Comparison

Symbolab vs Photomath

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

Photomath

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
Read full description

Photomath is known worldwide for helping millions of learners to learn, practice, and understand math – one step at a time. Scan any math problem with the Photomath app to get step-by-step explanations with accurate solutions and a variety of teacher-approved methods. Math is about the process, so Photomath breaks your problem into bite-sized steps to help you understand the “what” and “why” along with the “how.” Whether you’re learning basic arithmetic or advanced geometry, we’ll tackle it together, step by step. Why Photomath? Billions of math problems: From elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus and everything in between, Photomath can solve billions of math problems—including word problems! Whether handwritten, in a textbook, or on a screen, Photomath is here to help you untangle your trickiest problem. Step-by-step explanations: Math isn’t just about an answer. It’s about every step along the way. That’s why Photomath breaks down each step, so you can *really* learn. Less guesswork = less stress, especially with our new Animated Steps, which show you the exact progression of a particular step. Get basic step-by-step explanations at no charge when you download Photomath. Expert-developed methods: Photomath’s educational content is centered around the learner’s experience, driven by the expertise of our own team of mathematicians and former math teachers. Self-paced learning: Photomath’s instant support is like having a 24/7 virtual tutor. Checking your homework before dinner? Stuck on a problem at 2am? We can help. Follow our detailed steps, taking whatever time you need to review definitions, rationale, and more – all within the explanation. Want to dive deeper and explore more ways to learn? Photomath Plus can get you there with custom Animated Tutorials, detailed Textbook Solutions, and more! KEY FEATURES • Step-by-step explanations included in our basic version (at no charge) • Word problem instructions • Interactive graphs • Video learning • Multiple solution methods • Advanced scientific calculator Photomath is for learners of all levels, including those studying: Numbers & Quantity Algebra Functions Trigonometry & Angles Sequences Geometry Calculus “The step-by-step guide is beneficial to students that do not have access to a tutor and struggle with solving math problems.” — Forbes “A viral video about a new app looks like a dream come true for anyone who struggles with math.” — Time ___________________________________________ • Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. • A subscription automatically renews unless it’s canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. • Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. • Manage or cancel your subscription in your account settings on the App Store after purchase. • Offers and pricing are subject to change without notice. Suggestions or questions? Email us at support@photomath.com Website: www.photomath.com TikTok: @photomath Instagram: @photomath Facebook: @Photomathapp Twitter: @Photomath Terms of Use: https://photomath.app/en/termsofuse Privacy Policy: https://photomath.app/en/privacypolicy

Screenshots

Symbolab4 screens
Photomath4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Photomath at 733K against Symbolab's 26K. Photomath also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and chart position (#37 vs unranked). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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 and Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Photomath holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 26K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 59% of Symbolab'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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Symbolab versus Photomath: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSymbolabPhotomath
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (26K ratings)4.8 (733K ratings) — better
Positive reviews59.0% of reviews — better51.1% of reviews
Number of ratings26K733K — better
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#37 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB30 MB
Age rating+44+
DeveloperSymbolabGoogle

Customer experience

Symbolab

All ratings26,201 ratings
Positive89.4%
Neutral2.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews307 reviews
Positive59.0%
Neutral5.2%
Negative35.8%

Photomath

All ratings732,942 ratings
Positive95.3%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews1,186 reviews
Positive51.1%
Neutral6.9%
Negative42.0%

User reviews

Symbolab

From 26K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and efficient
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 💡 Helpful step-by-step solutions
  • 🚀 Accurate calculations
  • 👍 Saves time on homework and studying

Room to improve

  • 💰 Subscription required for full functionality
  • 🐛 Camera feature issues
  • 🐛 Inconsistent performance after updates
  • 💰 Expensive subscription fees
  • 🔒 Difficulty canceling subscription

Photomath

From 733K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 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

Room to improve

  • 💰 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

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

Photomath

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

3 requests
  • 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

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
9 purchases

Photomath

Subscriptions9
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial5 variants$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Photomath Plus2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$49.996 Months
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$69.991 Year

Questions

Is Symbolab free?
Symbolab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Photomath free?
Photomath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Symbolab or Photomath?
Photomath is rated higher. Symbolab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 26K ratings, while Photomath averages 4.8 from 733K ratings.
Do Symbolab or Photomath have ads?
Neither Symbolab nor Photomath shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Symbolab or Photomath?
Symbolab ships an update monthly, and Photomath monthly. Most recently, Symbolab was updated on September 24, 2026 and Photomath on September 24, 2026.

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