Comparison

Math Zen vs MathNotes

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

Head to head
About

Math Zen

This app provides adaptive math practice for standardized exams and university-level courses. It generates unique problems, tracks mastery, and offers offline access for focused learning. Review mistakes and visualize concepts to build long-term retention.

Highlights
  • Algorithmically generated problems
  • Adaptive mastery-based progression
  • Mistake journal for review
  • Visual problem explanations
  • Offline access
  • Exam-specific problem sets
Features
Read full description

Math Zen is a math practice app built for real exam performance, not a calculator that does your homework for you. Work through algorithmically generated problems that cover the topics and skills tested on real exams. The adaptive mastery-based progression system tracks your accuracy and adjusts difficulty automatically: struggle with a concept, and it comes back for review; master it, and you advance. Practice offline, anytime, with zero distractions. EXAM PREP Math Zen includes exam-style problem sets for major standardized tests: - AP Calculus AB: 30 templates: particle motion, optimization, related rates, FTC, and accumulation functions. - SAT Math: 41 templates with word problems, real-world contexts, and data interpretation. - Gaokao Mathematics: 43 templates in formal Chinese math style. - A-Level Maths: Pure and Statistics, covering calculus, trigonometry, vectors, probability and hypothesis testing. Mechanics is not covered. - Also available: AP Calculus BC, Suneung, Abitur, Kyōtsū Tesuto, Baccalauréat, Selectividad, EXANI-II, ENEM and GSAT exam paths. Exam prep problems include multi-part questions, where each part builds on the one before it. 24 TOPICS, 570+ PROBLEM TEMPLATES Six sections covering math from arithmetic through university-level content: Algebra: Arithmetic, Algebra, Complex Numbers, Logarithms Precalculus: Functions, Graph Analysis, Hyperbolic Functions, Sequences & Series Calculus: Limits, Derivatives, Integrals, Differential Equations, Partial Derivatives, Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, Multiple Integrals, Laplace Transforms Geometry & Trigonometry: Geometry, Trigonometry Linear Algebra: Vectors, Matrices, Abstract Algebra Discrete Math: Probability, Statistics 156 subtopics. 570+ algorithmically generated templates. Every session is different. KEY FEATURES Mastery-Based Progression: A five-level bucket system tracks your accuracy within each subtopic and advances you from easy to hard as you demonstrate understanding. Structured, adaptive practice, not random drilling. Theory Built In: Every subtopic carries the rules its own problems need, with worked examples. Tap Show the rule the moment an answer comes out wrong, or open it from the header mid-problem. Mistake Journal: Every wrong answer is captured automatically. Come back later and retry that exact problem type with fresh numbers, until the concept clicks. Resolve them all for a small celebration. Visual Problems: Interactive graphs, geometric diagrams, and animated transformations bring abstract concepts to life. Leaderboard: See how your practice volume compares to other students. Offline First: The whole app works without internet. Practice on a plane or subway; progress syncs when you reconnect. Dark Mode: Follows your system setting, or pin it to light or dark. No Ads, Ever: Clean, focused, distraction-free. No ads, no coins, no lives. 11 Languages: English, Russian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Dutch. PERFECT FOR - Students preparing for AP Calculus AB/BC, SAT Math, ACT Math, or IB Math - Students preparing for Gaokao, Suneung, Kyōtsū Tesuto, or Abitur - University students in Calculus I/II, Linear Algebra, or Differential Equations - Self-learners who want structured math practice at their own pace HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose a topic or an exam prep path. 2. Math Zen generates a fresh problem (a quick quiz of one concept) matched to your current level. 3. Solve it: type your answer or select multiple choice. 4. Right answers advance you. Wrong ones show the rule and go to your mistake journal. SUBSCRIPTION Math Zen is free to start with access to core topics. Premium unlocks the full topic library, all exam prep paths, and detailed analytics. Privacy Policy: https://math-zen.com/privacy Terms of Service: https://math-zen.com/terms Support: contacts@trifoiltrailblazer.com

About

MathNotes

This app provides an infinite digital canvas for studying and visualizing mathematics. It allows users to create 2D and 3D graphs, take notes with LaTeX formatting, and convert handwritten equations into editable LaTeX using OCR. Ideal for students and professionals needing a comprehensive math workspace.

Highlights
  • Infinite digital canvas
  • 2D and 3D graph plotting
  • Formula OCR to LaTeX
  • LaTeX equation rendering
  • Interactive animated sliders
  • Note organization with media
Read full description

Transform the way you study and visualize mathematics with MathNotes, the ultimate infinite canvas built for students, professionals, and math enthusiasts! Whether you're plotting a simple 2D graph, exploring complex 3D surfaces, or simply taking digital notes with perfect LaTeX formatting, MathNotes gives you full freedom in a single, boundless workspace. FEATURES • Infinite Canvas: Pan, zoom, and organize your math notes unhindered! Add text, images, videos, and web links instantly. • Advanced Plotting Engine: Easily plot standard 2D functions, polar coordinates, and parametric curves. • Interactive 3D Surfaces: Visualize multi-variable formulas (`z = f(x,y)`) in full 3D space with an orbit camera. • Formula OCR Engine: Found a complicated equation? Simply snap a photo or scan it using our built-in ONNX-powered OCR to perfectly convert it into editable LaTeX. • Beautiful LaTeX Rendering: Write and render complicated mathematical formulas with gorgeous typography. • Scrubbable Constants: Use animated sliders to watch your 2D and 3D graphs react in real-time. • Custom Organization: Pin definitions, build concepts visually, and maintain your custom study notes. Designed for fluid interaction, MathNotes handles your deepest mathematical explorations with a clean, dynamic, and focused interface. Ready to master calculus, linear algebra, and trigonometry? Download MathNotes today and unlock the perfect math study canvas!

Screenshots

Math Zen4 screens
MathNotes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Math Zen at none against MathNotes's shown. Math Zen also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). MathNotes's advantage is device support (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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. Math Zen sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per 7 days and MathNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Math Zen against 5.0 for MathNotes. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Math Zen ships an update every 3 days, MathNotes every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Math Zen versus MathNotes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMath ZenMathNotes
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.413.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size261 MB340 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIvan TerekhinVladislav Alikov

Customer experience

Math Zen

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

MathNotes

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Math Zen

Subscriptions3
  • Math Zen Premium — Weekly$1.497 Days
  • Math Zen Premium — Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Math Zen Premium — Annual3 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Math Zen Premium — Lifetime$29.99
1 purchases

MathNotes

One-time1
  • Support the App and remove Ads$2.99

Questions

Is Math Zen free?
Math Zen is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MathNotes free?
MathNotes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Math Zen or MathNotes?
Math Zen and MathNotes are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Math Zen or MathNotes have ads?
MathNotes shows ads; Math Zen does not.
Which is updated more often, Math Zen or MathNotes?
Math Zen ships an update every 3 days, and MathNotes every 2 weeks. Most recently, Math Zen was updated on September 9, 2026 and MathNotes on September 24, 2026.

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