Photomath Review: The Ultimate Math Solver App?
Our hands-on evaluation of Photomath shows why it remains the most accurate math problem solver, with step-by-step explanations for students of all levels.
Overview
Photomath continues to lead the math solver app market with its advanced AI-powered camera technology that instantly recognizes and solves mathematical problems. The 2025 version introduces enhanced handwriting recognition and expanded calculus capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for students from elementary school through college.
Version Tested
Photomath 8.2 (June 2025)
Platform
iOS, Android
AI Technology
Computer Vision + Symbolic AI
Free Tier
Basic solving available
Note: Photomath Plus unlocks animated tutorials and advanced explanations for $9.99/month or $59.99/year.
Key Features
Photomath offers comprehensive math solving capabilities with these standout features:
Camera Solver
Scan printed or handwritten math problems instantly with your phone's camera.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Detailed breakdowns showing exactly how to solve each problem.
Animated Tutorials
Visual explanations that bring math concepts to life (Plus feature).
Smart Calculator
Advanced calculator with graphing capabilities and scientific functions.
Multiple Methods
Alternative solving approaches for many problem types.
Graphing Support
Visualize equations and inequalities with interactive graphs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most accurate math recognition available
- Clear, detailed step-by-step explanations
- Excellent for visual learners with animations
- Covers math from basic arithmetic to calculus
- Works offline after initial download
- Clean, intuitive interface
Cons
- Requires Plus subscription for best features
- Limited word problem support
- No desktop/web version
- Advanced statistics features lacking
- Can't solve extremely complex proofs
- No collaborative features
Pricing & Plans
Photomath offers a free version with basic functionality and a Plus subscription for full access:
Free
- Basic problem solving
- Step explanations
- Smart calculator
- Limited animations
- Ad-supported
Plus
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Animated tutorials
- Multiple solving methods
- Advanced explanations
- No ads
Family
- All Plus features
- Up to 5 users
- Shared payment
- Family dashboard
- Priority support
Note: Annual plans offer significant savings (about 40% cheaper than monthly).
How It Compares
Photomath leads in camera-based math solving, but other tools have different strengths:
| Feature | Photomath | Mathway | Symbolab | Wolfram Alpha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Solving | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Step Explanations | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Math Levels | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Visual Learning | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Word Problems | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Pricing | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$$ |
Best Use Cases
Photomath excels in these educational scenarios:
Homework Help
Quickly check answers and understand where you went wrong on assignments.
Test Preparation
Review concepts and practice problems before exams.
Concept Learning
Master new math topics through visual explanations.
Parental Assistance
Help children with math homework even if you're rusty on the concepts.
Quick Calculations
Solve complex equations faster than with a standard calculator.
Visual Learning
Understand abstract concepts through graphs and animations.
Expert Tips
Get the most from Photomath with these professional techniques:
Optimize Scanning
Ensure good lighting and place problems on a flat surface for best recognition.
Write Clearly
For handwritten problems, print neatly and avoid cursive for best results.
Learn, Don't Copy
Study the steps instead of just copying answers for real learning.
Explore Methods
Try different solving approaches to find the one that makes most sense to you.
Combine Resources
Use Photomath alongside your textbook for comprehensive understanding.
Practice First
Attempt problems yourself before checking solutions to maximize learning.
Alternatives to Consider
While Photomath excels in visual math solving, these alternatives may suit specific needs:
Mathway
Best for: Advanced math, word problems
Limitations: Less visual, expensive
Symbolab
Best for: Step-by-step calculus
Limitations: Complex interface
Wolfram Alpha
Best for: Research-level math
Limitations: Not beginner-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photomath Plus worth the subscription cost?
+For regular users, absolutely. The animated tutorials and detailed explanations provide significantly more educational value than the free version. Students using it several times per week will find it pays for itself in time saved and better understanding.
Can Photomath solve word problems?
+Photomath has limited word problem capabilities compared to its equation solving. It works best with clearly written mathematical expressions rather than narrative-style problems. For word-heavy math, Wolfram Alpha or Mathway may be better options.
Does Photomath show work for all problems?
+The free version shows basic steps for most problems, while Plus provides comprehensive step-by-step solutions with multiple methods for nearly all problems. Some extremely advanced or obscure problems may have limited explanations.
Can teachers detect if students use Photomath?
+Teachers can often recognize when answers are copied without understanding, especially if students can't explain their work. Photomath is best used as a learning aid rather than a way to shortcut homework.
What math levels does Photomath cover?
+Photomath covers arithmetic, algebra (I & II), geometry, trigonometry, calculus (introductory), and statistics. It's suitable from elementary school through early college, though advanced college math may require specialized tools.
Ready to Master Math with AI Assistance?
Photomath remains the most intuitive math solver for students at all levels.
Try Photomath NowLast Updated: June 15, 2025 | Suggest an Update