Shortlist by what you need
Start here if you know why you are leaving Socratic.
Want the closest match?
GauthMost similar to Socratic in what it does, its category and its price.
Visit (opens Gauth in a new tab)Need a free plan?
PhotomathHas a free plan, rated 4.6 out of 5.
Visit (opens Photomath in a new tab)Want the lowest price?
MathwayFrom $9/mo, the lowest starting price here.
Visit (opens Mathway in a new tab)Want the best rated?
NumeradeRated 4.1 out of 5 in our review, against 4.3 for Socratic.
Visit (opens Numerade in a new tab)
At a glance
Green means better than Socratic, red means worse. Prices are starting prices per month.
| Tool | Our rating | Starts at | Free plan | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SocraticBaseline | 4.3 | Free | Yes | Google's 2018 homework app, now overshadowed by Gemini's own tools | |
| Gauth | 4.3Same | $6/mo | Yes | ByteDance's camera-based homework solver, popular internationally | vs Socratic |
| Photomath | 4.6+0.3 | $6/mo | Yes | The original camera math solver, now fully owned by Google | vs Socratic |
| Numerade | 4.1−0.2 | $10/mo | Yes | Explains STEM problems through video, not text, by design | vs Socratic |
| Mathway | 4.4+0.1 | $9/mo | Yes | Founded by two middle school friends in 2002, now owned by Chegg | vs Socratic |
 Brainly | 4.0−0.3 | Free | Yes | A student Q&A community since 2009, now with AI layered in | vs Socratic |
 Tutorly | 3.2−1.1 | 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 Socratic |
 Mathly | 3.0−1.3 | 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 Socratic |
 MathGPT | 3.8−0.5 | Free | Yes | Math-first homework helper that also runs PhysicsGPT, ChemGPT and AccountingGPT off the same input box. | vs Socratic |
The alternatives in detail
In order of how closely each one matches Socratic.
Gauth
4.3$6/mo
vs SocraticSame
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
Photomath
4.6$6/mo
vs Socratic+0.3
The original camera math solver, now fully owned by Google.
- Pioneered camera-based math problem solving
- Step-by-step solutions for printed and handwritten problems
- Acquired by Google, announced May 2022
Pioneered the exact camera-based interaction competitors later adopted
Deeper step-by-step explanations require a paid tier
Numerade
4.1$10/mo
vs Socratic−0.2
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
Mathway
4.4$9/mo
vs Socratic+0.1
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
Brainly
4.0Free
vs Socratic−0.3
A student Q&A community since 2009, now with AI layered in.
- Large community-generated library of solved homework questions
- AI-generated step-by-step explanations
- Peer and expert answers alongside AI responses
Massive existing library of real, community-solved problems
Community-sourced content quality can vary across different subjects
Tutorly
3.2Free
vs Socratic−1.1
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
Mathly
3.0Not listed
vs Socratic−1.3
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
MathGPT
3.8Free
vs Socratic−0.5
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
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is Socratic free?
Socratic has a free plan.
What is the best free alternative to Socratic?
Photomath is the highest-rated alternative here with a free plan (4.6 out of 5). Other free options: Mathway, Gauth, Numerade.
What is the cheapest alternative to Socratic?
Among paid plans, Gauth has the lowest starting price (from $6/mo). If you need it free, start with Photomath.
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.