# Desmos Graphing Calculator vs Photomath

The clearest difference is rating: Photomath at 4.8 against Desmos Graphing Calculator's 4.3. Photomath also leads on ratings volume (733K vs 1.3K) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). Desmos Graphing Calculator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and review sentiment (80% vs 51%). On price, update cadence, ads and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Desmos Graphing Calculator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Photomath holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Desmos Graphing Calculator's written reviews are positive against 51% of Photomath'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, Photomath monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Desmos Graphing Calculator | Photomath |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-graphing-calculator/id653517540/reviews) | **[4.8 (733K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomath/id919087726/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.3K | **733K** |
| Positive reviews | **79.6% of reviews** | 51.1% 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 | #122 | **#42** |
| Size | 18 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Desmos](https://appshunter.io/developer/653517543) | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) |

## What reviewers say

### Desmos Graphing Calculator

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

**Currently charting:** #122 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


### Photomath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomath/id919087726)

**Currently charting:** #42 Top Grossing · Education, #53 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Scan any math problem to receive instant, step-by-step explanations and accurate solutions. This app breaks down complex problems into manageable steps, helping users understand the 'how' and 'why' of math. It supports a wide range of math topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

**Highlights:** Scan math problems, Step-by-step explanations, Word problem solver, Interactive graphs, Multiple solution methods, Scientific calculator

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Photomath Plus | $5.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $7.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $29.99 | per year |
| Photomath Plus | $39.99 | per year |
| Photomath Plus | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| Photomath Plus | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helpful for homework and understanding concepts
- 👍 Provides step-by-step solutions and explanations
- 🤖 Accurate and reliable for solving equations
- 💡 Useful for checking work and learning from mistakes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paywall for accessing step-by-step explanations
- 🔒 Concerns about using the app to cheat
- 🐛 Camera focusing issues and inability to solve certain problem types
- 💸 Expensive monthly subscription fee

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect answers or solutions provided for some problems
- Compatibility issues with newer devices or operating systems

**Requested features**

- Support for word problems and more advanced math concepts
- Option to use front-facing camera for scanning
- Cheaper or one-time payment model instead of subscription


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Desmos Graphing Calculator free?

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

### Is Photomath free?

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

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

Photomath is rated higher. Desmos Graphing Calculator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Photomath averages 4.8 from 733K ratings.

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

Neither Desmos Graphing Calculator nor Photomath shows ads.

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

Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, and Photomath monthly. Most recently, Desmos Graphing Calculator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Photomath on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath?

Desmos Graphing Calculator currently peaks at #122 in the App Store charts, and Photomath at #42. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*