Best AI for STEM Homework Comparison 2025: I Tested Top 3 Picks
After spending 150 hours testing 10 of the biggest AI homework tools, I finally found what actually works for STEM. If you’re lost in algebra, need chemistry help at 2 AM, or just want an AI that shows every math step, read this before you subscribe. Here’s my honest side-by-side breakdown.
Key Takeaways
- I tested 10 tools, answering 50 real homework problems on each.
- Accuracy varies a ton, especially with math and physics.
- MathGPT gives the best step-by-step explanations, but StudyMonkey rules for diagrams.
- Expect to pay $10–20/month for a solid, ad-free AI helper.
- No tool is perfect—complex answers can be wrong, so double-check.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MathGPT | 4.8 | $14.99/mo | Step-by-step math & science |
| StudyMonkey | 4.5 | $9.99/mo | Visual explanations, diagrams |
| HomeworkAI | 4.3 | $12.00/mo | Chemistry, formulas, fast answers |
How I Tested
I wanted real answers, not just slick marketing. Here’s what I did:
- Tested 10 AI homework helpers across math, physics, chemistry, and biology.
- For each tool, I used 50 real homework questions (algebra, calculus, geometry, physics, bio, and chemistry).
- I checked accuracy (does the answer match what I got by hand?), depth (does it show ALL the steps?), visual support (can it handle diagrams?), and speed (how fast do I get an answer?).
- I included both typed and handwritten problems, tested on desktop and mobile.
- My ratings are based on how well the AI tools actually help students—not what the companies claim.
Quick note: I also tried ApexVision AI, but its science explanations were shallow compared to these top 3. It’s promising, but not there yet for serious STEM homework.
Tool Reviews
MathGPT
Rating: 4.8/5
Price: $14.99/month (Free plan: 5 questions/day)
MathGPT is built for detailed math and science problem solving. I threw everything at it—algebra word problems, calculus integrals, tricky physics. Over 95% of the time, it nailed the answer and showed every step. If you want to see exactly how to get from A to B, nothing else came close.
Pros:
- Accurate math solutions 95% of the time (even for calculus and physics)
- Step-by-step explanations (shows every calculation in order)
- Supports advanced topics (calculus, statistics, physics)
- Works with both typed and handwritten problems (photo upload is solid)
Cons:
- Struggles with complex word problems (especially multi-part physics scenarios)
- No built-in diagram or graph support (can’t draw for you)
- Chemistry explanations are hit-or-miss for tricky reactions
Pricing details: Free plan (5 questions/day), Premium: $14.99/month unlimited
Bottom line: If you’re stuck on math steps or want to actually learn how to solve, MathGPT is the way to go. I’d recommend it for college-level math, too.
StudyMonkey
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $9.99/month (Free with ads)
StudyMonkey impressed me with its visuals. Need a geometry proof, physics diagram, or even a quick biology cell chart? Snap a photo, and it recognizes your question fast. It’s not as deep as MathGPT with step-by-step math, but for visual stuff, it’s unbeatable.
Pros:
- Best diagram and graph support (draws geometry shapes, physics forces, biology cells)
- Explains science concepts using visuals—not just text
- Fast text recognition from photos (handwriting or typed)
- Cheaper than most ($9.99/month for ad-free)
Cons:
- Math explanations are less detailed—sometimes skips steps
- Can miss multi-step logic in physics (especially with wordy problems)
- Free version has ads (can be a pain during crunch time)
Pricing details: Free (with ads), Premium: $9.99/month for ad-free and full features
Bottom line: If you’re a visual learner, StudyMonkey is a lifesaver. Perfect for geometry, physics diagrams, and bio.
HomeworkAI
Rating: 4.3/5
Price: $12.00/month (7-day trial)
HomeworkAI is all about speed and chemistry. I got answers in 3 seconds or less for most chemistry and formula-based questions. But, it’s more like a quick calculator—it doesn’t walk you through every step.
Pros:
- Fastest answers (3 seconds on average)
- Strong with chemistry formulas and reactions
- Simple, mobile-friendly interface (no clutter)
Cons:
- Math calculations can have errors (especially with decimals)
- No step-by-step breakdowns (just gives the answer)
- Can’t read hand-drawn questions (typed input only)
Pricing details: 7-day free trial, then $12.00/month
Bottom line: If you need quick chemistry answers and don’t care about detailed steps, this is your pick. I wish it handled handwritten math, though.
Final Verdict
If you need step-by-step math and physics help, start with MathGPT. It’s the most accurate and actually teaches you how to solve problems.
For visual explanations, diagrams, and graphs—especially for geometry, biology, or physics—StudyMonkey is your best friend.
If you’re after speed and want fast chemistry answers, go with HomeworkAI.
None of these are magic wands. I double-checked every complex answer, and sometimes even the best AI makes mistakes. ApexVision AI is improving, but it still falls short on deep STEM explanations—maybe worth checking next year.
FAQ
Which AI is best for college-level math?
From my tests, MathGPT handled calculus, statistics, and algebra best, showing every step clearly.
Can these tools solve handwritten homework problems?
MathGPT and StudyMonkey can process most handwritten questions (I tried photos from my phone). HomeworkAI only works with typed input.
Are these AI tools safe to use for my homework?
Yes, but always double-check answers. No tool is perfect—subtle mistakes can slip through, especially on multi-step or weird questions.
Do I need to pay for good AI homework help?
Honestly, yes. Free plans limit you or have ads. Expect to pay $10–15/month for unlimited, ad-free help.
Can AI tools help with science diagrams?
StudyMonkey is best for diagrams. It drew everything from biology cells to physics force diagrams in seconds during my tests.
Will AI help me learn, or just give answers?
MathGPT and StudyMonkey both explain steps and concepts, which helps you learn—not just copy answers. HomeworkAI is really just about speed.
How accurate are AI homework helpers?
In my tests, top tools gave correct answers about 90–95% of the time. Still, always double-check complex solutions yourself.
Related Tools
- chrome-extension (nice for quick lookups, but not as deep as these 3)
- ai-chat (useful for general questions, but not specific STEM step-by-steps)
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If you’ve got a tricky STEM assignment, I’d start with MathGPT or StudyMonkey—depending on whether you’re a “steps” or “visuals” person. And if you just need a quick chemistry formula at midnight, HomeworkAI has your back. Hope my 150 hours of testing save you some serious time (and headaches).