# Formula Box (LaTeX) vs Formalize Light

The clearest difference is rating: Formalize Light at 2.3 against Formula Box (LaTeX)'s 1.3. Formalize Light also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 12 months vs every 49 months). Formula Box (LaTeX)'s advantage is review sentiment (43% vs 17%). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Formalize Light holds the better App Store score, 2.3 against 1.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 4 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 43% of Formula Box (LaTeX)'s written reviews are positive against 17% of Formalize Light's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Formula Box (LaTeX) ships an update every 49 months, Formalize Light every 12 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Formula Box (LaTeX) | Formalize Light |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formula-box-latex/id1366207056/reviews) | **[2.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize-light/id1467203618/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | **42.9% of reviews** | 16.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 49 months | **Every 12 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 10 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **10.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [坤宁 毛](https://appshunter.io/developer/1201945856) | [Ben Hambrecht](https://appshunter.io/developer/1035136614) |

## What reviewers say

### Formula Box (LaTeX)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formula-box-latex/id1366207056)

This app allows users to write and edit mathematical and scientific formulas using LaTeX notation. It features a smart equation solver, a public formula library, and the ability to save and organize personal formulas. Calculations can be performed offline with high precision.

**Highlights:** LaTeX-powered formula editor, Smart equation solver, Public formula library, Personal formula collection, Variable presets, High-precision results

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Formalize Light

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize-light/id1467203618)

This utility app provides a keyboard extension for typing mathematical formulas on iOS devices. It offers easy access to over 100 symbols and generates professionally typeset equations that can be converted to TeX.

**Highlights:** Mathematical keyboard extension, Over 100 symbols, One-handed access, Professionally typeset formulas, Convert formulas to TeX, Insert formulas into any app

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Formula Box (LaTeX) free?

Formula Box (LaTeX) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Formalize Light free?

Formalize Light is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Formula Box (LaTeX) or Formalize Light?

Formalize Light is rated higher. Formula Box (LaTeX) averages 1.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Formalize Light averages 2.3 from 4 ratings.

### Do Formula Box (LaTeX) or Formalize Light have ads?

Formula Box (LaTeX) shows ads; Formalize Light does not.

### Which is updated more often, Formula Box (LaTeX) or Formalize Light?

Formula Box (LaTeX) ships an update every 49 months, and Formalize Light every 12 months. Most recently, Formula Box (LaTeX) was updated on October 24, 2026 and Formalize Light on October 24, 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.*