Comparison

Gradescope vs Cal

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

Head to head
About

Gradescope

Easily upload assignments for courses using this app. Submit files from your device or scan your work directly. Assign pages for variable-length assignments and resubmit if needed before the deadline.

Highlights
  • Upload assignments
  • Scan documents with camera
  • Select existing files
  • Assign pages for variable-length assignments
  • Resubmit assignments
  • View submitted and graded assignments
Features
Read full description

Students, upload your assignments to Gradescope more easily than ever before! If your instructor uses Gradescope for your assignments, you can now upload your submission with our mobile app. After installing and opening the app, login to see your Gradescope courses and assignments. To upload a submission, click on the assignment in the “Not Submitted” tab and either “Select File” to select an existing file from your device or “Scan” all pages of your completed work using your iPhone’s camera. Once you submit your file(s), for templated assignments, you’re all set. For variable-length assignments, “Assign pages” to indicate where your answer for each question appears within your submission. It’s that easy! After confirming, your assignment then moves to the “Submitted” tab. If needed, you can resubmit your assignment until the due date your instructor set has passed. Once it is graded and grades are published for the assignment, it then moves to the “Graded” tab. Note: For V1 of the app, you will be directed to our mobile website for any advanced functionality, including viewing feedback and submitting timed, programming, or online assignments. Stay tuned for future updates that will allow you to do even more with our mobile app!

About

Cal

Features
Read full description

The Cal-Bridge CampusGroups app allows community members to track Cal-Bridge activities, communicate with others in the community, register for and sign into events, submit forms, and find program resources

Screenshots

Gradescope4 screens
Cal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Cal at every 3 weeks against Gradescope's every 2 months. Gradescope's advantage is iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Gradescope ships an update every 2 months, Cal every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Gradescope versus Cal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGradescopeCal
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.4 (259 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews9.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings259 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS13.4 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB63 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperTurnitinUniversity of California, Irvine

Bugs and requests

Gradescope

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Camera flash issues during scanning
  • Photos not uploading in correct order
  • Inconsistent download button behavior

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to sort assignments by due date
  • Integration of tools for instructors
  • Improved iPad and tablet optimization

Cal

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Gradescope

No in-app purchases

None

Cal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Gradescope free?
Gradescope is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Cal free?
Cal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Gradescope or Cal have ads?
Neither Gradescope nor Cal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Gradescope or Cal?
Gradescope ships an update every 2 months, and Cal every 3 weeks. Most recently, Gradescope was updated on October 9, 2026 and Cal on October 4, 2026.

Other comparisons