Photomath is a popular mobile app that acts as an instant math problem solver using your smartphone camera. Simply point the camera at a printed or handwritten equation—arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, or statistics—and Photomath scans it, recognizes the problem, and delivers step-by-step solutions almost immediately. It also supports manual input via a built-in calculator, offers multiple solving methods, graphs functions, and explains concepts to help users truly understand the math rather than just get answers.
Is Photomath Free or Paid?
Photo math follows a freemium model. The core functionality—scanning problems, providing instant solutions, and showing basic step-by-step explanations—is completely free with no limits on usage or number of problems. Photomath Plus, the premium subscription, unlocks advanced extras like AI-powered animated tutorials, deeper contextual hints, third-level detailed steps, textbook-specific solutions, and additional learning resources for enhanced understanding.
Photomath Pricing Details
Photo math Plus is an in-app subscription managed through Google Play or the App Store, with monthly or annual billing (annual plans offer significant savings). Pricing remains consistent at around $9.99/month or $69.99/year in most regions.
| Plan Name | Price (Monthly / Yearly) | Main Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited problem scanning, instant solutions, basic step-by-step explanations, multiple solving methods, graphing, manual input | Students handling everyday homework, quick checks, or basic learning needs without extra cost |
| Photomath Plus | $9.99/month or $69.99/year (~$5.83/month) | All free features + AI animated tutorials, detailed hints & third-level steps, textbook solutions, contextual explanations, priority updates | Serious learners, exam prep students, visual learners, or anyone wanting deeper concept mastery and advanced breakdowns |
Also Read-Fathom AI Free, Alternative, Pricing, Pros and Cons
Best Alternatives to Photomath
If Photomath doesn’t fully meet your needs, these popular math solver apps provide similar scanning, step-by-step guidance, or additional strengths:
| Alternative Tool Name | Free or Paid | Key Feature | How it Compares to Photo math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Math Solver | Free + Paid (some premium) | Camera scan + handwritten recognition, video explanations, interactive graphs | Completely free core solving with strong graphing; adds multilingual support and quiz practice but fewer animated tutorials than Photomath Plus |
| Mathway | Free + Paid | Broad subject coverage (algebra to stats), step-by-step with instant answers | Covers more advanced topics and word problems; subscription needed for full steps, similar scan accuracy but less focus on visual animations |
| Symbolab | Free + Paid | Symbolic calculator + detailed steps, practice problems | Excellent for symbolic manipulation and proofs; stronger equation editor but interface feels more technical than Photomath’s intuitive scan-first approach |
| Cymath | Free + Paid | Quick camera solver with steps, graphing | Very similar scan-and-solve speed; more budget-friendly premium but lacks Photo math’s animated tutorials and textbook integrations |
| Wolfram Alpha (app) | Free + Paid (Pro) | Computational knowledge engine with deep math analysis | Extremely powerful for complex/computational queries; broader scope but steeper learning curve and less user-friendly scanning than Photomath |
Pros and Cons of Photo math
Pros
- Lightning-fast camera scanning with accurate recognition of printed and handwritten problems.
- Free unlimited basic step-by-step solutions covering a wide range of math topics from elementary to calculus.
- Multiple solving methods shown for the same problem to build deeper understanding.
- Graphing capabilities and concept explanations help visualize functions and ideas.
- Photomath Plus adds engaging animated tutorials and hints ideal for visual or struggling learners.
Cons
- Advanced features (animations, textbook solutions, deeper hints) locked behind Photomath Plus subscription.
- Free version provides steps but may limit some detailed explanations for complex problems.
- Occasional scanning issues with very messy handwriting or poor lighting.
- Primarily focused on symbolic math—less robust for heavy word problems or proofs compared to some competitors.
- Subscription auto-renews via app store, requiring manual cancellation if not needed long-term.