Well macaws are loving playful, very outgoing, intuitive, overall they are my favorite species of parrot by far. But they are also testy(they like to test the waters often and enjoy doing it so much they just do the macaw lunge to see what will happen), they are big and very powerful so your macaw may just be warning you but end up taking a nice portion of your skin in return. They tend to be very self sufficient and tend to keep themselves content rather easily. Moderately loud, and there is much more butz I will spare some room for others to give input on macaws.
Ok well cockatoos are problem child's unless raises and given proper manners. They become Velcro birds and then start learning new unwanted behaviors due to this Velcro effect. They are on a much louder plan then a macaw I mean muuuuccch louder. Cockatoos wild vocal screams are just out of this world for someone that has never expirences that before. On Another note they are devoted to there owners, they are very affecionate(this is there downfall though). They are so smart I've honestly never met a smarter bird when it comes to mechanics that isn't a cockatoo other then most blue throated macaws are very mechanical. I know of an umbrella who takes every cage apart he has ever been in, including stainless steel. This is also an issue they must be kept content at all times. My cockatoos are toy machines and destroy them fast as my macaws do t destroy toys as much. Cockatoos must and is mean must have ground rules set or they become issues very quickly. If you raise a cockatoo right you are in for a great friend and treat, but of not you'll have issues. Cockatoos are very entertaining they do some very cool behaviors and love to play as do macaws.
Both have there pros and cons and I only touched on both a little I want to let others have room to add as well. I own a variety of both I have a m2 and medium sulphur and a galah and then multiple macaws and all have there perks and then there not so great aspects.
I'd vote for macaw but I am extremely biased towards them sadly.
