# Functional Groups vs Chem AI

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Functional Groups at 100% against Chem AI's 20%. Functional Groups also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and rating (4.9 vs 4.4). Chem AI's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (824 vs 23). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Functional Groups sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Chem AI sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Functional Groups holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chem AI has 824 ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Functional Groups's written reviews are positive against 20% of Chem AI's.

Functional Groups ships an update every 4 months, Chem AI fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Functional Groups | Chem AI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/functional-groups/id1670252638/reviews)** | [4.4 (824 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chem-ai-chemistry-solver/id6471891010/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **824** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 17 MB | 149 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Clarity Applications](https://appshunter.io/developer/1646120472) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## What reviewers say

### Functional Groups

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/functional-groups/id1670252638)

Master organic chemistry functional groups through an engaging and interactive learning experience. Ideal for students in introductory or advanced courses, MCAT prep, and A-Level chemistry, this app covers dozens of essential groups with practice modes and progress tracking.

**Highlights:** 25+ basic and advanced functional groups, 300+ organic compounds, Multiple practice modes, Customizable study groups, Personalized review, Reference table and definitions, Progress tracking with achievements

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Access | $9.99 | one-time |


### Chem AI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chem-ai-chemistry-solver/id6471891010)

Instantly solve any chemistry problem with step-by-step explanations. Upload or photograph your questions, and get detailed solutions for various chemistry topics, from high school to advanced research. Offers a free trial before subscription.

**Highlights:** Photo recognition for chemistry problems, Step-by-step solution explanations, Supports high school to doctoral research topics, Detailed math solutions, Copy and share solutions

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

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Chem AI - Chem Solver Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $9.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Chem AI - Chem Solver Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick problem solving
- 💡 Helpful for chemistry courses
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Incorrect answers
- 🔒 Subscription issues
- 💰 Expensive
- 🤔 Limited functionality in advanced courses

**Reported bugs**

- Freezes or goes blank when trying to get answers
- Incompatible with some chemistry problems

**Requested features**

- Improve accuracy for organic chemistry and physical chemistry
- Add step-by-step explanations for free users
- Improve subscription management and cancellation process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Functional Groups free?

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

### Is Chem AI free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Functional Groups or Chem AI?

Functional Groups is rated higher. Functional Groups averages 4.9 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while Chem AI averages 4.4 from 824 ratings.

### Do Functional Groups or Chem AI have ads?

Chem AI shows ads; Functional Groups does not.

### Which is updated more often, Functional Groups or Chem AI?

Functional Groups ships an update every 4 months, and Chem AI fortnightly. Most recently, Functional Groups was updated on October 24, 2026 and Chem AI on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*