Mathway vs Photomath (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

Lower starting price
Photomath
From $6/mo against from $9/mo
Free plan
Tie
Both have one
Higher rating
Photomath
4.4 against 4.6
Same job?
Yes
Both are Education tools

Side by side

Compared on	Mathway	Photomath
Our rating	4.4	4.6Better
Starts at	$9/mo	$6/moBetter
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Category	Education	Education
Plans	From $9/mo	From $6/mo
Key features	Step-by-step math solutions across arithmetic through calculus Camera and text-based problem input Subscribers across roughly 100 countries Localized into 13 languages Free tier for basic problem solving	Pioneered camera-based math problem solving Step-by-step solutions for printed and handwritten problems Acquired by Google, announced May 2022 Free tier for basic use Fully integrated into Google's Play Store portfolio by 2024
Pros	Very long operating history since 2002, among the oldest in this category Broad coverage from basic math through advanced calculus and statistics Backed by Chegg's global education platform and reach	Pioneered the exact camera-based interaction competitors later adopted Now backed by Google's resources and infrastructure Free tier covers real basic problem-solving use
Cons	Full step-by-step explanations require a paid subscription Interface feels less modern than newer AI-native competitors Less conversational than newer chat-based math tutoring tools	Deeper step-by-step explanations require a paid tier Broader subject coverage than pure math is more limited than some competitors Now part of Google's larger portfolio rather than an independent company
Company	Mathway (Chegg, Inc.), founded 2002	Photomath, founded 2014

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260629. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Mathway better than Photomath?

In our reviews Mathway scores 4.4 and Photomath scores 4.6. The better pick depends on the job. Mathway: Founded by two middle school friends in 2002, now owned by Chegg. Photomath: The original camera math solver, now fully owned by Google.

Which is cheaper, Mathway or Photomath?

Photomath has the lower starting price: from $9/mo for Mathway and from $6/mo for Photomath.

Do Mathway and Photomath have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

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