Alnico magnets and neodymium magnets differ significantly in composition, strength, temperature stability, and applications. 
Alnico magnets are composed of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, sometimes with iron and other elements. They are known for their excellent temperature stability and can operate at temperatures up to 550°C. Alnico magnets have moderate magnetic strength, with a lower coercivity, meaning they can be demagnetized more easily than neodymium magnets. They are often used in applications where high-temperature performance is crucial, such as in certain types of sensors, electric motors, and loudspeakers.
Neodymium magnets, on the other hand, are made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron (NdFeB). They are the strongest type of permanent magnets available, with a much higher magnetic strength compared to alnico magnets. Neodymium magnets have a high coercivity, making them resistant to demagnetization. However, they have a lower maximum operating temperature, typically up to 80-200°C, depending on the grade. Neodymium magnets are widely used in applications requiring strong magnetic fields, such as in hard disk drives, electric vehicle motors, and wind turbine generators.
In summary, alnico magnets are preferred for high-temperature applications and where moderate magnetic strength is sufficient, while neodymium magnets are chosen for their superior magnetic strength and resistance to demagnetization, despite their lower temperature tolerance.