# Mathway vs FX Algebra Solver

The clearest difference is rating: Mathway at 4.9 against FX Algebra Solver's 3.5. Mathway also leads on ratings volume (425K vs 92) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 3 months). FX Algebra Solver's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and ads (none vs shown). On price, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mathway sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. FX Algebra Solver asks for nothing beyond the download.

Mathway holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mathway has 425K ratings behind it against 92, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 51% of Mathway's written reviews are positive against 72% of FX Algebra Solver's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Mathway ships an update every 4 weeks, FX Algebra Solver every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mathway | FX Algebra Solver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (425K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathway-math-problem-solver/id467329677/reviews)** | [3.5 (92 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fx-algebra-solver/id562247345/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **425K** | 92 |
| Positive reviews | 50.6% of reviews | **71.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#116** | — |
| Size | 82 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chegg, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/385758166) | [Euclidus Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/490623202) |

## What reviewers say

### Mathway

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

**Currently charting:** #116 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


### FX Algebra Solver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fx-algebra-solver/id562247345)

Solve algebra homework and textbook problems with this comprehensive math software. It offers animated step-by-step solutions, a scientific and graphing calculator, and a user-friendly editor for various algebra levels.

**Highlights:** Animated step-by-step solutions, Scientific calculator, Graphing calculator, Problem solving engine, Math problem expression editor, Covers Pre-Algebra to College Algebra

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Step-by-step problem solving explanations
- 🎓 Effective learning tool for algebra and mathematics
- 🎬 Video demonstrations of solution processes
- ⚡ Quick and accurate problem solving
- 🔧 User-friendly equation input interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💳 Aggressive premium paywall after limited free uses
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and force closes
- 🔐 Constant Apple ID login prompts
- 📱 Requires internet connection to function
- ❌ Cannot solve all types of math problems

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when opening keyboard
- Force closes during use
- Camera feature incompatible with some devices
- Error messages blocking problem solving
- Premium purchase not recognized after reinstall

**Requested features**

- Audio narration explaining each step and concepts
- Offline functionality
- Slower playback speed for solution videos
- Support for word problems
- Support for additional variables (z, s, t, etc.)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mathway free?

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

### Is FX Algebra Solver free?

FX Algebra Solver is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Mathway is rated higher. Mathway averages 4.9 out of 5 from 425K ratings, while FX Algebra Solver averages 3.5 from 92 ratings.

### Do Mathway or FX Algebra Solver have ads?

Mathway shows ads; FX Algebra Solver does not.

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

Mathway ships an update every 4 weeks, and FX Algebra Solver every 3 months. Most recently, Mathway was updated on September 29, 2026 and FX Algebra Solver on September 20, 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.*