# Desmos Graphing Calculator vs Symbolab

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Desmos Graphing Calculator at none against Symbolab's 8. Desmos Graphing Calculator also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 60%) and chart position (#143 vs unranked). Symbolab's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (26K vs 1.3K). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Symbolab sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. Desmos Graphing Calculator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Symbolab holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Symbolab has 26K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of Desmos Graphing Calculator's written reviews are positive against 60% of Symbolab's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, Symbolab monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Desmos Graphing Calculator | Symbolab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-graphing-calculator/id653517540/reviews) | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbolab-ai-math-solver-app/id876942533/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.3K | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.8% of reviews** | 60.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#143** | — |
| Size | 18 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Desmos](https://appshunter.io/developer/653517543) | [Symbolab](https://appshunter.io/developer/876942536) |

## What reviewers say

### Desmos Graphing Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-graphing-calculator/id653517540)

**Currently charting:** #143 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Explore mathematical concepts by graphing any equation, from simple lines to complex series. This powerful tool allows for interactive exploration with sliders, data tables, and animations. It also includes a scientific calculator and supports inequalities and accessibility features.

**Highlights:** Graph any equation (polar, cartesian, parametric), Interactive sliders for function transformations, Input and plot data with tables, Animate graphs, Scientific calculator functionality, Plot inequalities, Accessibility features

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Insane tool for FREE!
- 🚀 Best mobile graphing app
- 👍 Awesome for algebra and calculus
- 👍 Genuinely an awesome resource
- 👍 Makes math easier

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Glitches with certain features
- 🐛 Loses saved data
- 🐛 Keyboard issues
- 🐛 Zooming and panning problems

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when using certain functions
- Graphs not displaying properly
- Login issues
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode
- Copy and paste functionality
- Ability to save and load graphs
- Improved handling of complex numbers and polar equations
- More customization options


### Symbolab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbolab-ai-math-solver-app/id876942533)

Solve any math problem by typing it in or taking a photo. Get step-by-step solutions for subjects from pre-algebra to calculus. This AI-powered tool offers personalized learning and insights for over 300 million users.

**Highlights:** Photo math solver, Step-by-step solutions, Calculus calculator, Graphing calculator, Trigonometry solver, AI-powered learning

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Universal Weekly Subscription | $2.49 | per 7 days |
| Universal Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Universal Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Universal ½-Year Subscription | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| Universal ½-Year Subscription | $32.99 | per 6 months |
| Universal Yearly Subscription | $34.99 | per year |
| Universal Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| All features with no ads | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Helpful step-by-step solutions
- 🚀 Accurate calculations
- 👍 Saves time on homework and studying

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription required for full functionality
- 🐛 Camera feature issues
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance after updates
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🔒 Difficulty canceling subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Calculation errors
- Frequent crashes
- Connectivity problems

**Requested features**

- Add more math topics and problem types
- Improve keyboard and input functionality
- Provide more free features without subscription
- Optimize app for larger screens (iPad)
- Add ability to save and review past calculations


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Desmos Graphing Calculator free?

Desmos Graphing Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Symbolab free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Symbolab?

Symbolab is rated higher. Desmos Graphing Calculator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Symbolab averages 4.6 from 26K ratings.

### Do Desmos Graphing Calculator or Symbolab have ads?

Neither Desmos Graphing Calculator nor Symbolab shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Symbolab?

Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, and Symbolab monthly. Most recently, Desmos Graphing Calculator was updated on November 1, 2026 and Symbolab on November 4, 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.*