# BioPath vs Derive

The clearest difference is monetization model: BioPath at free with in-app purchases against Derive's subscription. BioPath also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (79 vs 26). Derive's advantage is review sentiment (37% vs 0%) and ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BioPath sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Derive sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BioPath holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 79 and 26 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of BioPath's written reviews are positive against 37% of Derive's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

BioPath ships an update every 8 days, Derive every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BioPath | Derive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/biopath-explore-biology/id6746768299/reviews)** | [4.3 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/derive-handwritten-math-notes/id6763991536/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **79** | 26 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **36.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 134 MB | 81 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lojas Software Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1799458054) | [Derive Notes Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895589672) |

## What reviewers say

### BioPath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/biopath-explore-biology/id6746768299)

This app offers a comprehensive biology study companion with an AI tutor, extensive topic coverage, and engaging quizzes. It provides detailed explanations, instant feedback, and progress tracking to help students and lifelong learners master biological concepts.

**Highlights:** AI Tutor for step-by-step guidance, Extensive biology topic coverage, Variety of engaging quiz formats, Smart hints system with rewarded ads, Detailed explanations and instant feedback, Progress tracking and performance monitoring, Intuitive and user-friendly interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BioPath Pro monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| BioPath Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Molecule Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Quick Skip Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Cellular Bundle | $1.99 | one-time |
| Enzyme Catalyst Bundle | $1.99 | one-time |
| Biosphere Box | $3.99 | one-time |


### 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 (7)**

| 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 (Annual) | $50.00 | per year |
| 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 BioPath free?

BioPath 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, BioPath or Derive?

BioPath is rated higher. BioPath averages 4.8 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while Derive averages 4.3 from 26 ratings.

### Do BioPath or Derive have ads?

BioPath shows ads; Derive does not.

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

BioPath ships an update every 8 days, and Derive every 3 days. Most recently, BioPath was updated on October 30, 2026 and Derive on October 31, 2026.

---

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