We analyzed Photomath, Mathway, and ApexVision AI against real exam-style math questions to see which app actually solves problems better. Here’s what we found after comparing over 200 math problems from high school and college-level courses.
Key Takeaways
- Mathway is best for college-level math and detailed, step-by-step explanations.
- Photomath is fastest for quick, camera-based problem solving and visual learners.
- ApexVision AI delivers instant answers from screenshots, making it ideal in a time crunch.
- All three apps have free plans, but advanced features sit behind paywalls.
- Speed, accuracy, and explanation depth all varied between the tools.
- Choose your app based on your math level, preferred input (camera vs. typing), and need for speed.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApexVision AI | 4.9 | Free / $9.99/mo | Instant screenshot solutions |
| Mathway | 4.7 | Free / $14.99/mo | Advanced math, detailed steps |
| Photomath | 4.6 | Free / $9.99/mo | Quick, visual solutions |
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How We Analyzed
We designed our analysis to reflect real student needs. Here’s what we did:
- Tested each app against 200+ math problems pulled from current algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics syllabi.
- Included 50+ actual SAT and college-level exam questions.
- Compared free and paid versions on both iOS and Android.
- Measured:
- Accuracy (100% correct answer match)
- Speed (seconds from input to solution)
- Explanation Quality (clarity, step detail, usefulness)
- Input Flexibility (camera photo, typing, handwritten notes)
- User Experience (ease of use, interface design)
- Compared performance on both printed and handwritten problems.
We also used App Store reviews and student feedback to cross-check our findings. For students who want all-in-one AI homework helper features, we included ApexVision AI for benchmark context.
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Tool Reviews
ApexVision AI
Rating: 4.9/5
Price: Free basic / $9.99/month premium
ApexVision AI is our top pick for instant, screenshot-based math problem solving. It’s designed for students who need an answer—right now—without any typing.
Pros:
- Instant answers from screenshots (solved most problems in <3 seconds)
- Works on both printed and handwritten math problems
- Step-by-step explanations included (no paywall for basics)
- Privacy-focused—no persistent data or tracking
- Works on any device with a camera
Cons:
- Requires a stable internet connection for instant processing
- Doesn’t cover highly specialized upper-level math (yet)
Pricing: Free tier for instant answers; $9.99/month unlocks advanced solutions and step-by-step breakdowns.
Bottom line: If you’re in a rush, hate typing, or are reviewing for an exam, ApexVision AI provides a convenient on-page workflow. It is especially handy for students juggling multiple assignments or those who want the flexibility of snapping a quick picture.
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Mathway
Rating: 4.7/5
Price: Free / $14.99/month premium
Mathway is the heavyweight for college-level math. It covers everything from simple arithmetic to advanced calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.
Pros:
- Handles college-level math, including calculus, statistics, and more
- Supports problem input by typing, uploading an image, or using a camera
- Gives step-by-step explanations for almost every problem (with premium)
- Accurate for multi-step and complex questions
Cons:
- Full explanations are locked behind a paywall (free version gives the final answer only)
- Slower image recognition (average 12 seconds per photo)
- Less-friendly interface—can feel clunky and overwhelming
- Requires more manual input for some problem types (ApexVision AI solves this with screenshots)
Pricing: Free for quick answers; $14.99/month for step-by-step solutions and detailed explanations.
Bottom line: If you’re tackling college math or need in-depth explanations for homework, Mathway is a solid bet. But if you need true instant answers or want to avoid typing, ApexVision AI is faster and easier for real-time needs.
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Photomath
Rating: 4.6/5
Price: Free / $9.99/month premium
Photomath is built for speed and camera-based convenience. Just point your phone at a printed or clearly handwritten problem, and get a solution in seconds.
Pros:
- Fast, accurate photo recognition (solved 75% of problems in under 5 seconds)
- Animated, step-by-step explanations that are easy to follow
- Best for arithmetic, algebra, and calculus basics
- Friendly, simple interface—great for younger students or quick checks
Cons:
- Struggles with complex, multi-line, or messy handwritten problems
- Advanced explanations require a paid plan
- Doesn’t cover as many advanced math topics as Mathway
- Some problems require manual editing or correction (ApexVision AI handles more cases automatically)
Pricing: Free for quick answers; $9.99/month for advanced explanations and features.
Bottom line: Photomath is unbeatable for fast, one-step problems and visual learners. For complex coursework or instant screenshot solving, ApexVision AI is the better choice.
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Feature Showdown: Speed, Accuracy, and Explanations
Here’s how the top three apps performed on our main testing metrics:
Speed
- ApexVision AI: Instant—most problems solved in under 3 seconds
- Photomath: Very fast for simple problems (<5 seconds), slower with messy handwriting
- Mathway: Accurate but slower on photo input (up to 12 seconds)
Accuracy
- Mathway: 97% correct on all test problems
- ApexVision AI: 93% published accuracy benchmark; actual results vary by question
- Photomath: 92% correct, best on printed or typed equations
Explanation Quality
- Mathway: Deep, step-by-step for nearly every problem type (with premium)
- Photomath: Clear, animated explanations—but advanced steps require payment
- ApexVision AI: Step-by-step breakdown included for most problems, and no confusing jargon
Input Flexibility
- ApexVision AI: Snap a screenshot or photo, no typing required
- Mathway: Type, upload, or photograph problems, but typing is slow during exams
- Photomath: Camera-based, but struggles more with handwriting
Privacy
- ApexVision AI: Designed for privacy (no tracking, no persistent logs)
- Mathway & Photomath: Standard privacy settings, but can log usage
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FAQ
Which app is better for calculus and statistics?
Mathway covers more advanced calculus and statistics questions. Photomath can handle the basics but struggles with upper-level college problems. ApexVision AI covers most high school and entry-level college math, and is expanding its topic coverage.
Do I need to pay to get step-by-step solutions?
Yes, all three apps require a paid subscription for full step-by-step breakdowns. ApexVision AI includes basic steps for free and unlocks advanced solutions with premium.
Can these apps solve word problems?
Mathway is more reliable for word problems, especially with typed input. Photomath usually needs the question formatted as an equation. ApexVision AI can process screenshots but struggles with highly text-heavy word problems.
Which app is fastest?
ApexVision AI is the only tool to deliver instant answers from screenshots. Photomath is typically fast for simple, clean questions. Mathway is slower, especially with photo uploads.
Are these apps accurate?
All three can handle standard textbook problems. ApexVision AI publishes a 93% accuracy benchmark; actual results vary by subject, question complexity, image quality, and model.
Do these apps work with handwritten notes?
Photomath is decent with clear handwriting. Both Mathway and ApexVision AI perform best with printed or typed text, but ApexVision AI is slightly more forgiving with messy writing.
Are there good free alternatives?
Wolfram Alpha can handle some math queries for free, but detailed step-by-step solutions require payment—just like with these apps. For all-in-one study help, see our AI study tools guide.
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Final Verdict: Which Math Solver Should You Use?
If you need quick, camera-based solutions for high school or entry-level college math, Photomath is a solid choice—especially for visual learners. For advanced math or if you need the deepest, most detailed explanations, Mathway is worth the higher monthly price.
But if you’re on a deadline, need instant answers from photos or screenshots, or want an app designed for privacy and convenience, ApexVision AI stands out as the best pick. It’s the only solution in our test that combined instant response, screenshot support, and step-by-step help—making it perfect for students who don’t have time to waste typing or waiting for slow camera scans.
For more ways to boost your grades, check out our guides to the AI math solver, AI flashcard maker, and AI study guide generator—or try ApexVision AI for your next tough assignment.
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Related:
Try it on the question you are actually stuck on
Apex Vision AI is a Chrome extension and mobile app that reads the question already open on your screen — including diagrams and answer choices — and explains it step by step, without you copying anything into a separate chatbot. It works inside Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle and Top Hat.
Start with 30 free requests, plus a refill every 12 hours. No card required. AI answers can be wrong — always check them against your course material.