One of the main differences between the two is the complexity of these two items. The battery maintainer is known to be more complex as it makes use of more advanced circuitry. Battery chargers are also meant to make batteries charge but they will not do anything to ensure that batteries will work the same way every time. Maintainers will make sure that batteries will be kept in prime condition.
A lot of battery chargers will be able to charge at a constant rate but make sure that your battery will not be completely drained before you start charging. This is the same with a battery maintainer. It will have the ability to charge but if the battery is already depleted, it will not work.