Comparison

Algebra vs Photomath

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

Head to head
About

Algebra

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
Read full description

YourTeacher provides a complete curriculum for Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and College Algebra with a personal math teacher. Search for the exact lesson you need or simply take the courses from start to finish. Every lesson features video instruction, guided practice, tests, background modules, diagnostic quizzes, worksheets, notes, and more. Track your progress with our dynamic grade report and use the chapter reviews and final exam to solidify your knowledge. 3-Day Free Trial! Cancel at any time during the first 3 days after you’ve purchased the program and you will not be charged for the purchase! Terms of use: https://storage.googleapis.com/mathhelp/content/license/license-terms-and-conditions.pdf Privacy Policy https://storage.googleapis.com/mathhelp/content/license/privacy.pdf

About

Photomath

Scan any math problem to receive instant, step-by-step explanations and accurate solutions. This app breaks down complex problems into manageable steps, helping users understand the 'how' and 'why' of math. It supports a wide range of math topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

Highlights
  • Scan math problems
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • Word problem solver
  • Interactive graphs
  • Multiple solution methods
  • Scientific calculator
Read full description

Photomath is known worldwide for helping millions of learners to learn, practice, and understand math – one step at a time. Scan any math problem with the Photomath app to get step-by-step explanations with accurate solutions and a variety of teacher-approved methods. Math is about the process, so Photomath breaks your problem into bite-sized steps to help you understand the “what” and “why” along with the “how.” Whether you’re learning basic arithmetic or advanced geometry, we’ll tackle it together, step by step. Why Photomath? Billions of math problems: From elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus and everything in between, Photomath can solve billions of math problems—including word problems! Whether handwritten, in a textbook, or on a screen, Photomath is here to help you untangle your trickiest problem. Step-by-step explanations: Math isn’t just about an answer. It’s about every step along the way. That’s why Photomath breaks down each step, so you can *really* learn. Less guesswork = less stress, especially with our new Animated Steps, which show you the exact progression of a particular step. Get basic step-by-step explanations at no charge when you download Photomath. Expert-developed methods: Photomath’s educational content is centered around the learner’s experience, driven by the expertise of our own team of mathematicians and former math teachers. Self-paced learning: Photomath’s instant support is like having a 24/7 virtual tutor. Checking your homework before dinner? Stuck on a problem at 2am? We can help. Follow our detailed steps, taking whatever time you need to review definitions, rationale, and more – all within the explanation. Want to dive deeper and explore more ways to learn? Photomath Plus can get you there with custom Animated Tutorials, detailed Textbook Solutions, and more! KEY FEATURES • Step-by-step explanations included in our basic version (at no charge) • Word problem instructions • Interactive graphs • Video learning • Multiple solution methods • Advanced scientific calculator Photomath is for learners of all levels, including those studying: Numbers & Quantity Algebra Functions Trigonometry & Angles Sequences Geometry Calculus “The step-by-step guide is beneficial to students that do not have access to a tutor and struggle with solving math problems.” — Forbes “A viral video about a new app looks like a dream come true for anyone who struggles with math.” — Time ___________________________________________ • Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. • A subscription automatically renews unless it’s canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. • Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. • Manage or cancel your subscription in your account settings on the App Store after purchase. • Offers and pricing are subject to change without notice. Suggestions or questions? Email us at support@photomath.com Website: www.photomath.com TikTok: @photomath Instagram: @photomath Facebook: @Photomathapp Twitter: @Photomath Terms of Use: https://photomath.app/en/termsofuse Privacy Policy: https://photomath.app/en/privacypolicy

Screenshots

Algebra4 screens
Photomath4 screens

Verdict

The call

Algebra and Photomath both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 83% of Algebra's written reviews are positive against 51% of Photomath's. Photomath's advantage is ratings volume (733K vs 1.3K) and update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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. Algebra sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Algebra against 4.8 for Photomath. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Algebra's written reviews are positive against 51% of Photomath's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Algebra ships an update every 4 months, Photomath monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Algebra versus Photomath: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAlgebraPhotomath
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (1.3K ratings)4.8 (733K ratings) — better
Positive reviews83.2% of reviews — better51.1% of reviews
Number of ratings1.3K733K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#32 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYourTeacher.comGoogle

Customer experience

Algebra

All ratings1,291 ratings
Positive94.0%
Neutral2.4%
Negative3.6%
Written reviews95 reviews
Positive83.2%
Neutral7.4%
Negative9.5%

Photomath

All ratings732,942 ratings
Positive95.3%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews1,186 reviews
Positive51.1%
Neutral6.9%
Negative42.0%

User reviews

Algebra

From 1.3K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Photomath

From 733K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Helpful for homework and understanding concepts
  • 👍 Provides step-by-step solutions and explanations
  • 🤖 Accurate and reliable for solving equations
  • 💡 Useful for checking work and learning from mistakes

Room to improve

  • 💰 Paywall for accessing step-by-step explanations
  • 🔒 Concerns about using the app to cheat
  • 🐛 Camera focusing issues and inability to solve certain problem types
  • 💸 Expensive monthly subscription fee

Bugs and requests

Algebra

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Progress/scores getting deleted
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • 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

Photomath

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Incorrect answers or solutions provided for some problems
  • Compatibility issues with newer devices or operating systems

Requested features

3 requests
  • Support for word problems and more advanced math concepts
  • Option to use front-facing camera for scanning
  • Cheaper or one-time payment model instead of subscription

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Algebra

Subscriptions1
  • Algebra 1 and Algebra 23 Days trial$9.991 Month
One-time9
  • Place Value$4.99
  • Adding Integers & Subtracting Integers$4.99
  • Two-Step Equations - Alg$4.99
Show 6 more
  • Equations with Fractions$4.99
  • Algebra Word Problems$4.99
  • Rational Expressions$4.99
  • Multiplying Dividing Rational Expressions$4.99
  • Simplifying Radicals$4.99
  • Multiplying Radicals$4.99
9 purchases

Photomath

Subscriptions9
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial5 variants$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Photomath Plus2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$49.996 Months
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$69.991 Year

Questions

Is Algebra free?
Algebra is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Photomath free?
Photomath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Algebra or Photomath?
Photomath is rated higher. Algebra averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Photomath averages 4.8 from 733K ratings.
Do Algebra or Photomath have ads?
Neither Algebra nor Photomath shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Algebra or Photomath?
Algebra ships an update every 4 months, and Photomath monthly. Most recently, Algebra was updated on September 22, 2026 and Photomath on September 24, 2026.

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