> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hackle.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hackle.io/en/ab-test/mab-test/mab-vs-ab-test.md).

# MAB Test vs A/B Test

{% hint style="info" %}
A MAB (Multi-Armed Bandit) Test is an experiment method that automatically adjusts traffic per group to maximize a success metric.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/1wdSbcJ4Y5u72w0slOca)

<table><thead><tr><th width="168.42578125">Category</th><th>A/B Test</th><th>MAB Test</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Traffic distribution</td><td>Fixed per group</td><td>Automatically adjusted based on performance</td></tr><tr><td>Main purpose</td><td>Comparing results and making decisions</td><td>Maximizing the success metric</td></tr><tr><td>Best suited for</td><td>Long-term, careful validation</td><td>Experiments that need fast optimization</td></tr><tr><td>Duration</td><td>4 weeks or more</td><td>Shorter than an A/B Test (about 1~2 weeks)</td></tr></tbody></table>

### A/B Test

An A/B Test is an experiment method where a fixed amount of traffic is allocated to each group under a controlled environment over a period of time, and decisions are made by comparing performance between groups.

It allocates fixed traffic to each group and compares performance and statistical significance over a sufficient period.

{% hint style="success" %}
An A/B Test is a good fit when you want to compare performance and statistical significance over a sufficient period.
{% endhint %}

### MAB Test

The main goal of MAB is to answer "Which test group shows the greatest reward (= success metric optimization)?"

Because it automatically allocates more traffic to the better-performing groups, it is a good fit for quickly maximizing a single success metric.

{% hint style="success" %}
A MAB Test is suitable for maximizing conversions for short and temporary experiences where changes are not permanent.

* When you want to identify the optimal option within a short period and expose it to more users
* Promotional offers, headline tests, webinar registration pages, and so on
* When continuous optimization is needed, such as for algorithm tests like search and recommendation logic
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Since traffic distribution is determined by a single success metric, decisions may differ from those that consider multiple metrics.
{% endhint %}


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