions, intuitive interface, analytics and reporting, strong search, and call 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 straightforward to watch conversations, observe developments, and optimize engagement, and customers on G2 second this.
- Options just like the Discover operate, “greatest time to publish” suggestions, and the intuitive interface assist groups make data-driven selections and get began shortly, a function that G2 customers additionally spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Meltwater:
“Meltwater offers us with invaluable information and insights. With the Discover operate, we will monitor on-line conversations about our group and associated areas, whereas additionally evaluating these discussions to competitor exercise and analyzing developments over completely different time intervals. My favourite function, nevertheless, is the “greatest time to publish” suggestions inside the Have interaction operate. By analyzing our viewers’s exercise and peak on-line instances, Meltwater suggests optimum posting instances, considerably boosting our engagement throughout all social media platforms.”
– Meltwater Assessment, 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 e-mail addresses. G2 customers acknowledged this however talked about that the platform nonetheless offers sufficient data to assist outreach.
- Customers have famous a difficulty with the e-mail sending function, 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 continues to be difficult, however I haven’t got a lot productive suggestions on learn how to make it higher. It is top-of-the-line merchandise of its type in the marketplace, however utilizing it may actually, as at all times, be improved.”
– Meltwater Assessment, Carter C.
Your on-line repute shapes first impressions. See which ORM instruments provide help to monitor mentions, handle opinions, and keep answerable 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 information. Many reviewers observe that groups depend on it to trace model mentions, measure marketing campaign efficiency, and generate actionable insights throughout a number of channels.
One function that continuously stands out is the convenience of integration with present workflows. Customers usually point out that after some preliminary coaching, the platform matches seamlessly into administration processes, permitting groups to undertake it with out main disruptions.
I’ve observed that reviewers persistently reward analytical capabilities. Many spotlight the power to generate detailed reviews and observe 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 observe 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 observe that staff roles, shared dashboards, and activity 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 keeping with suggestions, these dashboards make insights straightforward 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 observe that the platform’s coaching sources and assist assist make this transition smoother.
A number of customers have reported occasional lag or syncing points with particular social platforms. Whereas this will briefly disrupt workflows, most customers take into account these points minor in comparison with the general worth of the platform, and say they change into 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 present workflows, and it seems that G2 customers share the same sentiment about how simply groups can undertake it.
- Analytics and reporting capabilities assist observe content material efficiency and optimize campaigns, one thing reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Brandwatch:
“The Planner function in Brandwatch is excellent. It provides our whole staff—and the broader enterprise clear visibility into all scheduled content material every day. The built-in approval workflow is seamless, making collaboration straightforward and guaranteeing every little thing is completely tailor-made earlier than it goes dwell.”
– Brandwatch Assessment, Amanda H.
What I dislike about Brandwatch:
- I observed that new customers might have time to change into snug with analytics and reporting, and G2 reviewers have additionally highlighted this. Many additionally talked about that Brandwatch’s coaching sources and assist make the transition simpler.
- I additionally noticed occasional lag or syncing points with sure social platforms, which reviewers famous; nevertheless, most take into account these minor and manageable, given the platform’s general worth.
What G2 customers dislike about Brandwatch:
“As a department supervisor of an property company, it could be extra useful to have a full cell app so I can handle issues on the go. The one different damaging I’ve discovered is that navigating the pictures and including textual content to them will be fairly fiddly and time-consuming. However I’ve by no means been nice with know-how, so which may simply be me.”
– Brandwatch Assessment, Aaron D.
5. Statusbrew: Greatest for collaborative listening and response workflows
Statusbrew is valued as a complete platform for businesses and companies to plan content material, handle communities, collaborate with groups, and analyze social media efficiency. In keeping with G2 Information, 58% of companies use Statusbrew to streamline social media administration and assist data-driven decision-making.
One function that continuously stands out is the mini-tutorials that seem when clicking on every icon. Reviewers usually observe that these tutorials assist customers perceive every software and discover platform options extra successfully, making the training course of smoother and decreasing onboarding challenges.
I’ve observed that customers continuously reward the AI Assistant. In keeping with suggestions, it offers inventive ideas 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 reviews. Many customers point out that the reviews are sensible and visible, giving groups the info 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 significant time-saver that helps keep constant messaging.
Collaboration options additionally obtain frequent mentions. G2 customers observe that staff workflows, activity 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 general 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, observe that mini tutorials and strong assist assist them stand up to hurry.
Some G2 reviewers famous that the cell app can sometimes lag and presents restricted performance for scheduling or enhancing posts on the go. Many customers nonetheless praised its comfort for monitoring exercise and staying linked with their social media accounts from anyplace.
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 scale back onboarding challenges; plainly many G2 customers agree that this protects time.
- The AI Assistant presents inventive content material ideas and helps keep engagement, a function reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Statusbrew:
“Statusbrew is probably one of many easiest and most user-friendly social media platforms obtainable at present, providing complete options for managing social media streams. It makes it straightforward to handle a number of accounts, customise publish timing, and shortly schedule content material utilizing a queue system for particular days. The platform consists of 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 brief in just a few key areas.”
– Statusbrew Assessment, 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 assist assist ease the method.
- The cell app can lag and has restricted performance for enhancing or scheduling posts on the go. G2 reviewers have additionally observed this, however many really feel it’s nonetheless ample for primary administration duties.
What G2 customers dislike about Statusbrew:
“Statusbrew is nice for Fb and LinkedIn posts, and we use it repeatedly for these two channels. Nonetheless, it doesn’t work effectively with Threads and doesn’t assist Bluesky in any respect, which is disappointing. I’d give it a a lot larger score if these platforms had been higher supported.”
– Statusbrew Assessment, Jens N.
6. Popularity: Greatest for combining social listening with evaluation administration
Popularity is widely known for serving to corporations measure, handle, and scale their model efficiency in real-time. Many reviewers spotlight that groups use the platform to streamline evaluation administration, monitor model sentiment, and achieve actionable insights that enhance buyer belief and loyalty.
One function that continuously receives reward is automated evaluation gathering. Customers observe that it’s straightforward to gather opinions throughout a number of platforms, guaranteeing suggestions is captured promptly. The evaluation feed itself is commonly described as clear and intuitive, permitting groups to view and handle incoming suggestions effectively.
I’ve observed that G2 customers usually name out the platform’s report filtering capabilities. With the ability to shortly filter sections of reviews permits groups to deal with the insights that matter most, saving time and decreasing effort in navigating irrelevant information.
One other generally appreciated component is buyer assist. Reviewers continuously describe the staff as responsive, educated, and proactive in helping with setup, troubleshooting, and greatest practices, which provides worth to the general expertise.
Many customers spotlight real-time repute monitoring as a standout function. With the ability to monitor adjustments in sentiment and scores as they occur helps groups reply shortly to each constructive and damaging 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 intensive coaching or onboarding.
Integration with core enterprise instruments is one other profit reviewers observe. Whereas some customers would love much more integrations, akin to connecting with platforms like Glassdoor, present integrations with CRM and advertising and marketing techniques are seen as ample to tie repute metrics to broader enterprise outcomes.
On the flip facet, I’ve seen some customers point out points with efficiency and dashboard responsiveness. Dashboards will be gradual to load, and choosing dates might really feel unintuitive at instances. These feedback are extra widespread amongst groups anticipating immediate responsiveness. Many reviewers observe that the platform’s general design nonetheless permits entry to key insights with out main disruption.
Popularity is valued for its automated evaluation gathering, clear evaluation feed, report filtering, responsive buyer assist, real-time monitoring, and intuitive design.
What I like about Popularity:
- Automated evaluation gathering makes it straightforward to gather suggestions throughout platforms, and it seems that many G2 customers share the same sentiment concerning the time it saves.
- Actual-time repute monitoring and intuitive dashboards assist groups reply shortly to adjustments in sentiment, one thing I’ve seen reviewers spotlight usually.
What G2 customers like about Popularity:
“The software program is straightforward to navigate and quite simple to log into. When attempting to view particular data from the reviews, it’s straightforward to filter the sections you want to see. I take advantage of this virtually day by day to trace and monitor all of the opinions coming in for our enterprise. I’ve hardly needed to contact buyer assist as a result of every little thing has labored completely, however when I’ve, the dwell chat function was easy and efficient.”
– Popularity Assessment, Adam F.
What I dislike about Popularity:
- I observed that dashboards can generally be gradual, and choosing 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 observed that integrations could possibly be expanded past the present CRM and advertising and marketing 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 Popularity:
“There are just a few areas that could possibly be improved, however my predominant gripe is just not having the ability to add new customers in bulk myself. Having to undergo assist for these requests can usually take longer than I’d like, nevertheless it’s acceptable.”
– Popularity Assessment, Avery S.
7. Agorapulse: Greatest for good listening with built-in scheduling
Agorapulse presents publishing, reporting, monitoring, and staff collaboration instruments, making social media administration less complicated and extra environment friendly.
In keeping with G2 Information, 86% customers admire having the ability to entry customized reviews 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 function that persistently stood out to me is reporting. Many reviewers talked about that the customizable weekly and month-to-month reviews permit them to consolidate metrics throughout all platforms, making it straightforward to current clear, actionable information to management.
I observed frequent reward for scheduling capabilities. Customers highlighted how planning content material days upfront, relatively than posting in actual time, saves important time and ensures consistency throughout channels.
One other widespread thread in opinions is the cell app. Customers mentioned it permits them to seize and share content material on the fly, making it invaluable for groups that have to publish well timed updates or reply shortly to developments.
Monitoring and inbox administration additionally acquired 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 sturdy level. Customers famous that shared calendars, staff roles, and activity assignments make it straightforward 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, decreasing the training curve for even new staff members to social media administration platforms.
I observed a few widespread drawbacks throughout G2 opinions. One is that some superior metrics and report customization choices are restricted, significantly for comparative or segmented reviews. Whereas this will not meet the wants of extremely data-driven groups, many customers appreciated that the core reporting options stay clear, actionable, and simple to make use of for many situations.
One other space reviewers highlighted is that message response workflows and content material ideas could possibly be enhanced, for instance, with AI-driven matter 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, cell 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 information simpler.
- Scheduling, cell 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 akin to response templates, in addition to content material scheduling (modifying visuals and captions by profile, hashtag teams, and many others.). It is an indispensable day by day software that may be very straightforward to make use of and much forward of the competitors when it comes to interface and expertise. The relationships with the assist groups are as common as they’re enriching.”
– Agorapulse Assessment, Jean-Baptiste C.
What I dislike about Agorapulse:
- Superior metrics and report customization will be restricted, and G2 customers have additionally talked about this. Others observe that the core reporting options are nonetheless clear and actionable, making them a great match for groups that prioritize simple visibility over advanced dashboards.
- Message response workflows and content material ideas could possibly be strengthened, and reviewers level this out as effectively; nevertheless, additionally they observe 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 bunch of posts would save time, and I’d like to hear for key phrases throughout extra platforms.”
– Agorapulse Assessment, 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 repute, observe opponents, and derive actionable insights for campaigns throughout a number of channels.
One function that continuously stands out is repute monitoring. Reviewers usually 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 observed that customers continuously reward competitor monitoring. Many reviewers spotlight that monitoring opponents’ exercise permits them to undertake greatest practices or keep away from potential pitfalls in their very own campaigns.
One other generally appreciated component is analytics dashboards. Customers observe 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 be continuously talked about as a beneficial function. In keeping with G2 Information, 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 information visualization got here up repeatedly in opinions. Customers usually reward clear, customizable graphs, charts, and dashboards that assist groups shortly translate insights into actionable methods.
I’ve observed that some customers categorical issues concerning the accuracy of sentiment evaluation. Often, 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 beneficial.
One other facet to contemplate, talked about by some reviewers, is the shortage of a local response function. Presently, YouScan excels at monitoring, however the capability to answer on to mentions from inside the platform would improve its utility. That mentioned, 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 repute monitoring, competitor monitoring, analytics dashboards, sentiment evaluation, collaboration options, and information visualization.
What I like about YouScan:
- Popularity 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 assist technique, one thing reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about YouScan:
“The demo information simply is smart, no have to always pretend or keep advanced 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 excellent for non-technical customers. I completely love the power to create customized tales and keep a personal library that’s not accessible to your entire group. I am simply beginning to discover Stay & 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 Assessment, Izabella D.
What I dislike about YouScan:
- G2 suggestions notes that sentiment evaluation can sometimes
misread tone; nevertheless, most say the general insights stay beneficial. - Some customers point out that there’s no native response function 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 in terms of establishing queries and filtering information successfully. Some options aren’t instantly intuitive, so onboarding new staff members can take a little bit of time.”
– YouScan Assessment, 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 reviews and actionable insights. Many customers depend on it to trace model mentions, analyze suggestions, and optimize campaigns throughout a number of channels.
One function that continuously stands out is centralized model monitoring. Reviewers usually point out that having all model mentions in a single place makes it straightforward to remain on high of conversations and handle repute effectively.
I’ve observed that customers usually reward the real-time suggestions and response capabilities. In keeping 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 observe that these options save important time on handbook evaluation, optimize campaigns, and assist the creation of customer-focused content material.
Key phrase and filter customization can be continuously talked about as a professional. Customers spotlight that the power to fine-tune monitoring parameters ensures essentially the most related information is captured for actionable insights.
Collaboration options additionally obtain constructive mentions. Many reviewers observe that staff sharing, coordinated responses, and aligned repute 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 observe that Brand24’s core reporting options stay clear, actionable, and simple to make use of for many situations.
One other minor concern is the limitation of historic information. Brand24 shops collected mentions for a few yr, which can limit long-term evaluation. Even so, many customers discover that the platform offers ample information to handle repute 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 reviews, key phrase customization choices, collaboration options, and seamless integration capabilities.
What I like about Brand24:
- Centralized model monitoring makes it straightforward to trace mentions and handle repute, and it seems that many G2 customers share this sentiment.
- Actual-time suggestions, automated reviews, and AI-powered insights assist groups save time and optimize their campaigns, a function reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Brand24:
“Essentially the most helpful facet of Brand24 was not solely its capability to watch all mentions and interactions in actual time, but in addition its use of AI to interpret them and perceive their true affect. Moreover, the assist 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 Assessment, 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 information is restricted to a few yr, however many really feel there’s nonetheless sufficient data to handle repute and optimize campaigns successfully.
What G2 customers dislike about Brand24:
“It could be nice to have export capabilities that permit producing a spreadsheet of a number of model mentions. Moreover, integration with Threads can be a beneficial addition as one other information supply.”
– Brand24 Assessment, 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 function that continuously stands out is centralized inbox administration. Reviewers usually point out that it’s straightforward 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 observed that customers continuously reward automated responses. In keeping with suggestions, having this function constructed straight 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 observe 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 effectively. Reviewers continuously point out that staff workflows, activity 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 admire the coaching movies, pop-ups, and responsive assist that assist them stand up to hurry shortly.
I’ve observed some customers categorical issues across the preliminary setup and error dealing with. Organising profiles isn’t at all times intuitive, and fixing errors will be complicated at first. Nonetheless, many reviewers spotlight how-to guides, coaching movies, and pop-ups make onboarding manageable.
One other level to contemplate is the inbox function. 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 observe that these points don’t considerably affect general 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 straightforward 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 scale back the necessity for a number of apps, a function that reviewers continuously spotlight.
What G2 customers like about Vista Social:
“I appreciated 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 every little thing is true there and there is not 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 be a helpful function for model repute.”
–Vista Social Assessment, Jennifer L.
What I dislike about Vista Social:
- G2 customers have talked about that the preliminary setup and error dealing with will be complicated. Nonetheless, additionally they observe that coaching movies and guides make onboarding extra manageable.
- LinkedIn feedback can generally 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 cell app nonetheless feels a bit restricted in comparison with the desktop model, which will be annoying once I’m engaged on the go.”
– Vista Social Assessment, Markus B.
Social media listening instruments: Continuously requested questions (FAQs)
Have extra questions? Discover the solutions beneath.
Q1. What are the best-rated social media monitoring instruments?
High-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 perfect social media listening instruments for small companies?
Vista Social and Brand24 are nice picks for small companies. They provide core monitoring options, akin to model mentions, sentiment monitoring, and competitor evaluation, at accessible value factors.
Q3. What are the highest social media monitoring apps for advertising and marketing groups?
Hootsuite and Sprout Social lead right here. Each instruments assist advertising and marketing groups observe 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 – identified for sturdy engagement and inbox instruments
- Brandwatch – nice for superior information evaluation
- Popularity – ideally suited for multi-location companies managing model repute
Q5. What’s the perfect software program for monitoring social media mentions?
Brand24 is extremely efficient at real-time point out monitoring. It scans information websites, blogs, boards, and social platforms to provide you with a warning at any time when your model, opponents, or key phrases are talked about.
Q6. What is extremely really useful social media listening software program?
Meltwater and Brandwatch are continuously really useful for his or her complete world information 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 businesses?
Sprout Social is agency-friendly, providing options akin to consumer reporting, approval workflows, and staff roles. Statusbrew can be standard amongst businesses for its scalable listening and publishing capabilities.
Q8. What’s an reasonably priced social media listening service?
YouScan and Vista Social supply sturdy core options, akin to sentiment evaluation, visible recognition, and reporting, at a lower cost level—ideally suited for groups with tight budgets.
Q9. Which social media listening software is greatest for retail?
Popularity 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 perfect 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 clients are virtually yelling their opinions on-line.
With out it, you miss developments, ignore suggestions, and let opponents 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, at present.
Is listening sufficient? Probably not. Think about using a social media administration platform to show these insights into motion.
