# Calculator Max vs CalcMate

The clearest difference is rating: CalcMate at 4.9 against Calculator Max's 4.3. CalcMate also leads on review sentiment (95% vs 55%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Calculator Max's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 96). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Calculator Max sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year and CalcMate sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CalcMate holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Calculator Max has 1.8K ratings behind it against 96, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Calculator Max's written reviews are positive against 95% of CalcMate's.

Calculator Max ships an update every 2 months, CalcMate fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calculator Max | CalcMate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-max/id364905554/reviews) | **[4.9 (96 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calcmate-notes-calculator/id6449422062/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 96 |
| Positive reviews | 55.2% of reviews | **95.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 126 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pavel Kozarek](https://appshunter.io/developer/303215376) | [Elsayed Hussein](https://appshunter.io/developer/1332815700) |

## What reviewers say

### Calculator Max

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-max/id364905554)

This app offers a comprehensive suite of calculation tools, from basic arithmetic to advanced scientific functions. It features a history tape for easy access and reuse of entries, and a unique scribble pad for handwritten notes and equation solving on iPads. Enjoy a clean interface, multitasking support, and customizable themes.

**Highlights:** Basic and scientific calculators, History tape with export options, Handwritten notes and equation solving, Multitasking support on iPad, Customizable themes and app icons, Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calculator Max Pro | $4.99 | per year |
| Calculator Max Pro | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 📝 Useful note-taking feature
- 💾 Tape/history feature
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface
- 🎨 Customizable appearance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 📤 Lack of export/sharing options for tape/history
- 🔍 Difficulty finding settings
- 🔀 Sensitive orientation switching

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes after iOS 26 update
- Tape not visible/functional on iPhone
- Calculator buttons/layout issues in split-screen mode

**Requested features**

- Left-handed mode
- Backspace/edit functionality
- Scientific calculator mode with tape
- Tape annotation/labeling
- Cloud/Dropbox sync for tape


### CalcMate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calcmate-notes-calculator/id6449422062)

This app combines note-taking with a powerful calculator, allowing you to perform calculations directly within your text. It handles math, currency, unit conversions, and date calculations, offering a streamlined alternative to spreadsheets and traditional calculators.

**Highlights:** Calculate math within text, Currency and unit conversions, Date calculations, Organize notes with folders, iCloud syncing, Custom number keyboard

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy me a coffee | $0.99 | one-time |
| Buy me 2 coffees | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buy Me a burger | $4.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $5.99 | one-time |
| Buy Me a pizza | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calculator Max free?

Calculator Max is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is CalcMate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Calculator Max or CalcMate?

CalcMate is rated higher. Calculator Max averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while CalcMate averages 4.9 from 96 ratings.

### Do Calculator Max or CalcMate have ads?

CalcMate shows ads; Calculator Max does not.

### Which is updated more often, Calculator Max or CalcMate?

Calculator Max ships an update every 2 months, and CalcMate fortnightly. Most recently, Calculator Max was updated on September 25, 2026 and CalcMate on September 21, 2026.

---

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