A mixed-methods research software platform combining qualitative coding, quantitative content analysis, and AI-assisted analysis tools — uniquely designed to support the full spectrum from ethnographic grounded theory to quantitative text analytics within a single, GDPR-compliant environment.
MAXQDA is the only major CAQDAS platform designed explicitly for mixed-methods research integration. It supports the full qualitative toolkit (grounded theory, thematic analysis, content analysis, discourse analysis) alongside quantitative text features (word frequency analysis, code frequency tables, statistical visualizations). The MAXDictio module enables dictionary-based quantitative content analysis. Visual tools include the Document Portrait, Code Matrix Browser, and Sankey diagrams for cross-case comparison. The AI Coding Assistant can auto-code documents against a user-defined codebook. MAXQDA Stats provides basic statistical analysis directly within the platform, eliminating the need to export to SPSS for simple tests.
Mixed-methods research designs that combine qualitative coding of interviews or focus groups with quantitative content analysis — particularly projects requiring integration of both analytical paradigms within a single auditable workspace.
The AI Coding Assistant requires an active internet connection and sends text to an external LLM API, which may conflict with IRB protocols for sensitive data. The interface has a steeper learning curve than web-based tools. Some advanced visualizations are only available in the Windows version. Annual subscription pricing may be a barrier for independent researchers.
MAXQDA is developed by VERBI GmbH, a Berlin-based company fully subject to German and EU data protection law. The software is primarily desktop-based — research data never leaves the user's machine unless cloud features are explicitly enabled. AI features are opt-in and processed under a GDPR-compliant data processing agreement. The company explicitly states that user data is not used to train AI models. MAXQDA has been used in government and clinical research contexts requiring strict data sovereignty.
MAXQDA's core functionality is analyst-driven: all coding, categorization, and interpretation is performed or approved by the researcher. The AI Coding Assistant (powered by an external LLM) suggests codes based on user-defined codebooks but all suggestions require explicit researcher confirmation. Outputs are always grounded in the source text — no autonomous interpretive generation occurs without researcher oversight.
Free 14-day trial with full features. MAXQDA Standard and MAXQDA Analytics Pro (includes MAXDictio and Stats). Student and educator licenses at significantly reduced rates. Team and institutional licenses available. Annual subscription or perpetual license options.
✓ Institutional licensing available
Editorial independence: ScriptorLabs has no commercial relationship with MAXQDA. This review is independent and based solely on our academic evaluation framework.