Comparison

xFormula vs MathNotes

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

xFormula

Create and edit mathematical equations with a visual interface. Export your work as images, LaTeX, MathML, or UnicodeMath for use in documents and presentations. Features include image recognition, formula libraries, and custom keyboards.

Highlights
  • Visual equation editing
  • Export to image, LaTeX, MathML, UnicodeMath
  • Image recognition for formulas
  • Organized formula libraries
  • Customizable keyboard for symbols
  • Keyboard extension for other apps
Features
Read full description

This is a math equation editor which could export the result as picture, LaTeX, MathML, UnicodeMath(Word). Include variables, binary operators, arrows, relations, brackets, underline, overline, accents, fraction, radical, large operator... Just download and have a try. ----- Functions: 1. Mathematical formula editing. 2. Import & Export - LaTeX (Pages, Keynote) - MathML (Pages, Keynote) - UnicodeMath (Word) - Image - SVG: If the .svg file is exported by xFormula, then it could be imported and edit again. 3. Image recognition - Setup large model API to recognize the math formula in the image. - The recognition of mathematical formulas in large models is getting better and better, but due to the large number of LaTeX commands for mathematical formulas, there may be some situations where the same symbol is different for different commands. xFormula cannot support all LaTeX commands yet, so there may be some exceptions. However, we will continue to optimize and be compatible with more commands in future versions 4. Mathematical formula library: - You can create several formula libraries at the same time, and each formula library can be exported and imported separately; - Under each formula library, there can be many categories, and under each category, there can be many groups. Under each group, formulas can be created and edited - Example 1: High School Mathematics Formula Library > Classification 1: Set, Classification 2: Geometry, Classification 3: Algebra - Example 2: Junior High School Mathematics Formula Library>Classification 1: Rational Numbers, Classification 2: Trigonometric Functions, Classification 3: Geometry 5. Mathematical style: - Due to font limitations, the mathematical formulas currently provided may have some pixel spacing flaws, and each style may also have several mathematical characters that are not supported. Please use them as appropriate. - We will continue to optimize mathematical styles, which is what we are concerned about. 6. Custom keyboard: -The frequency of mathematical symbols used varies at each stage, from elementary school, middle school, high school to university; The frequency of symbols used for sets, limits, matrices, functions, and each knowledge range is also different. So if you use it for a long time or frequently, it is strongly recommended to create a suitable input symbol keyboard for yourself, which is more efficient and saves more time than a universal keyboard. 7. Keyboard Extension - Could be directly used in the form of a keyboard in other text editing software - Due to the system's restrictions on keyboard Extension, there may be some abnormal situations. After installing the keyboard, if it cannot appear in the keyboard list, please restart the device and try again - Although currently compatible with iOS 15, it is recommended to use new devices as old devices may experience loading failures due to memory limitations and other issues 8. Help Document ----- Purchase: 1. This is a paid software and is provided for free download in the hope that users will know what features this software has and whether it is useful before purchasing. 2. As the payment methods for iOS and macOS were not unified when this software was first released, xFormula (iOS) and xFormula (macOS) need to be paid separately. The advantage of separate payment is pricing splitting, which means that if you only have a mobile device and don't have a Mac, you can save on the purchase cost of the Mac. If merged, the pricing will also be the sum of the current two pricing. 3. If you plan to use this software for a long time and consider upgrading more features in the future, it is recommended to purchase the Professional Edition. Terms of Service : https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: http://guizhenjiaoyu.com/xformula/en/privacy.html

About

MathNotes

This app provides an infinite digital canvas for studying and visualizing mathematics. It allows users to create 2D and 3D graphs, take notes with LaTeX formatting, and convert handwritten equations into editable LaTeX using OCR. Ideal for students and professionals needing a comprehensive math workspace.

Highlights
  • Infinite digital canvas
  • 2D and 3D graph plotting
  • Formula OCR to LaTeX
  • LaTeX equation rendering
  • Interactive animated sliders
  • Note organization with media
Read full description

Transform the way you study and visualize mathematics with MathNotes, the ultimate infinite canvas built for students, professionals, and math enthusiasts! Whether you're plotting a simple 2D graph, exploring complex 3D surfaces, or simply taking digital notes with perfect LaTeX formatting, MathNotes gives you full freedom in a single, boundless workspace. FEATURES • Infinite Canvas: Pan, zoom, and organize your math notes unhindered! Add text, images, videos, and web links instantly. • Advanced Plotting Engine: Easily plot standard 2D functions, polar coordinates, and parametric curves. • Interactive 3D Surfaces: Visualize multi-variable formulas (`z = f(x,y)`) in full 3D space with an orbit camera. • Formula OCR Engine: Found a complicated equation? Simply snap a photo or scan it using our built-in ONNX-powered OCR to perfectly convert it into editable LaTeX. • Beautiful LaTeX Rendering: Write and render complicated mathematical formulas with gorgeous typography. • Scrubbable Constants: Use animated sliders to watch your 2D and 3D graphs react in real-time. • Custom Organization: Pin definitions, build concepts visually, and maintain your custom study notes. Designed for fluid interaction, MathNotes handles your deepest mathematical explorations with a clean, dynamic, and focused interface. Ready to master calculus, linear algebra, and trigonometry? Download MathNotes today and unlock the perfect math study canvas!

Screenshots

xFormula4 screens
MathNotes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MathNotes at 5.0 against xFormula's 3.9. MathNotes also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.1). xFormula's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (55 vs 1). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. xFormula sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and MathNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MathNotes holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: xFormula has 55 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

xFormula ships an update every 3 weeks, MathNotes every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
xFormula versus MathNotes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterxFormulaMathNotes
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (55 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews84.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings55 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.113.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB340 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer煦 张Vladislav Alikov

Customer experience

xFormula

All ratings55 ratings
Positive70.9%
Neutral1.8%
Negative27.3%
Written reviews59 reviews
Positive84.7%
Neutral8.5%
Negative6.8%

MathNotes

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

xFormula

Subscriptions1
  • Pro 1 Month (Auto-Renewable)$1.991 Month
One-time3
  • Advanced (Lifetime)$9.99
  • Basic (Lifetime)$11.99
  • Pro (Lifetime)$18.99
1 purchases

MathNotes

One-time1
  • Support the App and remove Ads$2.99

Questions

Is xFormula free?
xFormula is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MathNotes free?
MathNotes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, xFormula or MathNotes?
MathNotes is rated higher. xFormula averages 3.9 out of 5 from 55 ratings, while MathNotes averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do xFormula or MathNotes have ads?
MathNotes shows ads; xFormula does not.
Which is updated more often, xFormula or MathNotes?
xFormula ships an update every 3 weeks, and MathNotes every 2 weeks. Most recently, xFormula was updated on October 3, 2026 and MathNotes on September 24, 2026.

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