Answers for small businesses choosing an AI assistant
Maxiful compared with Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT Business and Zapier Agents.
Three tools buyers already know, and where Maxiful differs. Every fact about another product comes from that product's own public page, with the date we read it. Where another tool fits better, we say so.
The facts
- What is Maxiful?
Maxiful is a desktop app for macOS and Windows that installs a team of AI assistants on your own computer. Max, your Chief of Staff, and the specialists you add sign in to your tools and do the work you hand them. Maxiful AB, a Swedish company based in Lidingö, makes it.
- What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Microsoft's AI assistant in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams. Microsoft prices it per user: the Microsoft 365 Copilot Business add-on for existing Microsoft 365 business customers is listed at $21 per user a month, paid yearly, with a first-year offer of $18 that Microsoft's page says runs until 31 December 2026.
- Where does Maxiful differ from Copilot?
Maxiful's assistants run on your own computer, where your files and their memory stay. The AI is included in one price per workspace, never per seat. In your mail, calendars and money, anything that sends, pays, books or deletes waits for your yes on an approval card by default, unless you choose Always allow for that kind of action.
- When is Copilot the better fit?
When your team works mostly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams and wants help inside those documents and meetings.
- What is ChatGPT Business?
OpenAI's ChatGPT plan for businesses. OpenAI prices its paid ChatGPT plans per user per month, and Business starts at 2 users.
- Where does Maxiful differ from ChatGPT Business?
Maxiful's assistants run on your own computer, where your files and their memory stay. One price covers the whole workspace, never per seat. In your mail, calendars and money, anything that sends, pays, books or deletes waits for your yes on an approval card by default, unless you choose Always allow for that kind of action.
- When is ChatGPT the better fit?
When each person wants a personal assistant for writing, research and questions, with an account of their own.
- What are Zapier Agents?
AI agents you set up in Zapier, which says they perform tasks across 9,000+ apps, on command and while you sleep. Zapier's pricing page lists 400 agent activities a month on its free plan and 1,500 on Pro.
- Where does Maxiful differ from Zapier Agents?
Maxiful's assistants run on your own computer, where your files and their memory stay, with the AI included in one price per workspace. You hand them work in plain language, in the app, on your phone or in Telegram. In your mail, calendars and money, anything that sends, pays, books or deletes waits for your yes on an approval card by default, unless you choose Always allow.
- When is Zapier the better fit?
When you need fixed workflows between many web apps, including apps Maxiful does not connect to.
- What does it cost?
Professional is €99 a month and Business €299 a month, each for your whole workspace, never per seat: invite as many colleagues as you like. In Sweden the prices are 1 099 kr and 3 299 kr a month excluding VAT. The AI is included, with no API keys and no separate subscriptions. Cancel any time.