Comparison

Photomath vs Symbolab Practice

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

Head to head
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

About

Symbolab Practice

Master math concepts through unlimited practice problems with personalized hints and instant feedback. Track your progress, prepare for exams with quizzes, and drill down into specific math topics from pre-algebra to calculus.

Highlights
  • Tens of thousands of math problems
  • Personalized hints
  • Instant feedback
  • Exam preparation quizzes
  • Topic-specific drills
  • Progress tracking and insights
Read full description

Practice, practice, practice! There’s no better way to build your Math confidence and skill. Unlimited practice requires a subscription. Get the most from your study time with the Symbolab Practice app: • Practice tens of thousands of Math problems with hints personalized for you • Get instant feedback • Get the basics in place first! • Get used to solving different kinds of problems • Receive helpful hints so you can master each stage of the equation • Take a quiz (to prepare you for exams) • Drill down any Math topic • Check your progress, get insights and tips Topics covered include Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Functions, Matrices & Vectors. Covering fractions through equations to integrals and differential equations. Subscription payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Terms of use: https://www.symbolab.com/public/terms.pdf Privacy policy: https://www.symbolab.com/public/privacy.pdf

Screenshots

Photomath4 screens
Symbolab Practice4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Photomath at 4.8 against Symbolab Practice's 4.0. Photomath also leads on ratings volume (733K vs 42) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Symbolab Practice sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. 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 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 42, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Photomath's written reviews are positive against 37% of Symbolab Practice's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Photomath ships an update monthly, Symbolab Practice every 3 months. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Photomath versus Symbolab Practice: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhotomathSymbolab Practice
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (733K ratings) — better4.0 (42 ratings)
Positive reviews51.1% of reviews — better36.8% of reviews
Number of ratings733K — better42
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#32 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleSymbolab

Customer experience

Photomath

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

Symbolab Practice

All ratings42 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral7.1%
Negative21.4%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive36.8%
Neutral21.1%
Negative42.1%

Bugs and requests

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

Symbolab Practice

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

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
3 purchases

Symbolab Practice

Subscriptions3
  • Universal Weekly Subscription$2.497 Days
  • Universal Monthly Subscription$6.991 Month
  • Universal Yearly Subscription$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Photomath free?
Photomath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Symbolab Practice free?
Symbolab Practice is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Photomath or Symbolab Practice?
Photomath is rated higher. Photomath averages 4.8 out of 5 from 733K ratings, while Symbolab Practice averages 4.0 from 42 ratings.
Do Photomath or Symbolab Practice have ads?
Neither Photomath nor Symbolab Practice shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Photomath or Symbolab Practice?
Photomath ships an update monthly, and Symbolab Practice every 3 months. Most recently, Photomath was updated on September 25, 2026 and Symbolab Practice on September 25, 2026.

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