Comparison

STEMReader vs Formula Kit

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

Head to head
About

STEMReader

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STEMReader makes it easier to read, navigate, and study technical textbooks and PDFs. Instead of constantly scrolling through hundreds of pages to find an equation, figure, chapter, or exercise, STEMReader analyzes your document and builds tools around its structure. With STEMReader, you can: • Jump to equation and figure references Tap recognized references while reading to quickly view the referenced equation or figure without losing your place. • Navigate textbook contents Browse the structure of your textbook and move quickly between sections. • Find and work through problems View detected exercises and problems without searching through the entire document. • Work with exercises using Problem Solver Open detected textbook problems in a focused workspace designed to make working through exercises easier. • Take PDF notes Keep your notes connected to the documents you are reading. • Use scanned textbooks and PDFs STEMReader is designed to work with technical documents, including textbooks that were originally scanned rather than created as digital PDFs. Whether you are studying mathematics, physics, engineering, or another technical subject, STEMReader helps turn a static textbook into a more useful workspace for learning. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Formula Kit

Easily create, edit, and export mathematical and scientific formulas with a dedicated LaTeX editor. Features real-time rendering, a custom keyboard, and extensive template library for offline use.

Highlights
  • Real-time LaTeX rendering
  • Over 400 formula templates
  • Custom auxiliary keyboard
  • Image and code export
  • Formula library and management
  • Offline functionality
  • History and preview
Features
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Type, edit and export LaTeX formulas in one app: change a formula right in the preview or edit the LaTeX source itself; photos, images and handwriting all turn into editable code; 544 templates, a 258-symbol keyboard, live KaTeX rendering and one-tap high-res PNG / LaTeX / MathML export. Whether you are writing academic papers, preparing lesson notes, or organizing science and engineering notes, you can input, edit and export formulas in one app. Core Features • Preview editing and LaTeX code editing: the preview area is the editing area. Tap a formula to change it on the spot — what you see is what you get; you can also edit the LaTeX code directly. • Formula recognition: take a photo, pick one from your photo library, or write by hand — all are recognized as LaTeX code automatically. • 258-symbol keyboard: a custom keyboard built for formula input, with a clearly organized symbol panel (8 categories, 258 symbols: common, arithmetic, Greek letters, structures, arrows, functions and more), precise cursor dragging and LaTeX command autocomplete — much faster input. • One-tap high-res PNG and LaTeX / MathML export: save a formula as a high-resolution PNG in one tap (no watermark with Pro); export LaTeX, MathML, HTML or SVG code for papers, web pages and slide decks. • 544 formulas, live preview: 544 built-in formula templates across 14 subjects including math, physics, chemistry and computer science, ready out of the box; rendered in real time with the KaTeX engine so you see results as you type, with instant syntax hints; one-tap favorites and custom categories keep everything organized. • History and full-screen preview: editing history is saved automatically and easy to browse as thumbnails; full-screen preview appears automatically after you copy a formula. Why Formula Kit • Lightweight and fast — quick launch, smooth rendering • iPhone, iPad and Mac • Core features are free; upgrade to Pro to unlock full recognition, watermark-free export and unlimited favorites (yearly subscription or lifetime purchase) Who it is for • Students (high school / university / graduate) • Teachers and professors • Researchers • Engineers and technical writers • Anyone who needs to type mathematical formulas Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

STEMReader4 screens
Formula Kit4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Formula Kit at none against STEMReader's 4. Formula Kit also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.4). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. STEMReader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Formula Kit asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 6 level
STEMReader versus Formula Kit: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSTEMReaderFormula Kit
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Update frequency—Every 11 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS26.417.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB61 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSAMUEL QUINTEIRO PEREZēŽ‰č‰Æ 刘

In-app purchases

4 purchases

STEMReader

Subscriptions2
  • Plus Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Plus Annual$7.991 Year
One-time2
  • This Document$0.99
  • Three Documents$1.99
None

Formula Kit

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is STEMReader free?
STEMReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Formula Kit free?
Formula Kit is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do STEMReader or Formula Kit have ads?
Neither STEMReader nor Formula Kit shows ads.

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