Abstract:To compare the experimental methods, precautions, evaluation indicators, application characteristics,advantages, and disadvantages of five mazes to provide a reference for better use of maze experiments to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rodents. We accessed the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and PubMed, collected the relevant documents of the Morris water maze, Y-maze, eight-arm radial maze, T-maze, and Barnes maze, and compared their experimental methods, precautions, evaluation indicators, application characteristics, and mechanisms related to learning and memory examination of each maze. The Morris water maze test has more evaluation indicators, and more reliable results.Operation of the Y-maze test is simple, but it more affects the tested animals. The eight-arm radial maze test avoids water and electrical stimulation, and its operation is simple. A T-maze test without water and electrical stimulation relies on the animal’s nature to complete the task. The Barnes maze test stimulates animals to complete their tasks with light and sound,and has many limitations. To evaluate the spatial learning and memory abilities of rats and mice, all the five mazes are suitable, and the results of the Morris water maze test are more accurate. All the Morris water maze, Y-maze, T-maze, and eight-arm radial maze tests are suitable to evaluate working memory capabilities, but the Y-maze (autonomous alternation experiment) and T-maze test are less stressful to animals, and the results may be more reliable.