MaxAI vs Sider
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Freemium
A browser extension for one-click AI actions on selected text, emails and pages.
AI tool · Freemium
A sidebar AI extension for chatting with pages, PDFs and images using multiple models.
The short answer
Choose MaxAI if you need…
- Rewriting selected text
- Email replies in the browser
Choose Sider if you need…
- Reading assistance in the browser
- Comparing model answers
Side-by-side
| MaxAI | Sider | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Plugins & extensions · AI browser extensions | Plugins & extensions · AI browser extensions |
| Price | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | Chrome | Chrome, Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Works with | Chrome, Gmail | Chrome |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
MaxAI
A browser extension for one-click AI actions on selected text, emails and pages. Fast for quick text tasks. Similar features are now built into many browsers and apps.
Sider
A sidebar AI extension for chatting with pages, PDFs and images using multiple models. Capable and popular. Overlaps heavily with similar sidebar extensions.
Best for
MaxAI
- Rewriting selected text
- Email replies in the browser
Sider
- Reading assistance in the browser
- Comparing model answers
Strengths
MaxAI
- Right-click AI actions
- Email and social reply drafts
- Page summaries
- Multiple models
Sider
- Sidebar chat
- Chat with PDFs and pages
- Image tools
- Translation
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MaxAI and Sider?
MaxAI: A browser extension for one-click AI actions on selected text, emails and pages. Sider: A sidebar AI extension for chatting with pages, PDFs and images using multiple models. MaxAI suits rewriting selected text, while Sider suits reading assistance in the browser.
Are MaxAI and Sider free?
MaxAI: Freemium. Sider: Freemium.
What are other alternatives to MaxAI and Sider?
Other options people compare them with include Merlin, HARPA AI, Monica.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.