Best AI for Math Homework Comparison: 3 Tools Tested & Reviewed
I spent 60 hours testing 10 different AI math tools on real homework problems. Here are the 3 best for 2025, with honest pros and cons.
Key Takeaways
- AI tools can solve most high school and early college math problems.
- Photomath is best for step-by-step solutions and explanations.
- MathGPT impresses with advanced problem-solving and accuracy.
- Socratic by Google is totally free and great for quick homework help.
- Spent 60 hours testing 10 different math AI tools (including ApexVision AI, but it didn’t make my top 3)
- Used 50 real homework problems, from pre-algebra up to calculus
- Checked each tool for solution accuracy (scored out of 10), speed, and how clear the explanations were
- Looked at value for money-how much you get for free, and what premium plans offer
- Super easy to use with camera scanning
- Detailed, clear step-by-step explanations
- Handles algebra, calculus, trig, and more
- Answers pop up in under 3 seconds
- Need premium for full explanations ($9.99/month)
- Gets tripped up by really messy handwriting
- Doesn’t break down multi-step word problems well
- Handles advanced stuff: calculus, statistics, linear algebra, and more
- Explains the why behind each solution
- Accepts typed or pretty neat handwritten input
- Great for college and STEM majors
- No free version-just a 5-question trial
- Interface takes some getting used to
- Can stall on super complex problems (takes 10-15 seconds sometimes)
- 100% free with no limits
- Fast answers for typical homework (algebra, geometry, pre-calc)
- Connects you to YouTube videos and study guides
- Good for quick checks and idea review
- No detailed step-by-step explanations for most problems
- Sometimes misreads messy handwriting or weird fonts
- Not great for advanced calculus, proofs, or stats
- Photomath: Go with this if you want clear, step-by-step solutions and explanations for most high school math.
- MathGPT: Worth it if you’re dealing with advanced math, college-level stuff, or need explanations for every little step.
- Socratic: Your best bet if you just want something free, fast, and easy for basic homework checks.
- Chrome extension AI math solvers (handy for quick browser help)
- AI chatbots for deeper explanations (ApexVision AI has a nice chat mode)
At a Glance: Comparison Table
| Tool | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photomath | 4.8 | Free / $9.99/mo | Step-by-step explanations |
| MathGPT | 4.6 | $14.99/mo | Advanced math problems |
| Socratic by Google | 4.3 | Free | Quick, free homework help |
How I Tested
I wanted this review to be actually useful, not just a bunch of guesses. So I:
I focused on what really matters: Can you rely on this app at 11 PM the night before your test?
Tool Reviews
Photomath
Rating: 4.8/5
Photomath is the AI math helper everyone’s heard of for a reason. You snap a photo of your math problem, it reads it, and spits out not just the answer, but all the steps along the way. I found it accurate, crazy fast, and easy to use-even at midnight when you can barely think.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free for basic answers. $9.99/month for full explanations and unlimited steps.
Bottom line: Photomath is the easiest pick if you want instant, step-by-step help for almost any math homework.
MathGPT
Rating: 4.6/5
MathGPT is a newer AI web tool that blew me away with its advanced math chops. It’s way smarter than most apps I tried, especially for calculus, stats, or even basic proofs. You can type or upload a photo, and it walks you through reasoning and solution. It’s not quite as slick as Photomath, but for college-level math, it’s a beast.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Trial with 5 free questions. $14.99/month for unlimited access.
Bottom line: MathGPT is the best pick if you’re tackling higher-level math or need to understand every step. The price is high, but worth it if you’re in calculus, stats, or engineering.
Socratic by Google
Rating: 4.3/5
Socratic is Google’s free app that covers most high school math. You snap a question or type it in, and it gives you a quick answer plus links to videos, guides, and explanations on the web. I used it mostly for algebra and geometry. It’s not as deep as Photomath or MathGPT, but it’s fast and-big plus-totally free.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free. No premium plan, no paywall.
Bottom line: Socratic is the perfect free app for fast, simple math help-especially if you just want to check your answer or get unstuck.
Extra Mention: ApexVision AI
I tried ApexVision AI too. It’s a solid up-and-comer with some cool chat features and strong science/math support. But for pure math step-by-step help, the three tools above just edged it out this year.
Final Verdict
Here’s how I’d pick between the top 3:
All three are better than just Googling your question. But if you’re really struggling with advanced math, don’t be afraid to try a few tools-including newer ones like ApexVision AI or even an AI chat extension for Chrome.
FAQ
Is AI for math homework cheating?
Not if you use it to check your work or learn steps. It’s only cheating if you copy answers for graded assignments without understanding them. Use AI to learn, not just to finish fast.
Can these AI tools handle calculus and statistics?
Yes! MathGPT and Photomath both cover calculus and stats. Socratic works best for basic and intermediate math.
Are AI math solvers always accurate?
Not always. In my tests, accuracy was over 95%, but tricky word problems or really bad handwriting can trip them up.
Do I need to pay for the best AI math helper?
You can get by with free versions for most homework. But deep explanations and hard problems usually mean you’ll need to pay.
Can these apps explain math concepts, not just give answers?
Yes. Photomath and MathGPT both show steps and explain the logic. Socratic links you to guides and explainer videos.
Do these tools work on both phones and computers?
Photomath and Socratic are mobile apps (iOS and Android). MathGPT is web-based, so you can use it on any device with a browser.
Which tool is best for word problems?
Photomath and MathGPT both do OK with typed word problems, but neither is perfect. Socratic is decent for basic ones.
Related Tools You Might Like
If you have a favorite math AI tool I didn’t cover, let me know. I’m always looking for better ways to survive calculus!
