Shortlist by what you need
Start here if you know why you are leaving Photomath.
Want the closest match?
GauthMost similar to Photomath in what it does, its category and its price.
Visit (opens Gauth in a new tab)Need a free plan?
MathwayHas a free plan, rated 4.4 out of 5.
Visit (opens Mathway in a new tab)Want the best rated?
SocraticRated 4.3 out of 5 in our review, against 4.6 for Photomath.
Visit (opens Socratic in a new tab)
At a glance
Green means better than Photomath, red means worse. Prices are starting prices per month.
| Tool | Our rating | Starts at | Free plan | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 PhotomathBaseline | 4.6 | $6/mo | Yes | The original camera math solver, now fully owned by Google | |
| Gauth | 4.3−0.3 | $6/moSame price | Yes | ByteDance's camera-based homework solver, popular internationally | vs Photomath |
| Mathway | 4.4−0.2 | $9/mo$3 more | Yes | Founded by two middle school friends in 2002, now owned by Chegg | vs Photomath |
| Socratic | 4.3−0.3 | Free | Yes | Google's 2018 homework app, now overshadowed by Gemini's own tools | vs Photomath |
 MathGPT | 3.8−0.8 | Free | Yes | Math-first homework helper that also runs PhysicsGPT, ChemGPT and AccountingGPT off the same input box. | vs Photomath |
 Mathly | 3.0−1.6 | Not listed | No | Take a photo of your math problem - AI solves it and explains it in a way that actually makes sense, adjusted to how you learn. | vs Photomath |
 Numerade | 4.1−0.5 | $10/mo$4 more | Yes | Explains STEM problems through video, not text, by design | vs Photomath |
 Math AI | 3.7−0.9 | Free | Yes | Photograph a handwritten equation and get the working, not just the answer. | vs Photomath |
 Tutorly | 3.2−1.4 | Free | Yes | Chat with AI tutors for instant homework answers across Math, Science, History, Coding, and more - plus AI paraphrasing and step-by-step essay guidance. | vs Photomath |
The alternatives in detail
In order of how closely each one matches Photomath.
Gauth
4.3$6/mo
vs PhotomathSame price−0.3
ByteDance's camera-based homework solver, popular internationally.
- Camera-based homework problem solving
- Covers a broad range of subjects beyond math specifically
- Built by ByteDance's GauthTech
Broader subject coverage than math-only camera-solving competitors
Data handling practices warrant independent research given its ownership
Mathway
4.4$9/mo
vs Photomath$3 more−0.2
Founded by two middle school friends in 2002, now owned by Chegg.
- Step-by-step math solutions across arithmetic through calculus
- Camera and text-based problem input
- Subscribers across roughly 100 countries
Very long operating history since 2002, among the oldest in this category
Full step-by-step explanations require a paid subscription
Socratic
4.3Free
vs Photomath−0.3
Google's 2018 homework app, now overshadowed by Gemini's own tools.
- Camera-based homework help across many subjects
- Acquired by Google in 2018
- Curated educational content grounding explanations
Covers a genuinely broad range of subjects beyond just math
Google's newer education AI investment has shifted toward Gemini's own features
MathGPT
3.8Free
vs Photomath−0.8
Math-first homework helper that also runs PhysicsGPT, ChemGPT and AccountingGPT off the same input box.
- Step-by-step math problem solving from typed or photographed input
- Switchable PhysicsGPT, ChemGPT and AccountingGPT modes
- Lecture summarizer and video gallery
Four subjects covered from one shared interface
Easy to misuse as an answer shortcut rather than a study aid
Mathly
3.0Not listed
vs Photomath−1.6
Take a photo of your math problem - AI solves it and explains it in a way that actually makes sense, adjusted to how you learn.
- Photo-based math problem solving with AI explanations
- Personalized explanations adjusted to individual learning style
- Interactive follow-up Q&A for clarification
Personalizes explanations rather than giving one generic answer format
Currently early-access/pre-launch - not yet publicly available
Numerade
4.1$10/mo
vs Photomath$4 more−0.5
Explains STEM problems through video, not text, by design.
- Video-based explanations for STEM textbook and homework problems
- Covers math, physics, chemistry, and related subjects
- Educator-led, whiteboard-style walkthroughs
Video format conveys reasoning more clearly than static text for many problems
Full library access requires a paid subscription
Math AI
3.7Free
vs Photomath−0.9
Photograph a handwritten equation and get the working, not just the answer.
- Photo recognition of handwritten and printed problems
- Step-by-step solutions with concept explanations
- Algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics
Photographing the notebook removes the retyping barrier
Worked steps are a shortcut when copied and the tool cannot tell
Tutorly
3.2Free
vs Photomath−1.4
Chat with AI tutors for instant homework answers across Math, Science, History, Coding, and more - plus AI paraphrasing and step-by-step essay guidance.
- Real-time AI tutor chat across multiple academic subjects
- Personalized, detailed answers to specific homework questions
- AI paraphrasing for essays and reports
Covers a genuinely wide subject range (Math, Science, History, Coding, Biology, English)
Free/basic plans cap daily questions - heavy users will hit limits quickly
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is Photomath free?
Photomath has a free plan, and paid plans start from $6/mo.
What is the best free alternative to Photomath?
Mathway is the highest-rated alternative here with a free plan (4.4 out of 5). Other free options: Gauth, Socratic, Numerade.
What is the cheapest alternative to Photomath?
Among paid plans, Gauth has the lowest starting price (from $6/mo). If you need it free, start with Mathway.
How did you pick these alternatives?
We match tools on what they do, their category and their price, using the details in our directory. Ratings come from our reviews and reader reviews.