Compare MaxAI and Merlin AI: Which Extension is the Best?

MaxAI offers a rich set of features in a single extension. Its standout AI sidebar lets you chat, analyze files, and ask questions about the webpage as you browse. Writing assistance tools—like one-click improvement, tone adjustment, grammar checks, and handy translation—work well across sites.

A highlight is the ability to query multiple AI models at once (Pro), making it easy to compare answers for research or fact-checking. Web search with cited sources and reusable prompts further improve productivity. Image generation (Pro) is available with models like DALL·E 3, but it’s more an extra than a core feature.

File upload limits can be restrictive, even for Pro users. Overall, the features are broad, polished, and useful for most reading, writing, and research needs.

MaxAI is generally fast and responsive. The extension loads quickly, integrates smoothly with sites, and the sidebar and chat work without lag. AI responses are prompt, though more advanced models and web search can take longer. The extension is a bit large (25.88 MiB), but doesn’t slow down most browsers unless you're on older hardware.

Some minor issues exist, like the sidebar not always remembering scroll position or chat state. Context menu actions are instant, and file uploads process at reasonable speeds. Image generation works well, but depends on your chosen model.

One limitation is the lack of a way to cancel long-running requests. Overall, performance is good and reliable for daily use, but not exceptional.

MaxAI is easy to use, even for those new to AI browser extensions. Onboarding is simple—just install, reload, and you're ready. The AI sidebar works like a familiar chat, and context menu options such as improve, translate, and summarize are intuitive and work smoothly across websites.

Reusable prompts are quick to set up for repetitive tasks. While the settings page offers lots of options (which may be overwhelming at first), defaults work well, so most users won't need to change anything.

Most features are self-explanatory, so there's hardly any learning curve. Minor gripe: the sidebar sometimes doesn't remember your preferred AI model between sessions. Overall, MaxAI balances advanced features with straightforward usability, making it accessible for beginners and efficient for power users.

MaxAI stands out for its clear privacy policy and transparent data practices. It only collects your email and name for identification and syncing settings, and explicitly states it does not gather browsing data, chat history (except what’s needed to function), or site info. The extension requires standard browser permissions, which are explained at install.

User data—like webpage content and chats—is sent to third-party AI providers (OpenAI, Google, etc.) as part of how the tool works. MaxAI doesn't sell your data or track your browsing, but you should be aware that external AI services will process what you send. Their data retention is minimal, and you can request deletion by deactivating your account.

The extension avoids sensitive pages like the Chrome Web Store for security. The only real privacy downside is that, as with any AI tool, your data is handled by external providers. Overall, MaxAI is more privacy-conscious and transparent than most extensions in its category.