Best AI Math Solvers Compared: Photomath vs Mathway vs Gradily

TL;DR: Photomath is best for visual learners who want to snap a photo and get solutions. Mathway covers the widest range of math topics including advanced college math. Gradily combines math solving with concept explanations and works across all subjects. Your best choice depends on your math level and whether you need quick answers or deeper understanding.

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The Math Struggle Is Real

Math homework is the #1 subject students search for help with online. It's not even close. Reddit's r/HomeworkHelp is dominated by math questions. Google sees millions of searches for "math homework help" every month.

And it makes sense — math is uniquely frustrating. You either get the right answer or you don't. There's no partial credit for "almost understanding" a derivative.

AI math solvers have transformed how students handle math homework. But which one actually helps? Let's compare the three most popular options.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Photomath	Mathway	Gradily
Input Method	Camera scan + keyboard	Keyboard + camera	Text + keyboard
Free Version	Basic solutions	Answers only (no steps)	Yes, with explanations
Paid Price	$9.99/month	$9.99/month (Premium)	Free tier available
Step-by-Step	Yes (Premium)	Yes (Premium)	Yes
Math Levels	Pre-algebra → Calculus	Pre-algebra → College math	All levels
Non-Math Subjects	❌	❌	✅ All subjects
Explanation Quality	Good visuals	Procedural steps	Conceptual + procedural
Offline Mode	Partial	No	No
Learning Focus	Medium	Low	High

Photomath: The Camera Scanner

What It Does

Photomath's core feature is its camera — point your phone at a math problem, and it reads the problem using OCR (optical character recognition) and gives you the solution. It also has a keyboard for typing problems manually.

Math Topics Covered

• Basic arithmetic
• Pre-algebra and algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Pre-calculus
• Calculus (derivatives, integrals)
• Statistics (basic)

Pricing

• Free: Solutions and basic steps for some problems
• Photomath Plus: $9.99/month or $69.99/year — full step-by-step explanations, animated tutorials, textbook solutions

Pros

1. Camera input is genuinely amazing. Snap a picture of your homework and it reads the problem. Works with handwritten and printed math. When it works, it feels like magic.

2. Animated step-by-step solutions. Premium shows each step with animations, making it easier to follow the process visually.

3. Multiple solution methods. For many problems, Photomath shows more than one way to solve it, so you can learn the method that makes most sense to you.

4. Textbook integration. Photomath Plus includes solutions for popular math textbooks, similar to Chegg's solution manuals.

5. Offline capability. Basic features work without internet, which is handy during commutes or in areas with spotty WiFi.

Cons

1. Camera isn't perfect. Complex problems, messy handwriting, or unusual formatting can confuse the scanner. You might spend time fixing misread numbers.

2. Premium paywall. The free version shows basic solutions, but detailed step-by-step explanations require Photomath Plus ($9.99/month).

3. Math only. If you also need help with chemistry, writing, or other subjects, you'll need a different app.

4. Doesn't explain the "why." Steps show what to do next, but don't always explain why you're doing it. This matters for understanding vs. memorizing.

5. Limited advanced math. While it handles calculus, it struggles with more advanced topics like differential equations, abstract algebra, or proof-based math.

Best For

• Visual learners who benefit from seeing each step
• Students who want to check homework answers quickly
• Algebra through calculus-level problems
• When you need to verify handwritten work

Mathway: The Comprehensive Calculator

What It Does

Mathway functions like a super-powered calculator. Type in any math problem (or scan it with the camera), choose the subject area, and get the answer. Paid version shows step-by-step solutions.

Math Topics Covered

• Basic math and pre-algebra
• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Pre-calculus
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Finite math
• Linear algebra
• Chemistry (basic)
• Physics (basic)

Pricing

• Free: Answers only (no steps shown)
• Mathway Premium: $9.99/month or $79.99/year — step-by-step solutions

Pros

1. Widest math coverage. Mathway handles more advanced topics than Photomath, including linear algebra, finite math, and some chemistry/physics.

2. Subject-specific calculators. You select your math topic (algebra, calculus, stats, etc.) and Mathway adjusts its solver accordingly. This improves accuracy.

3. Clean, fast interface. No frills — just type the problem, get the answer. If you know what you're doing, it's the fastest option.

4. Graph capability. Can graph functions, which is helpful for understanding behavior visually.

Cons

1. Free version is basically useless. Showing the answer without steps is like showing someone where the finish line is without letting them run. If you need to understand how to solve it, you're paying.

2. Steps are procedural, not educational. Even premium steps tend to be "do this, then this, then this" without explaining the reasoning behind each step.

3. No learning component. Mathway is a pure solver — there's no attempt to teach you the underlying concept.

4. Camera is less reliable than Photomath's. While it has camera input, the OCR isn't as polished as Photomath's dedicated camera feature.

5. Aggressive upselling. The free version constantly nudges you toward Premium, which can be annoying.

Best For

• Students in advanced math courses (linear algebra, finite math)
• Quick answer verification
• When you need a specific calculation done accurately
• Students who already understand concepts but need computational help

Gradily: The Math Tutor

What It Does

Gradily approaches math differently from Photomath and Mathway. Instead of just solving the problem, it acts more like a tutor — explaining the concept behind the problem, walking through the solution method, and helping you understand so you can handle similar problems independently.

Math Topics Covered

• All math levels (arithmetic through advanced calculus)
• Plus all other subjects (science, writing, humanities)

Pricing

• Free tier with core features
• Premium for advanced features

Pros

1. Explains the "why." This is the fundamental difference. Gradily doesn't just show you steps — it explains the reasoning. "We factor the quadratic because..." vs. just "Factor: (x+3)(x-2)."

2. Concept-first approach. If you don't understand the underlying concept, Gradily can explain it before jumping into the problem. This is what a good tutor does.

3. Works for all subjects. Stuck on math AND have an essay due? Gradily handles both. No need for separate apps.

4. Free to start. Budget-friendly compared to $9.99/month competitors.

5. Builds problem-solving skills. By explaining methods rather than just computing answers, you develop the ability to tackle new problems on your own.

Cons

1. No camera scanning. You can't snap a photo of your homework. You need to type or describe the problem.

2. Newer platform. Photomath and Mathway have been around longer with more established user bases.

3. Not as fast for quick answers. If you just need to verify an answer in 5 seconds, Photomath is faster.

Best For

• Students who want to actually learn math, not just finish homework
• When you're stuck on a concept (not just a problem)
• Students who need help across multiple subjects
• Budget-conscious students (free tier)

Real-World Scenarios: Which App Wins?

Scenario 1: "I need to check my algebra homework before class tomorrow"

Winner: Photomath — Snap photos, verify answers quickly, done.

Scenario 2: "I don't understand integration by parts at all"

Winner: Gradily — Concept explanation + worked examples + practice. Photomath shows steps but won't teach you the concept.

Scenario 3: "I need to solve a linear algebra problem for my midterm review"

Winner: Mathway — Covers advanced topics that Photomath can't handle.

Scenario 4: "I need help with math AND I have a history essay due"

Winner: Gradily — Only option that handles both.

Scenario 5: "I want to understand why we take the derivative this way"

Winner: Gradily — Concept explanations vs. procedural steps.

The Learning Question

Here's the uncomfortable truth about math apps: most students use them wrong.

If you're snapping photos of every problem, copying the solution, and moving on — you're not learning. You're completing an assignment. Those are very different things.

The test is when exam day arrives. No phone. No apps. Just you and the math.

Here's how to use math apps effectively:

1. Try the problem first. Seriously, spend at least 5 minutes on it.
2. If stuck, look at the first step only. See if that's enough to get you unstuck.
3. Work through the rest yourself. Only check additional steps if you're stuck again.
4. After getting the answer, close the app. Try a similar problem on your own.
5. If you can do a similar problem without help, you've learned it. If not, review the concept again.

This approach works with any app, but tools like Gradily that prioritize explanation make this process more natural than pure answer machines.

Can Professors Tell If You Used a Math App?

Short answer: sometimes.

Red flags professors look for:

• Perfect solutions from students who score poorly on exams
• Solutions that skip intermediate steps (apps sometimes optimize)
• Identical solution methods across multiple students
• Using methods not taught in class (apps may solve differently)

How to protect yourself:

• Show all intermediate steps in your work
• Use the method your professor taught (even if the app uses a different one)
• Make sure you can explain each step if asked
• Don't use apps on in-class assignments or exams

Our Recommendation

For most students, the best setup is:

1. Gradily as your primary learning tool — understand concepts, get explanations
2. Photomath as a secondary answer-checker — verify your work quickly
3. Mathway only if you're in advanced math courses beyond Photomath's range

Don't spend $20+/month on multiple math apps. Start with free tools, upgrade only if you need specific features.

And remember: the goal isn't to finish the homework. The goal is to understand the math well enough that you don't need the app anymore.

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Want more math help? Check out our guides on algebra, calculus for beginners, trigonometry, and how to solve math homework with AI.