AdLabs vs Scale Insights

Two Amazon PPC tools with very different automation philosophies. Here is how they compare for Amazon advertising in 2026.

TL;DR

Scale Insights is a rules-based automation tool with 12 stackable algorithms, built for sellers who want deep customization at the ASIN level. AdLabs takes a semi-automatic approach where the Bid Optimizer surfaces recommendations, you set the rules, and you choose which changes wait for your approval. Both are Amazon-focused, but they attract different types of users.

Feature comparison

Feature	AdLabs	Scale Insights
Automation Style	Semi-automatic (Human in the loop)	Rules-based (Algorithm Stacking)
Transparency	Yes: Full visibility into every change	Yes: Audit logs and preview actions
Pricing Model	% of ad spend + base fee	Per-ASIN tiers (or 1% of ad spend for unlimited)
Starting Price	1% of ad spend + $120/mo	$78/mo for 5 ASINs
Flat-Rate Option	Yes: Available for accounts spending $100K+/mo	No: Not available
Bid Management	Yes: Bid Optimizer recommendations + manual override	Yes: Dynamic bidding with stackable rules
Keyword Harvesting	Yes: Automated on your rules, with optional approval	Yes: Automated via import rules
Negative Keyword Mgmt	Yes: With n-gram analysis	Yes: Automated with blacklist/whitelist
Dayparting	Yes: Yes	Yes: Yes
Mass Campaign Creation	Yes: Campaign templates	Yes: Bulk auto, keyword & dayparting campaigns
Split to Keyword Campaigns	No: Not available	Yes: Bulk split high-converting terms into single-keyword campaigns
Amazon DSP	Yes: Yes	No: Not available
AMC Integration	Yes: AMC Audiences	No: Not available
Custom Reporting / Dashboards	Yes: Drag-and-drop builder, white-label	Yes: Performance analytics with sales correlation
Free Trial	Yes: 30 days, no credit card + free plan	Yes: 30 days, 1 ASIN, no credit card
Onboarding	Self-serve, fast setup	Self-serve with knowledge base & community

Automation philosophy

AdLabs · Semi-Automatic

Algorithm analyzes data and surfaces bid recommendations
You set the rules and choose which changes wait for your approval
Automations and alerts available for rule-based workflows
Built for teams who want speed without giving up oversight

Scale Insights · Algorithm Stacking

12 automation algorithms you layer together (bidding, negation, import, dayparting, placement, budget, and more)
Rules execute automatically once configured
Audit logs and preview actions let you review before changes apply
Extremely customizable, but requires PPC knowledge to configure well

This is where these two tools diverge the most, and it is the most important factor in choosing between them.

AdLabs simplifies the workflow: you set the rules, AdLabs applies them, and you can review every change. Scale Insights gives you a building-block system where you design your own automation logic from 12 algorithm types. Scale Insights' approach is powerful for experienced sellers who enjoy fine-tuning their own rule sets, but it comes with a steeper learning curve. AdLabs gets you to optimization faster with less configuration. Both tools give you more control than fully automated platforms.

Pricing

AdLabs

AdLabs Core starts at 1% of ad spend + $120/month. The Pro plan is 2% + $120/month. Flat-rate pricing is available for accounts spending $100K+/month.

Scale Insights

Scale Insights charges per ASIN: $78/month for 5 ASINs, $98/month for 10, $178/month for 20, and $288/month for 35. For unlimited ASINs, Scale Insights charges 1% of monthly ad spend. Annual billing saves roughly 20%.

Which model is cheaper depends on your situation. If you have a small catalog with high ad spend per ASIN, Scale Insights' per-ASIN pricing can be significantly cheaper. If you manage many ASINs across multiple accounts (typical for agencies), AdLabs' percentage-based model with flat-rate options may be more predictable. It is worth running the numbers for your specific account.

Where each one has the edge

Where Scale Insights has the edge

Algorithm Stacking
12 automation algorithms you can layer, combine, and customize for highly specific strategies
Split to Keyword
Bulk-split high-converting search terms into single-keyword campaigns with a few clicks
Per-ASIN pricing
Very cost-effective for sellers with small catalogs and high ad spend per product
Mass campaign creation
Fully managed campaigns, bulk auto campaigns, keyword campaigns, and dayparting campaigns from templates
Sales analytics
Correlates organic sales, PPC performance, and promotions in one view
Active community
Facebook group with tool creators and experienced sellers for strategy sharing

If you are an experienced Amazon seller who enjoys building and testing custom rule sets, Scale Insights gives you a level of automation granularity that few tools match. Its per-ASIN pricing is also hard to beat for low-ASIN, high-spend accounts.

Where AdLabs has the edge

Faster time to value
Bid Optimizer recommendations get you optimizing immediately without building rule sets from scratch
Agency-friendly
Multi-account management, white-label dashboards, and predictable pricing for client portfolios
DSP and AMC
Amazon DSP support and AMC Audiences, which Scale Insights does not offer
Advanced analytics
Drag-and-drop pivot tables, n-gram analysis, custom dashboards, and white-label reporting
Direct team access
Talk to leadership and developers directly; bugs fixed within 24 hours
Flat-rate pricing option
Costs stay predictable as ad spend scales during peak seasons

For agencies and brands that want AI-assisted optimization without the configuration overhead, AdLabs provides a faster, cleaner workflow with broader capabilities including DSP and AMC.

Who should choose which

Choose AdLabs if you…

Run an agency managing multiple Amazon accounts
Want AI-powered recommendations without building rules from scratch
Need DSP support and AMC Audiences
Prefer predictable flat-rate or percentage-based pricing
Want to get optimizing quickly with minimal setup

Choose Scale Insights if you…

Are an experienced seller who wants to build custom automation logic
Have a small catalog with high ad spend per ASIN
Want 12 stackable algorithms for maximum rule-based control
Enjoy testing and iterating on your own PPC strategies
Want per-ASIN pricing that keeps costs low for focused catalogs

Frequently asked questions

Is AdLabs better than Scale Insights?

AdLabs and Scale Insights serve different needs. AdLabs is semi-automatic, giving you full control over every optimization decision with AI-powered suggestions and transparent logic. Scale Insights takes a different approach to automation. The best choice depends on whether you want hands-on control with smart assistance or a more automated workflow.

How does AdLabs pricing compare to Scale Insights?

AdLabs offers transparent, published pricing with a free 30-day trial and no credit card required. AdLabs also offers flat-rate pricing for accounts spending over $100,000 per month. Compare plans and features at adlabs.app/pricing.

Can I switch from Scale Insights to AdLabs?

Yes. Switching to AdLabs is straightforward. Connect your Amazon Advertising account through the API and AdLabs imports your campaign data automatically. Most users are fully transitioned and optimizing within a single day.