# MathNotes vs Derive

The clearest difference is rating: MathNotes at 4.7 against Derive's 4.1. MathNotes also leads on monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and ratings volume (51 vs 17). Derive's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 11 days). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MathNotes sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month and Derive sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MathNotes holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 51 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of MathNotes's written reviews are positive against 31% of Derive's.

MathNotes ships an update every 11 days, Derive every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MathNotes | Derive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathnotes-math-problem-solver/id6453477170/reviews)** | [4.1 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/derive-handwritten-math-notes/id6763991536/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **51** | 17 |
| Positive reviews | **33.3% of reviews** | 31.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 61 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Impala Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1063279743) | [Derive Notes Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895589672) |

## What reviewers say

### MathNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathnotes-math-problem-solver/id6453477170)

This app helps students with math by offering effortless note-taking, organized study materials, and an AI-powered solver for equations. It provides step-by-step explanations to ensure understanding and includes a floating calculator for simultaneous use.

**Highlights:** Effortless note-taking for equations and concepts, Organized study notes with categorization, AI Math Solver with step-by-step explanations, Floating calculator for simultaneous use, Study notes on the go

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Subscription | $2.99 | per month |


### Derive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/derive-handwritten-math-notes/id6763991536)

This app provides an infinite canvas for handwritten math and science notes. It uses AI to recognize your handwriting, offering a live tutor for step-by-step assistance directly within your notes. Organize your work into notebooks that sync across devices.

**Highlights:** Infinite canvas for note-taking, Handwritten math recognition, Live AI tutor for step-by-step help, Notebook and page organization, Cross-device syncing, Light, dark, and sepia themes

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Derive Pro (Monthly, student) | $8.99 | per month |
| Derive Pro (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Derive Pro (Monthly, invited) | $9.99 | per month |
| Derive Pro (Yearly, student) | $75.00 | per year |
| Derive Pro (Annual) | $83.90 | per year |
| Derive Pro (Annual, invited) | $83.90 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MathNotes free?

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

### Is Derive free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MathNotes or Derive?

MathNotes is rated higher. MathNotes averages 4.7 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while Derive averages 4.1 from 17 ratings.

### Do MathNotes or Derive have ads?

Neither MathNotes nor Derive shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MathNotes or Derive?

MathNotes ships an update every 11 days, and Derive every 3 days. Most recently, MathNotes was updated on October 1, 2026 and Derive on October 11, 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.*