# MathPapa vs Algebrator

The clearest difference is rating: MathPapa at 4.7 against Algebrator's 2.9. MathPapa also leads on ratings volume (17K vs 48) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Algebrator's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MathPapa sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Algebrator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MathPapa holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MathPapa has 17K ratings behind it against 48, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of MathPapa's written reviews are positive against 66% of Algebrator's.

MathPapa ships an update every 3 weeks, Algebrator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MathPapa | Algebrator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (17K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathpapa-algebra-calculator/id1024251561/reviews)** | [2.9 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebrator-step-math-solver/id1478514827/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **17K** | 48 |
| Positive reviews | **77.8% of reviews** | 65.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MathPapa, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1116770141) | [Neven Jurkovic](https://appshunter.io/developer/1478514826) |

## What reviewers say

### MathPapa

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathpapa-algebra-calculator/id1024251561)

This app provides step-by-step solutions to algebra problems, helping users understand how to solve equations and inequalities. It can also graph equations, factor expressions, and evaluate mathematical expressions.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step equation solving, Linear and quadratic equation solver, Linear and quadratic inequality solver, Equation graphing, Quadratic expression factoring, Order of operations, Expression evaluation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MathPapa Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| MathPapa Pro Upgrade | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Solves any expression or equation
- 👍 Provides step-by-step solutions
- 👍 Graphs functions
- 👍 Helpful for homework and understanding concepts
- 🚀 Saves time on homework

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription required for step-by-step solutions
- 💰 Expensive subscription at $10/month
- 👎 Limited number of step-by-step solutions in free version
- 👎 Subscription is not affordable for some students
- 👎 Subscription model is disappointing compared to previous free version

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't always recognize certain input formats
- Step-by-step solutions not always available even with subscription

**Requested features**

- Add history/log of past calculations
- Support for more math functions like differentiation and integration
- Ability to input expressions with exponents as expressions
- Option to display answers in different formats (decimal, fraction, mixed number)
- Ability to take a photo of a problem and have it solved


### Algebrator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebrator-step-math-solver/id1478514827)

Solve algebra problems by taking a photo or manually entering them. Get detailed, step-by-step solutions with explanations to understand how each problem is solved. Supports a wide range of math topics and graphing.

**Highlights:** Photo math problem solver, Step-by-step solutions, Detailed explanations, Graphing calculator, Solve equations and inequalities, Simplify expressions and factor polynomials

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Algebrator 1 month | $9.99 | per month |
| Algebrator 6 months | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Algebrator 1 year | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MathPapa free?

MathPapa is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Algebrator free?

Algebrator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MathPapa or Algebrator?

MathPapa is rated higher. MathPapa averages 4.7 out of 5 from 17K ratings, while Algebrator averages 2.9 from 48 ratings.

### Do MathPapa or Algebrator have ads?

Neither MathPapa nor Algebrator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MathPapa or Algebrator?

MathPapa ships an update every 3 weeks, and Algebrator every 2 months. Most recently, MathPapa was updated on October 23, 2026 and Algebrator on October 18, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*