# Symbolab vs Desmos Test Mode

The clearest difference is rating: Symbolab at 4.6 against Desmos Test Mode's 1.6. Symbolab also leads on review sentiment (59% vs 17%) and ratings volume (26K vs 368). Desmos Test Mode's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Symbolab sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. Desmos Test Mode asks for nothing beyond the download.

Symbolab holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Symbolab has 26K ratings behind it against 368, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Symbolab's written reviews are positive against 17% of Desmos Test Mode's.

Symbolab ships an update monthly, Desmos Test Mode every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Symbolab | Desmos Test Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbolab-ai-math-solver-app/id876942533/reviews)** | [1.6 (368 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-test-mode/id977381005/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | 368 |
| Positive reviews | **59.0% of reviews** | 16.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 60 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Symbolab](https://appshunter.io/developer/876942536) | [Desmos](https://appshunter.io/developer/653517543) |

## What reviewers say

### Symbolab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbolab-ai-math-solver-app/id876942533)

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Universal Weekly Subscription | $2.49 | per 7 days |
| Universal Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Universal Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Universal ½-Year Subscription | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| Universal ½-Year Subscription | $32.99 | per 6 months |
| Universal Yearly Subscription | $34.99 | per year |
| Universal Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| All features with no ads | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Calculation errors
- Frequent crashes
- Connectivity problems

**Requested features**

- 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


### Desmos Test Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-test-mode/id977381005)

This app provides restricted versions of graphing and scientific calculators designed to meet exam requirements. It allows users to practice for specific state or national assessments by selecting the appropriate test mode. Full, unrestricted calculator features are available in separate applications.

**Highlights:** Exam-compliant calculator modes, Graphing capabilities, Scientific calculator functions, Data tables and statistics, Interactive sliders, Points of interest on graphs

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Useful app for tests
- 🔒 Secure calculator mode
- 👍 Free alternative to expensive calculators

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unstable
- 🔒 Overly restrictive app lock
- 👎 Poor user interface and usability

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes during use
- Unexpected phone behavior and lockouts
- Compatibility issues across different devices and OS versions

**Requested features**

- Add customization options for the calculator interface
- Improve compatibility with older devices
- Provide more flexible calculator modes during tests


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Symbolab free?

Symbolab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Desmos Test Mode free?

Desmos Test Mode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Symbolab or Desmos Test Mode?

Symbolab is rated higher. Symbolab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 26K ratings, while Desmos Test Mode averages 1.6 from 368 ratings.

### Do Symbolab or Desmos Test Mode have ads?

Neither Symbolab nor Desmos Test Mode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Symbolab or Desmos Test Mode?

Symbolab ships an update monthly, and Desmos Test Mode every 4 months. Most recently, Symbolab was updated on September 25, 2026 and Desmos Test Mode on September 10, 2026.

---

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