Comparison

Symbolab vs PhoMath

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

Head to head
About

Symbolab

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
Read full description

Math Made Easy with Symbolab! Type in or snap a picture of any math problem, including tricky word problems, and get easy-to-understand step-by-step solutions. From pre-algebra to calculus, trigonometry, and more. Let us help you solve any math problem with confidence & guide you along the way! Symbolab Problem Solver is composed of over five hundred of our most powerful calculators, including: •Calculus Calculator •Graphing Calculator •Fraction Calculator •Equation Calculator •Integral Calculator •Derivative Calculator •Limit Calculator •Inequality Calculator •Trigonometry Calculator •Matrix Calculator •Functions Calculator •Series Calculator •ODE Calculator •Laplace Transform Calculator Join Our Community of Learners: Symbolab is a powerful tool for learning math, with over 300 million users. Join and experience AI-powered, personalized assessments, insights and more. Our fully automated platform, driven by advanced machine learning algorithms, ensures a seamless and straightforward learning experience. Empower Your Learning Journey: Symbolab is much more than an app – it's an entire educational platform dedicated to empowering students just like you. Deepen your knowledge with our streamlined and user-friendly interface. With our streamlined and user-friendly interface, we provide free solutions with basic steps to any math problem you throw at us. Plus, for a subscription, you’ll gain access to more advanced steps and explanations. Symbolab is your go-to companion for problem-solving and learning. Download now and embark on a journey to excel in math! Terms of Use: https://www.symbolab.com/public/terms.pdf Privacy Policy: https://www.symbolab.com/public/privacy.pdf

About

PhoMath

Features
Read full description

Are you struggling with Math homework? Need help solving Physics or Chemistry problems? AI Math is your smart study companion powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), helping you solve problems quickly, accurately, and with clear explanations. Just snap a photo, type your question, or write by hand, and you will instantly receive a detailed step-by-step solution. Now supporting 6 different problem-solving styles to match every learning preference. Why choose AI Math Perfect for middle school, high school, college students, parents, and teachers. AI Math does not just solve Math - it also supports Physics and Chemistry, from basic exercises to advanced problems. Whether you are studying algebra, preparing for a chemistry test, or trying to quickly understand a physics law - AI Math is always ready to help. Key Features Snap a photo to solve problems - Works with handwriting or printed text (Math, Physics, Chemistry) Handwriting recognition - Write with your finger or stylus and let AI interpret it Step-by-step solutions - Understand the process and reasoning behind every step Smart AI Assistant - Ask any academic question and get instant explanations AI Calculator - Enter formulas and get instant results Math handwriting mode - Solve freely with personal notation and receive quick feedback Image translation and OCR - Scan documents and translate into your preferred language Solve Physics and Chemistry problems - Formulas, equations, laws, periodic table support Choose your learning style Select one of 6 solving modes tailored to your level and style: Step-by-step solutions - Learn the process from A to Z Short answers - Get quick and precise results Teacher-style explanations - Like having a live tutor Beginner-friendly - Simplified for younger learners Academic-level solutions - Perfect for advanced students who need proofs Interactive or Quiz mode - Practice in a fun, quiz-like format Subjects supported Mathematics Arithmetic: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Algebra: Equations, inequalities, polynomials, quadratic functions Geometry: Angles, area, volume, theorems Trigonometry: Sin, cos, tan, unit circle Calculus: Limits, derivatives, integrals Probability and Statistics: Mean, charts, theoretical probability Word Problems: Solve questions in natural language Physics and Chemistry Physics: Motion, forces, work, electricity, optics Chemistry: Reactions, chemical equations, periodic table, acids and bases Who should use AI Math Middle and high school students College and university students Parents supporting their children Tutors and science teachers Test takers (SAT, ACT, GRE, AP, national exams) Lifelong learners and self-learners Why students love AI Math Understand the concepts, not just memorize answers Improve grades and boost confidence Save time on homework and revision Learn anytime, anywhere on your phone Multi-language and multi-style support Download AI Math today and conquer Math, Physics, and Chemistry the smart and easy way. Say goodbye to study stress and hello to clear understanding powered by AI.

Screenshots

Symbolab4 screens
PhoMath4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PhoMath at none against Symbolab's 8. Symbolab's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.2). On price, update cadence and device support 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. Symbolab sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. PhoMath asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Symbolab versus PhoMath: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSymbolabPhoMath
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (26K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews59.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings26K — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.2
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB26 MB
Age rating+44+
DeveloperSymbolabNguyen Thi Lien

Bugs and requests

Symbolab

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login issues
  • Calculation errors
  • Frequent crashes
  • Connectivity problems

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

PhoMath

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Symbolab

Subscriptions7
  • Universal Weekly Subscription$2.497 Days
  • Universal Monthly Subscription$7.991 Month
  • Universal Monthly Subscription$9.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • Universal ½-Year Subscription$24.996 Months
  • Universal ½-Year Subscription$32.996 Months
  • Universal Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$34.991 Year
  • Universal Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • All features with no ads$7.99
None

PhoMath

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Symbolab free?
Symbolab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PhoMath free?
PhoMath is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Symbolab or PhoMath have ads?
PhoMath shows ads; Symbolab does not.
Which is updated more often, Symbolab or PhoMath?
Symbolab ships an update monthly, and PhoMath monthly. Most recently, Symbolab was updated on September 27, 2026 and PhoMath on September 23, 2026.

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