# StudyPug vs Derive

The clearest difference is ads: Derive at none against StudyPug's shown. Derive also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 8 days). StudyPug's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 26). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StudyPug sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Derive sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

StudyPug holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StudyPug has 2.1K ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of StudyPug's written reviews are positive against 37% of Derive's.

StudyPug ships an update every 8 days, Derive every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StudyPug | Derive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studypug-math-and-english-help/id1156158287/reviews)** | [4.3 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/derive-handwritten-math-notes/id6763991536/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | 26 |
| Positive reviews | **59.4% of reviews** | 36.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | Subscription |
| Size | 57 MB | 81 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [StudyPug Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1156158286) | [Derive Notes Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895589672) |

## What reviewers say

### StudyPug

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studypug-math-and-english-help/id1156158287)

This app offers over 5,000 video lessons created by certified teachers to help K-12 and college students master math and English. It includes features like photo problem search, practice exercises with feedback, and progress tracking, along with test prep for various standardized exams.

**Highlights:** 5,000+ video lessons by certified teachers, Photo search for math problems, Step-by-step explanations, Practice problems with instant feedback, Progress tracking and mastery scores, Test prep for SAT, GED, ASVAB, AP, ACT, ACCUPLACER

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StudyPug (1-week) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| StudyPug (1-week) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| StudyPug (1-month) | $14.99 | per month |
| StudyPug (1-month) | $14.99 | per month |
| StudyPug (1-month) | $14.99 | per month |
| StudyPug (6-months) | $39.99 | per 6 months |
| StudyPug (1-year) | $58.99 | per year |
| StudyPug (6-months) | $58.99 | per 6 months |
| StudyPug (6-months) | $79.00 | per 6 months |
| StudyPug (6-months) | $79.00 | per 6 months |
| StudyPug (1-year) | $88.99 | per year |
| StudyPug (1-year) | $119.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great explanations
- 👍 Helpful for understanding concepts
- 🤩 Detailed and in-depth lessons
- 🎓 Enhances learning
- 💯 Recommended for struggling students

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paid subscription required for full access
- 🙅‍♀️ Limited free content
- 🤔 Unclear communication on free vs paid features
- 🐛 Occasional freezing and glitches
- 🖥️ Incompatible with some devices

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Inability to cancel subscription
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- More free content and lessons
- Interactive exercises and games
- Expanded course coverage
- Improved user interface
- Ability to download videos for offline use


### Derive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/derive-handwritten-math-notes/id6763991536)

This app provides an infinite canvas for handwritten math and science notes. It uses AI to recognize your handwriting, offering a live tutor for step-by-step assistance directly within your notes. Organize your work into notebooks that sync across devices.

**Highlights:** Infinite canvas for note-taking, Handwritten math recognition, Live AI tutor for step-by-step help, Notebook and page organization, Cross-device syncing, Light, dark, and sepia themes

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Derive Pro (Monthly, student) | $8.99 | per month |
| Derive Pro (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Derive Pro (Monthly, invited) | $9.99 | per month |
| Derive Pro (Annual) | $50.00 | per year |
| Derive Pro (Yearly, student) | $75.00 | per year |
| Derive Pro (Annual) | $83.90 | per year |
| Derive Pro (Annual, invited) | $83.90 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StudyPug free?

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

### Is Derive free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StudyPug or Derive?

StudyPug is rated higher. StudyPug averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while Derive averages 4.3 from 26 ratings.

### Do StudyPug or Derive have ads?

StudyPug shows ads; Derive does not.

### Which is updated more often, StudyPug or Derive?

StudyPug ships an update every 8 days, and Derive every 3 days. Most recently, StudyPug was updated on November 2, 2026 and Derive on October 31, 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.*