# Algebra vs Mathway

The clearest difference is ads: Algebra at none against Mathway's shown. Algebra also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 51%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Mathway's advantage is ratings volume (425K vs 1.3K) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Algebra sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Mathway sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Mathway holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mathway has 425K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 83% of Algebra's written reviews are positive against 51% of Mathway's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Algebra ships an update every 4 months, Mathway every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Algebra | Mathway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra/id406783021/reviews) | **[4.9 (425K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathway-math-problem-solver/id467329677/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.3K | **425K** |
| Positive reviews | **83.2% of reviews** | 50.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#114** |
| Size | 15 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [YourTeacher.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/340925628) | [Chegg, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/385758166) |

## What reviewers say

### Algebra

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra/id406783021)

Master pre-algebra through college algebra with comprehensive video lessons, practice exercises, and assessments. Get personalized math instruction to build a strong foundation and track your academic progress.

**Highlights:** Video instruction, Guided practice, Tests and quizzes, Diagnostic assessments, Worksheets and notes, Progress tracking, Chapter reviews

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 | $9.99 | per month |
| Place Value | $4.99 | one-time |
| Adding Integers & Subtracting Integers | $4.99 | one-time |
| Two-Step Equations - Alg | $4.99 | one-time |
| Equations with Fractions | $4.99 | one-time |
| Algebra Word Problems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Rational Expressions | $4.99 | one-time |
| Multiplying Dividing Rational Expressions | $4.99 | one-time |
| Simplifying Radicals | $4.99 | one-time |
| Multiplying Radicals | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to understand
- 🚀 Comprehensive lessons
- 💡 Helpful visuals and examples
- 👍 Excellent explanations
- 👍 Logical design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription required for full access
- 💰 Expensive monthly fee
- 🐛 Occasional freezing/crashing issues
- 🔇 Monotonous instructor voice

**Reported bugs**

- Progress/scores getting deleted
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add more practice problems and word questions
- Provide a scratch pad/workspace within the app
- Expand to cover more advanced algebra topics
- Offer a one-time purchase option instead of subscription


### Mathway

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathway-math-problem-solver/id467329677)

**Currently charting:** #114 Top Grossing · Education (US App Store)

Solve math problems instantly by taking a photo or typing your question. Get step-by-step solutions for algebra, graphing, calculus, and more. Understand complex math concepts with unlimited access to answers.

**Highlights:** Math problem solver, Homework scanner, Step-by-step solutions, Algebra solver, Graphing calculator, Calculus solver

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Steps (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Steps (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Steps (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Steps (Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| Steps (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| Steps (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| Steps (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| Steps (Annual) | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Reliable and accurate
- 👍 Helpful for math homework and studying
- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 Explains step-by-step solutions
- 👍 Supports wide range of math topics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription required for full features
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance, crashes
- 🔍 Difficulty cropping/uploading photos
- 🔍 Limited free features, paywall

**Reported bugs**

- Camera issues, unable to focus on problems
- Subscription issues, unable to access paid features

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to copy/paste equations
- Improved free version with step-by-step solutions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Algebra free?

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

### Is Mathway free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Algebra or Mathway?

Mathway is rated higher. Algebra averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Mathway averages 4.9 from 425K ratings.

### Do Algebra or Mathway have ads?

Mathway shows ads; Algebra does not.

### Which is updated more often, Algebra or Mathway?

Algebra ships an update every 4 months, and Mathway every 4 weeks. Most recently, Algebra was updated on September 22, 2026 and Mathway on September 25, 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.*