Prism vs Scale Insights: Which Amazon PPC Tool Is Right for You?
An honest comparison of transparent AI vs Algorithm Stacking for agencies and growth-stage sellers.
Scale Insights is an Amazon PPC automation platform known for its "Algorithm Stacking" approach: 12 proprietary algorithms you can layer together for deep customization. Both Prism and Scale Insights offer sophisticated bid optimization, but they take fundamentally different approaches to automation, pricing, and transparency.
Quick Summary
Choose Prism if you want:
- • Transparent AI that explains every decision
- • Flat-rate pricing that scales predictably for agencies
- • Client-ready explanations for reports
- • Guided 12-step workflow repeatable across accounts
- • Fast team onboarding without steep learning curve
Choose Scale Insights if you want:
- • Deep customization through Algorithm Stacking
- • Per-ASIN pricing for large catalogs with low spend
- • 1% of ad spend model for unlimited ASINs
- • Built by experienced Amazon sellers
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Prism | Scale Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Flat rate: $29-$449/mo | Per-ASIN ($78-$668+/mo) or 1% of ad spend |
| AI Bid Optimization | Adaptive ML with explanations | Algorithm Stacking (12 algorithms) |
| LLM Explanations | Yes - plain English for every decision | No |
| Learning Curve | Guided 12-step workflow | Steep - requires Algorithm Stacking expertise |
| Historical Data | Full available history | 60 days only |
| Anomaly Detection | Real-time (~1 hour) | Via automation rules |
| Dayparting | Planned | Yes - 24 ad groups per campaign |
| Client Reporting | AI explanations are client-ready | Manual export required |
| Multi-Account (Agency) | Accounts included in tiers | Dropdown menu switcher |
| Best For | Agencies & growth-stage sellers | Solo sellers with large ASIN catalogs |
Pricing: Flat Rate vs Per-ASIN
Scale Insights offers two pricing models: per-ASIN tiers (starting at $78/month for 5 automated ASINs) or 1% of ad spend for unlimited ASINs. Prism uses simple flat-rate tiers with accounts included. Here's how the economics compare:
| Monthly Ad Spend | Prism Cost | Scale Insights (1% model) | Scale Insights (20 ASINs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $29 | $10 | $178 |
| $10,000 | $199 | $100 | $178 |
| $25,000 | $449 | $250 | $178 |
| $50,000 | $449 | $500 | $178 |
| $100,000 | $449 | $1,000 | $178 |
Key insight: Scale Insights' per-ASIN model can be cheaper for sellers with large catalogs and low ad spend. But for agencies managing multiple accounts, this pricing becomes unpredictable across clients. Prism's flat tiers with accounts included make margin planning straightforward.
Why Agencies Choose Prism Over Scale Insights
Scale Insights was built by Amazon sellers for Amazon sellers, and it shows. The platform excels for solo operators with time to master its powerful Algorithm Stacking system. But agencies face different challenges:
Agency Challenges with Scale Insights
- ×Unpredictable costs: Per-ASIN pricing varies across client catalogs
- ×Time sink: Algorithm Stacking needs setup per client account
- ×Reporting burden: No AI explanations means manual justification
- ×Team training: Steep learning curve for new hires
How Prism Solves These
- ✓Predictable margins: Flat tiers with accounts included
- ✓Scalable workflow: 12-step process repeatable across all clients
- ✓Client-ready reports: AI explanations can be copied directly
- ✓Fast onboarding: Team members productive in days, not weeks
Understanding Algorithm Stacking
Scale Insights' Algorithm Stacking lets you layer multiple automation algorithms together. For example, you might combine dynamic bidding + dayparting + negative keyword automation + placement optimization. This is powerful, if you have the time and expertise to configure it properly.
The tradeoff? Each account needs custom configuration. There's no AI explaining why certain rules fired or what the expected outcome is. You get raw automation power, but not transparency.
Example Prism Recommendation
Recommendation: Downbid from $2.15 to $1.65
Why: This keyword has 85 clicks over 21 days but only 2 conversions (2.4% CVR), resulting in 67% ACOS, well above your 25% target. The statistical confidence is 94%. Reducing the bid by 23% should bring ACOS closer to target while maintaining presence in auctions. If CVR improves, we'll recommend increasing the bid.
With Scale Insights, you'd see the bid change happen, but not the reasoning behind it. With Prism, every change is explained so you can learn and justify it to clients.
Our Honest Recommendation
Choose Prism if:
- ✓You're an agency managing multiple client accounts
- ✓You need to justify changes in client reports
- ✓Predictable, flat-rate pricing matters for margin planning
- ✓You want to onboard team members quickly
- ✓You're a growth-stage seller who values understanding over raw automation
Consider Scale Insights if:
- •You're a solo seller with a large ASIN catalog and low ad spend
- •You have time to master Algorithm Stacking and customize per product
- •You prefer granular control over automated AI recommendations
- •The 1% of ad spend model works out cheaper for your situation
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Ready to stop wasting ad spend and start scaling profitably?
Sign Up