Photomath vs Photomath Plus: Which is Better?
Mathematics has long been a subject that challenges students, professionals, and educators alike. Whether it’s algebra, calculus, or trigonometry, solving math problems often requires time, patience, and a strong understanding of concepts. However, with technological advancements, learning and solving mathematical problems has become easier. Photomath is one such tool that has revolutionized how students approach math.
Photomath is an app designed to help users solve mathematical problems using their smartphone camera. It scans a math problem and provides solutions with step-by-step explanations. While the free version of the app is quite powerful, Photomath Plus, the premium version, offers additional features that enhance the learning experience.
In this article, we will compare Photomath (free) and Photomath Plus (paid version) to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
What is Photomath?
Photomath is a math-solving application that allows users to scan handwritten or printed math problems using their smartphone camera. Once scanned, the app provides step-by-step solutions, making it an excellent tool for students struggling with mathematics. The app is available for both Android and iOS and supports a wide range of mathematical topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.
Key Features of Photomath (Free Version)
- Instantly scans and solves math problems using the camera
- Step-by-step explanations for a variety of mathematical topics
- Supports arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and more
- Offline functionality (basic features work without an internet connection)
- Graphing calculator feature for visualizing equations
- Handwritten recognition to scan and solve handwritten problems
What is Photomath Plus?
Photomath Plus is the premium version of Photomath that offers enhanced learning features. While the free version provides solutions and basic step-by-step explanations, Photomath Plus goes further by offering animated tutorials, textbook solutions, and more in-depth explanations for complex problems.
Key Features of Photomath Plus
✅ Animated tutorials that visually break down complex problems
✅ Detailed step-by-step explanations (more comprehensive than the free version)
✅ Textbook solutions for commonly used math textbooks
✅ More in-depth breakdowns of multi-step problems
✅ Extra learning resources to improve conceptual understanding
Photomath vs. Photomath Plus: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Photomath (Free Version) | Photomath Plus (Paid Version) |
|---|---|---|
| Scan & Solve | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Step-by-Step Explanations | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced & Detailed |
| Handwritten & Printed Recognition | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Graphing Calculator | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Offline Functionality | ✅ Limited | ✅ Limited |
| Animated Tutorials | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Textbook Solutions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-Step Problem Breakdown | ❌ Basic | ✅ Advanced |
| Subscription Cost | Free | Paid Subscription |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Photomath (free) and Photomath Plus depends on your needs:
✅ Choose Photomath (Free) If:
✔ You need quick solutions for math problems
✔ You are comfortable with basic step-by-step explanations
✔ You just need to verify answers and get minimal guidance
✔ You don’t want to pay for a premium subscription
🔥 Choose Photomath Plus If:
✔ You want detailed explanations to fully understand each step
✔ You struggle with multi-step problems and need breakdowns
✔ You need animated tutorials to visualize complex math concepts
✔ You rely on textbooks and need solutions for textbook problems
✔ You are a serious learner who wants to improve math skills
Pricing & Subscription
The free version of Photomath is available to everyone without any charges. However, Photomath Plus requires a paid subscription, which varies based on region and platform. Typically, the cost of Photomath Plus ranges from $9.99 per month to $59.99 per year.
Is Photomath Plus Worth It?
Whether Photomath Plus is worth the price depends on how much you need additional explanations. If you frequently struggle with math and need detailed, step-by-step explanations, then Photomath Plus is a valuable investment. However, if you just need quick answers and basic steps, the free version is sufficient.
Limitations of Photomath
While Photomath (free) and Photomath Plus are great tools, they have some limitations:
- Does not support word problems – It works best with numeric problems but struggles with text-based math problems.
- May not recognize very complex handwritten equations – While it does a good job, very messy handwriting can cause errors.
- Does not teach concepts deeply – Even with Photomath Plus, it does not replace a math tutor or textbook.
- Requires a camera scan – If the problem is too blurry or complex, it may not scan properly.
Alternatives to Photomath
If you are looking for other math-solving apps, consider:
- Microsoft Math Solver – Offers AI-powered solutions similar to Photomath but includes word problems.
- Wolfram Alpha – A powerful computational tool that can solve and explain advanced mathematical concepts.
- Symbolab – Another excellent math solver with detailed step-by-step solutions.
- Mathway – Provides answers across various subjects, including statistics and chemistry.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
Both Photomath (free) and Photomath Plus have their advantages. If you need quick solutions and basic explanations, the free version is a great choice. However, if you want deeper learning, animated tutorials, and textbook solutions, Photomath Plus is the better option.
Summary:
- Casual students → Photomath (free) is enough
- Serious learners → Photomath Plus is worth it
Ultimately, if math is a major part of your studies and you struggle with understanding complex problems, Photomath Plus can be a valuable investment. However, if you just need a quick solution tool, the free version does the job well.