Comparison

Mathway vs WolframAlpha

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

WolframAlpha

This app serves as a powerful computational knowledge engine for homework and research. It offers comprehensive support across numerous academic subjects, from math and physics to biology and economics. Unlock advanced features like step-by-step solutions and photo input for a more in-depth learning experience.

Highlights
  • Step-by-step solutions with hints
  • Photo input for math problems
  • Input Assistants for various subjects
  • Thousands of covered domains
  • Homework and exam preparation
Features
Read full description

Get the WolframAlpha app, the ultimate tool for homework and research. Whether you're in high school or college, Wolfram|Alpha is the tool you need to stay ahead of the curve. You can prepare for exams; get help with homework; and learn, explore and test your skills. Famous for math and physics, Wolfram|Alpha is also a whiz at chemistry, biology, engineering, economics, astronomy, statistics and much more. Featuring: • Step-by-step solutions: With hints, intermediate steps and methods of solving • Photo input: You can now use your camera to input math problems • Input Assistants: Our most popular course, reference and professional assistants • Thousands of domains: The most extensive topic coverage available—with more continually added—to get you to answers faster Subscription Details: Become a Wolfram|Alpha Pro member to unlock step-by-step solutions, photo input, Input Assistants and more. Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. Subscription fees are $9.99 per month or up to $59.99 per year depending on your plan. You can manage your Wolfram|Alpha Pro subscription by visiting the iTunes Account Settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a Wolfram|Alpha Pro subscription. Privacy policy: https://www.wolfram.com/legal/privacy/wolfram Terms of use: https://www.wolframalpha.com/termsofuse

Screenshots

Mathway4 screens
WolframAlpha4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Mathway at 4.9 against WolframAlpha's 2.8. Mathway also leads on ratings volume (425K vs 129) and review sentiment (51% vs 35%). WolframAlpha's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support 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 WolframAlpha sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. 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 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mathway has 425K ratings behind it against 129, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Mathway's written reviews are positive against 35% of WolframAlpha's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mathway ships an update every 4 weeks, WolframAlpha every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Mathway versus WolframAlpha: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMathwayWolframAlpha
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (425K ratings) — better2.8 (129 ratings)
Positive reviews50.6% of reviews — better35.2% of reviews
Number of ratings425K — better129
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#122 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size82 MB366 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperChegg, Inc.Wolfram Group LLC

Customer experience

Mathway

All ratings424,600 ratings
Positive97.4%
Neutral0.8%
Negative1.7%
Written reviews540 reviews
Positive50.6%
Neutral5.6%
Negative43.9%

WolframAlpha

All ratings129 ratings
Positive41.1%
Neutral7.0%
Negative51.9%
Written reviews233 reviews
Positive35.2%
Neutral9.4%
Negative55.4%

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

WolframAlpha

From 129 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Powerful search engine
  • 📚 Comprehensive information
  • 🔍 Helpful for math and other subjects
  • ⭐ Essential app for students and professionals

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy and crashes frequently
  • 💰 Expensive subscription model
  • 📵 Limited functionality in free version
  • 🤔 Confusing and unintuitive to use

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

WolframAlpha

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Incompatible with older devices
  • Search bar issues and crashes
  • Incorrect or incomplete results

Requested features

4 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Improved handwritten math recognition
  • Better integration with Siri
  • More customization options

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
6 purchases

WolframAlpha

Subscriptions6
  • Pro Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Pro for Students Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Pro for Educators Monthly$9.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Pro Yearly$59.991 Year
  • Pro for Students Yearly$59.991 Year
  • Pro for Educators Yearly$59.991 Year

Questions

Is Mathway free?
Mathway is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is WolframAlpha free?
WolframAlpha is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Mathway or WolframAlpha?
Mathway is rated higher. Mathway averages 4.9 out of 5 from 425K ratings, while WolframAlpha averages 2.8 from 129 ratings.
Do Mathway or WolframAlpha have ads?
Mathway shows ads; WolframAlpha does not.
Which is updated more often, Mathway or WolframAlpha?
Mathway ships an update every 4 weeks, and WolframAlpha every 2 months. Most recently, Mathway was updated on September 25, 2026 and WolframAlpha on September 21, 2026.

Other comparisons