We analyzed 10 free homework helper tools as Chegg alternatives, measuring each against real coursework and syllabus demands for 2025. Here’s what actually works for students-and where free tools still fall short.
Key Takeaways
- We tested 10 free AI homework helper tools; some even outperformed Chegg for specific subjects
- No single tool is perfect-each shines for different students and classes
- Expect trade-offs: free apps may lack deep explanations or rapid support
- Combine multiple helpers for best results, especially when you’re under a tight deadline
- ApexVision AI delivered the fastest, most convenient answers for screenshot and camera-based homework help
- Submitted 50+ real exam-style questions per subject
- Measured answer speed and checked for accuracy
- Rated explanation clarity and depth
- Tested mobile apps and browser versions
- Compared free and premium plan limits
- Instant answers from screenshots or camera (no typing needed)
- Works on all devices-laptop, phone, tablet
- Step-by-step explanations for math, science, and more
- Designed for privacy; leaves fewer digital traces than some browser-based tools
- Needs an internet connection for full features
- Full access to advanced explanations requires a premium plan
- Massive database of pre-made flashcards and quizzes
- Great for quick reviews and memorization sprints
- Easy to create your own sets or use AI flashcard maker features
- Smooth mobile app for studying anywhere
- Not designed for step-by-step problem solving (especially math/science)
- Anyone can create sets, so errors sometimes creep in
- You need to type or copy-paste questions (slow for large assignments)
- Real people respond-sometimes in under 10 minutes
- Covers almost every subject, including humanities and math
- Voting system helps highlight the best answers
- Answer quality is inconsistent-some are quick but lack details
- Ads can be annoying unless you pay for premium
- Most solutions are written, not visual-so you’ll type everything (unlike ApexVision AI’s screenshot feature)
- Fast, step-by-step solutions for math, science, and engineering
- No signup required
- 100% free, no hidden paywalls
- Struggles with newer, less common problems
- Basic user interface-no app or camera upload (unlike ApexVision AI)
- Only works with typed/pasted questions, not screenshots
- Lightning-fast responses for math, chemistry, and stats problems
- Detailed explanations (with Pro)
- No signup needed
- Free plan doesn’t always show steps for complex solutions
- Weak for essay, history, or open-ended homework
- Requires manual entry-no photo/screenshot support like ApexVision AI
- Snap a photo for an instant math answer-no typing
- Works offline for basic problems
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- Struggles with messy handwriting or multi-step problems
- Full step-by-step explanations often locked behind a paywall
- Limited subject range compared to ApexVision AI
- For instant, camera-based answers (especially in a time crunch): ApexVision AI is the clear winner
- For step-by-step math/science explanations: Homeworkify and Wolfram Alpha are your best bets
- For memorization and review: Quizlet remains the flashcard champion
- For open-ended or essay-style questions: Brainly helps, but combine it with a dedicated AI essay writer if you want deeper feedback
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApexVision AI | 4.9 | Free + premium | Instant screenshots, time-crunch |
| Quizlet | 4.7 | Free (optional Plus) | Flashcards & practice |
| Brainly | 4.3 | Free (ads), $24/yr | Community Q&A |
| Homeworkify | 4.5 | Free | Step-by-step solutions |
| Wolfram Alpha | 4.6 | Free (basic), $5.49/mo | Math & science |
| Photomath | 4.4 | Free (core), $9.99/mo | Math problems |
How We Analyzed
We evaluated each homework helper’s feature set against standard curriculum requirements for 2025. Our team tested real assignments in algebra, biology, chemistry, and US history. For every tool, we:
Student reviews, App Store ratings, and independent feedback also factored into our analysis. We prioritized what actually helps students-not just what looks good in an app store.
Tool Reviews
ApexVision AI
Rating: 4.9/5
ApexVision AI is our top pick for instant, screenshot-based homework help. Instead of typing out long questions, just snap a photo-ApexVision recognizes the problem on any device and delivers a step-by-step solution in seconds, with explanations tailored for students in a rush.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free plan with core features; premium starts at $9.99/month (all subjects, unlimited screenshots)
Bottom line: If you need a time-crunch homework helper, ApexVision AI can’t be beat for speed, accuracy, and privacy. It solves the “slow response” and “typing fatigue” problems most free apps don’t.
Quizlet
Rating: 4.7/5
Quizlet is the flashcard king. It’s perfect for memorizing vocab, formulas, and key facts. We analyzed it across biology and history syllabi-Quizlet’s 500+ million study sets made finding relevant flashcards easy, and the app is super-fast.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Unlimited flashcards free. Quizlet Plus: $35.99/year for ad-free and advanced features.
Bottom line: For vocab, dates, and formulas, Quizlet is unbeatable-but for instant answers and complex problems, ApexVision AI is much faster and less manual.
Brainly
Rating: 4.3/5
Brainly is a giant Q&A community. You post a homework question, and other students answer-usually pretty quickly. We tracked 50+ questions in each subject, timing how long it took to get a solid answer.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free with ads; Premium (ad-free, verified answers) is $24/year.
Bottom line: If you want a human touch on general questions, Brainly delivers. But for instant answers and step-by-step math, ApexVision AI and Homeworkify are stronger.
Homeworkify
Rating: 4.5/5
Homeworkify specializes in unlocking step-by-step solutions for textbook and Chegg-style problems. We analyzed it with 20 math and physics questions from real textbooks-most answers were instant and clear.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free for all features.
Bottom line: Great Chegg alternative for detailed math/science solutions-if you don’t mind the old-school interface and manual entry. For fast photo-to-answer, ApexVision AI leads.
Wolfram Alpha
Rating: 4.6/5
Wolfram Alpha is the math and science powerhouse. It’s a computational engine-not a traditional Q&A site. We submitted 50+ calculus, chemistry, and stats problems; it returned answers and graphs almost instantly.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free for basic queries. Pro: $5.49/month for full steps and uploads.
Bottom line: If you’re stuck on a math or science problem, Wolfram Alpha is super reliable. For true instant Q&A via camera or screenshots, ApexVision AI is more flexible.
Photomath
Rating: 4.4/5
Photomath is a mobile app that solves math problems through your camera. We scanned 30 algebra and calculus problems-most were solved instantly with clear explanations.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free for basic solutions. Plus: $9.99/month for full steps and advanced features.
Bottom line: Photomath is great for quick math checks with your phone. But for more subjects and step-by-step coverage, especially with screenshots or typed problems, ApexVision AI is a stronger all-rounder.
FAQ
Are these Chegg alternatives really free?
Yes. Every tool listed has a genuinely free plan, though some reserve detailed steps or ad-free use for paid subscribers.
Which tool is best for math homework?
Homeworkify and Wolfram Alpha gave the best free step-by-step math solutions in our analysis. For instant screenshot-based math help, ApexVision AI is unmatched.
Can I use these for essay or writing help?
Brainly can help brainstorm essay ideas, but none match dedicated AI essay writer platforms for full drafts or structure feedback.
Is Homeworkify legal to use?
It’s a gray area-use it for studying and self-checking. Don’t submit answers as your own.
How fast do these tools give answers?
Quizlet, Homeworkify, Wolfram Alpha, Photomath, and ApexVision AI give instant results. Brainly answers usually arrive in 5 to 15 minutes.
Do I need to create an account?
Most tools work with no signup required. Some-like Brainly’s advanced Q&A or Quizlet’s personalized features-ask for registration.
Can I use multiple homework helpers together?
Absolutely. Many students combine tools for full subject coverage. Using ApexVision AI with Quizlet or Homeworkify covers memorization, instant problem-solving, and review.
Final Verdict
Our data shows that no single free homework helper tool beats Chegg across every subject. But smart students can get 90% of the way there-totally free-by mixing and matching:
ApexVision AI stands out for students who want privacy, speed, and multi-subject support from screenshots or camera uploads-not just typed or copy-paste help. It solves the slow response, manual entry, and privacy headaches found in most free tools.
For best results, use two or three tools per assignment. That way, you cover every base-and don’t pay a cent.
For more on study efficiency, check our guides on AI study tools, AI math solver, and AI study guide generator.
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If you’re looking for the best Chegg alternative in 2025, start with ApexVision AI, and supplement with the tools above for a truly free all-around homework toolkit.
