# Photomath vs Test Prep for ALEKS® Math

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Photomath at 51% against Test Prep for ALEKS® Math's 13%. Photomath also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (733K vs 611). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Test Prep for ALEKS® Math sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Photomath holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 611, 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 13% of Test Prep for ALEKS® Math's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Photomath | Test Prep for ALEKS® Math |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (733K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomath/id919087726/reviews)** | [4.4 (611 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/test-prep-for-aleks-math/id1471556189/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **733K** | 611 |
| Positive reviews | **51.1% of reviews** | 12.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#37** | — |
| Size | 30 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [YourTeacher.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/340925628) |

## What reviewers say

### Photomath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomath/id919087726)

**Currently charting:** #37 Top Grossing · Education, #48 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Photomath Plus | $5.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $7.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Photomath Plus | $29.99 | per year |
| Photomath Plus | $39.99 | per year |
| Photomath Plus | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| Photomath Plus | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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


### Test Prep for ALEKS® Math

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/test-prep-for-aleks-math/id1471556189)

Prepare for the ALEKS Math placement test with personalized tutoring and practice tests. This app offers targeted study materials to help you achieve your best score.

**Highlights:** ALEKS Math placement test preparation, Personalized tutoring, Practice tests, Targeted study materials

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ALEKS Test Prep | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| ALEKS  Test Prep | $9.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 High-quality instructional content and lessons
- 🎯 Effective test preparation for ALEKS exam
- 📱 User-friendly interface and straightforward design
- 🎓 One concept per video approach
- 🎮 Engaging and educational learning experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing issues
- ⚪ White blank screen appearing repeatedly
- 💳 Subscription button malfunction preventing purchases
- ⚠️ App fails to load lessons or content
- 🔌 Poor app stability after subscription purchase

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when accessing grade report
- White blank screen after starting free trial or taking review
- Lessons fail to load or display
- Subscription button returns invalid purchase identifier error
- App freezes and requires constant restart

**Requested features**

- Swipe navigation between videos
- Touch-based answer selection instead of letter buttons
- ADA-compatible videos with ASL and captions
- TTY accommodations for accessibility
- Integration with ALEKS website account login


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Photomath free?

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

### Is Test Prep for ALEKS® Math free?

Test Prep for ALEKS® Math is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Photomath or Test Prep for ALEKS® Math?

Photomath is rated higher. Photomath averages 4.8 out of 5 from 733K ratings, while Test Prep for ALEKS® Math averages 4.4 from 611 ratings.

### Do Photomath or Test Prep for ALEKS® Math have ads?

Neither Photomath nor Test Prep for ALEKS® Math shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Photomath or Test Prep for ALEKS® Math?

Photomath ships an update monthly, and Test Prep for ALEKS® Math monthly. Most recently, Photomath was updated on September 24, 2026 and Test Prep for ALEKS® Math on September 21, 2026.

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