Comparison

Mathway vs Pic Answer

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

Head to head
About

Mathway

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
Read full description

Mathway is the world’s smartest math calculator for algebra, graphing, calculus and more! Mathway gives you unlimited access to math solutions that can help you understand complex concepts. Simply point your camera and snap a photo or type your math homework question for step-by-step answers. If a premium subscription option is selected: • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, at the same monthly or annual rate selected at the beginning of the subscription • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase Terms of Use: https://www.mathway.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.mathway.com/privacy

About

Pic Answer

This application uses AI to solve homework problems by analyzing photos. It offers instant solutions and interactive chat assistance across multiple academic subjects, aiming to deepen understanding of concepts.

Highlights
  • AI-powered photo scanner for problem solving
  • Interactive AI chat for subject assistance
  • Instant accurate solutions
  • Comprehensive learning and concept explanation
  • User-friendly interface for all ages
Features
Read full description

Pic Answer - AI Solver: Snap, Ask, Learn! Step into a world of effortless learning with Pic Answer - AI Solver, where each photo brings you closer to understanding. This app goes beyond traditional math solvers, offering a unique blend of AI-driven solutions and interactive chat for a variety of academic subjects. Why Choose Pic Answer? • Instant Photo Answers: Just snap a picture of your homework and watch as our AI provides accurate solutions in seconds. • All-Subject AI Chat: Whether you need help in math, science, or literature, our AI chat is ready to assist with personalized guidance. • Comprehensive Learning Made Simple: Our focus isn't just on answers, but on helping you understand the concepts behind them. • Intuitive and User-Friendly: We've designed our app to be easy and enjoyable for learners of all ages and abilities. Key Features: • AI-Powered Scanner: Simply snap a picture of the problem, and our app swiftly analyzes and resolves it with precision. • Real-Time AI Chat Assistance: Engage in interactive conversations for in-depth explanations and study tips. • Broad Subject Coverage: From complex math equations to science experiments and literary analysis, we've got you covered. Your Educational Companion: • Always Evolving: We constantly enhance our app with the latest AI advancements and user feedback. • Perfect for Everyone: Whether you're a student, teacher, or just curious, our app is tailored to fit your learning needs. The app includes optional subscriptions to unlock pro features. terms and conditions: http://techconsolidated.org/terms.html Download "Pic Answer - AI Solver" today and revolutionize the way you learn!

Screenshots

Mathway4 screens
Pic Answer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Pic Answer at none against Mathway's shown. Pic Answer also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Mathway's advantage is ratings volume (425K vs 3.4K) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). On price, review sentiment, update cadence 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. Mathway sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Pic Answer sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Mathway holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mathway has 425K ratings behind it against 3.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Mathway's written reviews are positive against 56% of Pic Answer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mathway ships an update every 4 weeks, Pic Answer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Mathway versus Pic Answer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMathwayPic Answer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (425K ratings) — better4.6 (3.4K ratings)
Positive reviews50.5% of reviews56.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings425K — better3.4K
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#108 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size82 MB131 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChegg, Inc.Tech Consolidated Inc

Customer experience

Mathway

All ratings424,600 ratings
Positive97.4%
Neutral0.8%
Negative1.7%
Written reviews541 reviews
Positive50.5%
Neutral5.5%
Negative44.0%

Pic Answer

All ratings3,421 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral3.5%
Negative5.8%
Written reviews219 reviews
Positive56.2%
Neutral6.4%
Negative37.4%

User reviews

Mathway

From 425K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Pic Answer

From 3.4K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and accurate answers
  • 👍 Helpful for homework and studying
  • 💡 Explains step-by-step solutions
  • 🎓 Improves grades and academic performance

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional inaccurate answers
  • 💰 Subscription/payment issues
  • 🔄 Inconsistent performance after updates
  • 🤔 Limited functionality in free version

Bugs and requests

Mathway

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Pic Answer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes or freezes when trying to solve questions
  • Subscription continues to be charged even after cancellation
  • Incorrect answers provided for simple math problems

Requested features

4 requests
  • Expand to more subject areas beyond math
  • Improve camera quality for better image capture
  • Add more detailed explanations for answers
  • Provide a true free trial without limitations

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Mathway

Subscriptions8
  • Steps (Monthly)3 variants$9.991 Month
  • Steps (Monthly)3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Steps (Monthly)7 Days trial2 variants$9.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Steps (Monthly)$19.991 Month
  • Steps (Annual)$39.991 Year
  • Steps (Annual)3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Steps (Annual)7 Days trial2 variants$39.991 Year
  • Steps (Annual)$79.991 Year
10 purchases

Pic Answer

Subscriptions9
  • PA Weekly Trial3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Pic Answer Weekly$4.997 Days
  • PA Weekly, 3 days trial3 Days trial$6.997 Days
Show 6 more
  • PA Weekly, No Trial2 variants$6.997 Days
  • PA Monthly With Trial7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • PA Monthly Trial3 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • PA Yearly$29.991 Year
  • PA 39.99 Yearly Trial3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • PA Yearly With Trial7 Days trial$69.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pic Answer Lifetime Purchase$39.99

Questions

Is Mathway free?
Mathway is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pic Answer free?
Pic Answer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Mathway or Pic Answer?
Mathway is rated higher. Mathway averages 4.9 out of 5 from 425K ratings, while Pic Answer averages 4.6 from 3.4K ratings.
Do Mathway or Pic Answer have ads?
Mathway shows ads; Pic Answer does not.
Which is updated more often, Mathway or Pic Answer?
Mathway ships an update every 4 weeks, and Pic Answer fortnightly. Most recently, Mathway was updated on October 8, 2026 and Pic Answer on October 4, 2026.

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