# Photomath vs Physics AI

The clearest difference is monetization model: Photomath at free with in-app purchases against Physics AI's subscription. Photomath also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (51% vs 25%). Physics AI's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Physics AI sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 288, 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 25% of Physics AI's.

Photomath ships an update monthly, Physics AI fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Photomath | Physics AI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (733K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomath/id919087726/reviews)** | [4.5 (288 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physics-ai-problem-solver/id6474350204/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **733K** | 288 |
| Positive reviews | **51.1% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#36** | — |
| Size | 30 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Renaissance Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1220536592) |

## What reviewers say

### Photomath

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

**Currently charting:** #36 Top Grossing · Education, #52 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


### Physics AI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physics-ai-problem-solver/id6474350204)

This app acts as a physics problem solver, offering step-by-step solutions for various physics questions. Users can upload or photograph problems, including diagrams and handwritten notes, to receive detailed mathematical explanations. It covers a wide range of physics topics for students at all levels.

**Highlights:** Photo upload for physics problems, Step-by-step mathematical solutions, Covers high school to doctoral research, Copy and share solutions, Handles multiple choice, word-based, and diagram problems

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physics AI Weekly Sub | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Physics AI - Yearly Sub | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Photomath free?

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

### Is Physics AI free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Photomath or Physics AI?

Photomath is rated higher. Photomath averages 4.8 out of 5 from 733K ratings, while Physics AI averages 4.5 from 288 ratings.

### Do Photomath or Physics AI have ads?

Physics AI shows ads; Photomath does not.

### Which is updated more often, Photomath or Physics AI?

Photomath ships an update monthly, and Physics AI fortnightly. Most recently, Photomath was updated on September 24, 2026 and Physics AI on August 22, 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.*