The difference between Maze's AI and User Intuition's AI is the difference between a chatbot and a researcher.
Executive Summary: The Critical Differences
User Intuition delivers 98% participant satisfaction through natural 32-minute AI-moderated conversations with YOUR actual customers, using McKinsey-grade methodology and 5-7 level laddering to uncover the identity drivers that predict behavior.
Maze offers prototype testing and usability studies with their new "AI Moderator" (2024) limited to open-ended questions only, cannot test stimuli during AI sessions—a UX testing platform trying to add AI conversations.
Platform Capabilities: Complete Comparison
| Capability |
User Intuition |
Maze |
Winner |
| Platform Capabilities: Complete Comparison |
| AI Moderation |
✓ Best in Class — Full AI conversations |
Limited AI moderator (2024) |
User Intuition |
| Video Interviews |
✓ AI-moderated video |
Human-moderated only |
User Intuition |
| Audio Interviews |
✓ Natural 32-min AI conversations |
Human-moderated only |
User Intuition |
| Screen Sharing |
✓ Best in Class — Live observation |
✓ Screen recording capability |
Tie |
| Screen Vision |
✓ AI sees and understands |
❌ Not in AI mode |
User Intuition |
| Central Insights Hub |
✓ Unique — Searchable forever |
Per-project silos |
User Intuition |
| Time Series Studies |
✓ Unique — Track without fatigue |
❌ Not supported |
User Intuition |
| Multilingual Support |
50+ languages |
Limited in AI mode |
User Intuition |
| Prototype Testing |
Through conversation |
✓ Core capability |
Maze |
| THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze’s “AI Moderator” can only ask open-ended questions and cannot test stimuli. User Intuition’s AI handles everything a human can. |
| The Fundamental Difference: UX Testing vs Customer Understanding |
| AI Capability |
Full AI moderation |
Limited to Q&A only |
User Intuition |
| Stimuli Testing in AI |
✓ Images, prototypes, videos |
❌ Cannot test anything |
User Intuition |
| Primary Method |
Natural conversations |
Task-based usability |
Depends on need |
| Dynamic Probing |
5–7 levels deep |
Basic follow-ups |
User Intuition |
| AI Availability |
All plans |
Business/Org plans only |
User Intuition |
| Panel Dependency |
YOUR customers |
5M+ panel participants |
User Intuition |
| Real AI? |
✓ Yes — full capabilities |
Partial — very limited |
User Intuition |
| THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze’s AI can’t even show a prototype during interviews. User Intuition’s AI can — plus it probes deeply to uncover the “why.” |
| Research Outcomes: Tasks vs Conversations |
| Participant Satisfaction |
98% (n>1,000) — Published |
Not disclosed |
User Intuition |
| Conversation Quality |
Natural AI dialogue |
Limited Q&A only |
User Intuition |
| Laddering Depth |
5–7 levels systematic |
Surface level only |
User Intuition |
| Participant Drop-off |
Low (single session) |
High (documented issue) |
User Intuition |
| Prototype Crashes |
N/A — conversation based |
Frequent (especially mobile) |
User Intuition |
| Knowledge Retention |
Searchable hub forever |
Per-study silos |
User Intuition |
| Real-time Analysis |
AI-powered insights |
Manual review required |
User Intuition |
| THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze users report prototype crashes and drop-offs. User Intuition users report 98% satisfaction and deep understanding. |
| Recruitment & Support: Panel Problems vs Your Customers |
| Focus |
YOUR actual customers |
5M+ panel participants |
User Intuition |
| Participant Quality |
Real product users |
“Rush through” complaints |
User Intuition |
| Geographic Reach |
Global capability |
150 countries |
Comparable |
| Language Coverage |
50+ languages |
Limited in AI mode |
User Intuition |
| Support Availability |
Modern support model |
Business hours primary |
User Intuition |
| Weekend Research |
Full capability |
Limited availability |
User Intuition |
| THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze reviewers cite rushed panel behavior. User Intuition engages YOUR customers in thoughtful conversation. |
| Methodology & Analysis: Usability Metrics vs Strategic Intelligence |
| Methodology Foundation |
McKinsey Fortune 500 |
Usability testing focus |
User Intuition |
| Setup Process |
AI-assisted (<5 min) |
Template selection |
User Intuition |
| Dynamic Adaptation |
AI adjusts in real-time |
Fixed task flows |
User Intuition |
| Analysis Approach |
AI-powered synthesis |
AI summaries (limited) |
User Intuition |
| Learning Capability |
Improves over time |
Static templates |
User Intuition |
| Insight Depth |
5–7 strategic levels |
Task completion metrics |
User Intuition |
| THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze measures if users can complete tasks. User Intuition uncovers why they make choices. |
| Speed & Scale: The Setup Complexity Problem |
| Setup Time |
<5 minutes with AI |
Complex maze building |
User Intuition |
| Learning Curve |
Minimal |
“Steep” per reviews |
User Intuition |
| Concurrent Sessions |
Unlimited AI |
Limited by plan |
User Intuition |
| Time to Launch |
Immediate 24/7 |
Setup and QA required |
User Intuition |
| Template Dependency |
AI generates guides |
55 templates only |
User Intuition |
| Integration Required |
None — standalone |
Figma/Sketch required |
User Intuition |
| THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze needs design tool integration and complex setup. User Intuition starts conversations in minutes. |
| Pricing & Value: Tier Confusion vs Transparent Simplicity |
| Platform Cost |
Starting at $1,000 |
$99/mo to $15K+/year |
Depends on need |
| AI Access |
All plans |
Business/Org only ($15K+) |
User Intuition |
| Feature Access |
Everything included |
Features locked by tier |
User Intuition |
| Free Plan Limits |
N/A |
Very restricted |
User Intuition |
| Panel Costs |
Your customers (free/low) |
Panel fees add up |
User Intuition |
| True AI Cost |
Starting at $1,000 |
$15,000+ minimum |
User Intuition |
| THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze’s AI Moderator requires the $15K+ plan. User Intuition starts at $1,000 — a 15× difference. |
Key Differentiators: Why User Intuition Wins
| Differentiator |
Maze |
User Intuition |
Impact |
| AI Completeness |
Q&A only, no stimuli |
Full capabilities |
Partial vs complete |
| AI Plan Access |
$15K+ only |
Starting at $1,000 |
15× price difference |
| Customer Focus |
Panel participants |
YOUR customers |
Generic vs specific |
| Prototype Reliability |
Frequent crashes |
N/A — conversation based |
Frustration vs flow |
| Depth Achieved |
Surface usability |
5–7 levels of why |
Tasks vs understanding |
| 98% Satisfaction |
Not disclosed |
Published metric |
Hidden vs proven |
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Maze If:
- Prototype usability testing is primary need
- $15,000+ budget for AI features
- Panel participants acceptable
- Task completion metrics sufficient
- Design tool integration available
- Surface-level feedback enough
- Complex setup acceptable
Choose User Intuition If:
- Deep customer understanding needed
- Budget conscious (15x savings)
- AI conversations with stimuli required
- YOUR actual customers matter
- 5-7 levels of "why" needed
- 98% satisfaction indicates quality
- Simple, fast setup appeals
The Verdict: Limited Testing vs Complete Intelligence
Maze is a prototype testing platform that added a limited "AI Moderator" in 2024 that can only ask questions (no stimuli), hidden behind a $15,000 paywall—a UX tool pretending to do AI research.
User Intuition is purpose-built AI research delivering complete conversational capabilities including stimuli testing, deep laddering, and full interaction—everything you need to understand customers, not just watch them click.
If you want to test prototypes with panel participants and have $15,000 for basic AI Q&A without the ability to show anything, Maze provides traditional usability testing with AI lipstick.
If you want AI conducting complete conversations with YOUR actual customers, testing everything from concepts to prototypes while laddering 5-7 levels deep—User Intuition provides real AI research.
Your Next Step
Ask yourself:
- Do I need AI that can only ask questions or actually test things?
- Is $15,000 for limited AI or $1,000 for full AI the better value?
- Do I want panel participants rushing through or MY customers engaged?
- Do I need task metrics or customer understanding?
Start with User Intuition: Real AI, real capabilities, real insights from real customers.
The difference between Maze's AI and User Intuition's AI is the difference between a chatbot and a researcher. One asks questions. The other conducts research.