# MathKey vs TechniCalc Calculator

The clearest difference is rating: TechniCalc Calculator at 4.7 against MathKey's 3.9. TechniCalc Calculator also leads on review sentiment (85% vs 48%). MathKey's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and price ($4.99 vs $7.99). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

MathKey costs $4.99 and TechniCalc Calculator $7.99 up front. TechniCalc Calculator sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. MathKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

TechniCalc Calculator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 337 and 83 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of MathKey's written reviews are positive against 85% of TechniCalc Calculator's.

MathKey ships an update every 2 weeks, TechniCalc Calculator monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MathKey | TechniCalc Calculator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $7.99 |
| Rating | [3.9 (337 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathkey-latex-converter/id1387782884/reviews) | **[4.7 (83 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/technicalc-calculator/id1504965415/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **337** | 83 |
| Positive reviews | 47.8% of reviews | **84.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#182** | — |
| Size | 18 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicolas Dalbard](https://appshunter.io/developer/1242835441) | [Jacob Parker](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153284524) |

## What reviewers say

### MathKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathkey-latex-converter/id1387782884)

**Currently charting:** #182 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

Easily convert handwritten math equations into LaTeX, MathML, or image formats. This app supports Apple Pencil input and offers a remote keyboard feature to paste content directly onto your computer. Customize output colors and choose between light and dark themes.

**Highlights:** Handwriting to LaTeX/MathML conversion, Handwriting to image conversion, Remote keyboard for computer pasting, Customizable output colors, Dark and light themes, Apple Pencil support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Typing equations is much easier
- 👍 Excellent for students and researchers
- 💡 Useful remote keyboard feature
- 🚀 Handwriting recognition is good
- 👍 Generates LaTeX and images well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent recognition of symbols and subscripts
- 🐛 Requires internet connection, doesn't work offline
- 🐛 Generates incorrect LaTeX in some cases
- 🐛 Doesn't work well with complex equations
- 🐛 Incompatible with some apps like PowerPoint

**Reported bugs**

- Keeps asking to check internet connection even with good connection
- Crashes when used with iPad Pro keyboard cover
- Doesn't work on iPhone, only iPad
- Doesn't recognize cursive writing well
- Generates incorrect output for some equations

**Requested features**

- Add shortcut or button to quickly type $$ or \mk
- Allow editing of generated LaTeX code
- Provide larger preview of handwritten equations
- Add support for matrices and other advanced math notation
- Integrate with computational engines like Wolfram Alpha


### TechniCalc Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/technicalc-calculator/id1504965415)

This app offers a modern, intuitive interface for complex calculations, supporting scientific, engineering, and advanced mathematical functions. It allows natural equation entry, provides a formula book, and includes unit and currency converters. Available across Apple devices, it caters to students and professionals needing a powerful calculation tool.

**Highlights:** Natural equation entry, Advanced math engine, Formula book and equations, Unit and currency converter, Statistics mode, Equation solvers, Supports multiple Apple devices

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Every Little Helps | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coffee-Sized Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Lunch-Sized Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pizza-Sized Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MathKey free?

MathKey costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TechniCalc Calculator free?

TechniCalc Calculator costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MathKey or TechniCalc Calculator?

TechniCalc Calculator is rated higher. MathKey averages 3.9 out of 5 from 337 ratings, while TechniCalc Calculator averages 4.7 from 83 ratings.

### Do MathKey or TechniCalc Calculator have ads?

Neither MathKey nor TechniCalc Calculator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MathKey or TechniCalc Calculator?

MathKey ships an update every 2 weeks, and TechniCalc Calculator monthly. Most recently, MathKey was updated on October 13, 2026 and TechniCalc Calculator on October 15, 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.*