Comparison

WolframAlpha vs R Programming Compiler

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

Head to head
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

About

R Programming Compiler

Write and execute R code directly on your mobile device. Ideal for learning, testing code snippets, and statistical computing. Features include syntax highlighting, package management, and plotting capabilities.

Highlights
  • Compile and run R programs
  • Supports plotting and graphing
  • Advanced source code editor
  • Custom keyboard for R characters
  • Install and manage R packages
  • Language reference guide
Features
Read full description

Write R code directly on your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch! This app is ideal for learning and testing code snippets! R is a programming language and software environment for statistical computing and graphics supported by the R Foundation for Statistical Computing. The R language is widely used among statisticians and data miners for developing statistical software and data analysis Features: - Compile and run your program - Supports plotting and graphing - View program output or detailed error - Select and run chunk of codes - Custom keyboard for easy input of frequently used characters - Optimized for connecting with external physical/bluetooth keyboard - Advanced source code editor with syntax highlighting and line numbers - Open, save, import and share R files - Language reference - Access thousands of packages - Install additional packages from CRAN and Bioconductor (BiocManager) Limitations: - Internet connection is required for compilation - Maximum program running time is 20s - One file can be run at a time - Some file system, network and graphics functions may be limited - This is a batch compiler; interactive programs, for instance swirl, are not supported. If your program provides an input prompt, enter the input in the Input tab prior to compilation. See the Reference tab in the app for code examples. GET FULL ACCESS Upgrade to a Premium Membership and Receive the Following Ongoing Value: • No ads • Unlimited plots • Install packages • Latest Compilers If you choose to purchase a subscription, payment will be charged to your iTunes account, and your account will be charged within 24-hours prior to the end of the free trial or current period. Subscription with a free trial period will automatically renew to a paid subscription. Any unused portion of a free trial period (if offered) will be forfeited when you purchase a premium subscription during the free trial period. You can cancel the automatic renewal of your subscription at any time by going to your settings in the iTunes store after purchase. The cancellation will take effect the day after the last day of the current subscription period, and you will be downgraded to the free service. Terms & Conditions: https://kappsmart.com/rcompiler/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://kappsmart.com/rcompiler/privacy_policy.html

Screenshots

WolframAlpha4 screens
R Programming Compiler4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: R Programming Compiler at 3.4 against WolframAlpha's 2.8. R Programming Compiler also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (54% vs 35%). WolframAlpha's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. WolframAlpha sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and R Programming Compiler sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

R Programming Compiler holds the better App Store score, 3.4 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 129 and 94 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 35% of WolframAlpha's written reviews are positive against 54% of R Programming Compiler's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WolframAlpha ships an update every 2 months, R Programming Compiler every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
WolframAlpha versus R Programming Compiler: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWolframAlphaR Programming Compiler
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (129 ratings)3.4 (94 ratings) — better
Positive reviews35.2% of reviews53.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings129 — better94
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size366 MB17 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperWolfram Group LLCKetan Appa

Customer experience

WolframAlpha

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

R Programming Compiler

All ratings94 ratings
Positive58.5%
Neutral12.8%
Negative28.7%
Written reviews102 reviews
Positive53.9%
Neutral15.7%
Negative30.4%

Bugs and requests

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

R Programming Compiler

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

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
3 purchases

R Programming Compiler

Subscriptions3
  • 1 Month Subscription$4.991 Month
  • 6 Months Subscription$19.996 Months
  • 1 Year Subscription$29.991 Year

Questions

Is WolframAlpha free?
WolframAlpha is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is R Programming Compiler free?
R Programming Compiler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, WolframAlpha or R Programming Compiler?
R Programming Compiler is rated higher. WolframAlpha averages 2.8 out of 5 from 129 ratings, while R Programming Compiler averages 3.4 from 94 ratings.
Do WolframAlpha or R Programming Compiler have ads?
R Programming Compiler shows ads; WolframAlpha does not.
Which is updated more often, WolframAlpha or R Programming Compiler?
WolframAlpha ships an update every 2 months, and R Programming Compiler every 2 weeks. Most recently, WolframAlpha was updated on September 25, 2026 and R Programming Compiler on September 28, 2026.

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