Best Physics Problem Solvers: 2025 Tools Tested & Reviewed

Struggling with physics problems? I tested the top physics problem solvers-AI and online tools-for accuracy and step-by-step explanations. Here’s what actually works in 2025, which tools to avoid, and how to pick the right one for your homework or exams.

Key Takeaways

• AI-powered physics solvers can break down tough problems into clear steps.
• Symbolab, Wolfram Alpha, and Microsoft Math Solver are the best for physics in 2025.
• I personally tested each tool on real high school and college physics problems for two months.
• No tool is perfect-accuracy, explanations, and cost all vary.
• The best tool depends on your level, the problem type, and if you need detailed steps.

Quick Comparison: Physics Solvers for 2025

If you just want the TL;DR, here’s a quick table comparing the top tools. I’ll break down each one in detail below.

Tool	Best For	Free Version?	Step-by-Step Explanations	Pricing (2025)
Symbolab	Detailed steps, diagrams	Yes (limited)	✔️	From $7.49/mo
Wolfram Alpha	Advanced, college physics	Yes (limited)	✔️ (Pro)	From $5.49/mo
Microsoft Math Solver	Quick, basic physics	Yes	✔️ (simple)	Free
Chegg	Homework help, textbook problems	No	✔️	From $15.95/mo

How I Tested Each Physics Solver

This wasn’t just a weekend review. I spent two months using these tools to actually solve my own physics homework and help friends. I covered everything from high school kinematics to college-level electromagnetism.

Here’s my exact process:

• Picked 40 real physics problems (mechanics, electricity, waves, etc.)
• Used each solver for at least a week on the same set of problems
• Rated each for:
• Step-by-step clarity
• Accuracy of answers
• Topic coverage
• Ease of use
• Value for price
• Checked answers against textbook solutions
• Asked other students to try tools and tell me where they got stuck

Every pro and con below comes from hands-on use-not just reading what the companies claim.

Symbolab Physics Solver: The Step-by-Step Star

I hammered Symbolab for every AP Physics problem, plus when tutoring students on kinematics, forces, and energy. Here’s what stood out.

Strengths:

• Super clear, step-by-step breakdowns-especially for algebra and plugging in values.
• Visual diagrams for vectors, forces, and projectile motion.
• Good coverage for high school to early college topics.
• Always shows units and dimensional analysis (saves me from dumb mistakes).

Weaknesses:

• Free version doesn’t show all steps-kinda frustrating.
• Gets tripped up by advanced topics (quantum, some electromagnetism).
• Sometimes messes up tricky word problems or complex diagrams.

Real Homework Examples:

• Projectile motion (like “How far does a ball fly?”): Symbolab gave time of flight, max height, and showed every equation I needed.
• Forces (F=ma): Broke down each force with a free-body diagram-helped me see what I missed on my first try.

Pricing: Free with limited steps; Premium from $7.49/month (unlimited steps, ad-free, diagrams).

Pro Tip: If your physics teacher loves showing work for partial credit, Symbolab’s steps are gold. Even when I knew the answer, seeing the breakdown helped me understand why.

Wolfram Alpha: Best for College & Advanced Physics

I’ve used Wolfram Alpha Pro for everything from rotational dynamics to thermodynamics. It’s the only tool I trust for calculus-based physics.

Strengths:

• Crushes complex algebra/calculus problems (think “find torque on a spinning bar”).
• Can handle word problems-if you write them clearly.
• Step-by-step solutions if you pay for Pro.
• Graphs position, velocity, and wave problems-saves tons of time.

Weaknesses:

• Free version only gives final answer, no steps (annoying).
• Picky about how you type problems-syntax matters.
• A bit too technical if you’re just starting out in physics.

Homework Scenarios:

• Solving for acceleration on an inclined plane with friction: Wolfram nailed it, even showed the force components.
• Electricity-finding the electric field from point charges: Right formula, clear steps, even drew a diagram with vectors.

Pricing: Free (final answers only); Pro from $5.49/month for steps and downloadable solutions.

Pro Tip: Write your questions like a math equation, not a paragraph. For example: “electric field at (2,3) due to charge at origin, Q=5nC, r=5m.”

Microsoft Math Solver: Fast, Free, and Simple

When I’m working in the library or tutoring and need a quick, free answer, I grab my phone and open Microsoft Math Solver.

Strengths:

• 100% free, no ads, no upsell.
• Snap a photo of your handwritten or textbook problem.
• Works for basic physics-kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy.
• Gives instant steps for equations.

Weaknesses:

• Doesn’t handle advanced topics (no calculus, waves, or circuits).
• Steps are basic, not as detailed as Symbolab or Wolfram Alpha.
• No diagrams or visuals.

Where It Helped:

• Solving for final velocity in v = u + at problems-got an answer in 5 seconds.
• Forces (F=ma) for tutoring freshman physics students.

Pricing: Free forever.

Pro Tip: If you just need to check if you’re doing the algebra right, or want to double-check an answer before turning it in, this is all you need.

Chegg Study: The Textbook Solution Library

I don’t always love Chegg, but when I’m stuck on a word problem from my physics textbook at 11pm, it’s saved me. It’s not an “instant calculator”-it’s more like a giant answer key with steps.

Strengths:

• Huge library of pre-solved textbook problems (most big physics books are covered).
• Real step-by-step explanations, often written by tutors.
• Best for weird word problems or those tricky “end of chapter” ones.

Weaknesses:

• No free version-only paid.
• Quality is hit-or-miss. Some solutions are super detailed, others are barebones.
• Not an instant solver-searching for the exact problem can take time.

Actual Scenarios:

• Finding tension in a two-mass pulley system: Chegg’s solution matched my teacher’s steps almost exactly.
• Thermodynamics word problems from Serway’s Physics: Found the full solution, plus some tips for solving similar problems.

Pricing: From $15.95/month (unlimited Q&A, textbook solutions).

Pro Tip: Always check the solution matches your version of the textbook-sometimes the numbers or diagrams are a little different.

Honorable Mentions: Other Physics Helpers

A few other tools I tried, but don’t use as much:

• Photomath: Great for scanning handwritten math, but physics support is basic.
• Mathway: Fast solver for equations-step-by-step only if you pay.
• Cymath: Lightweight and mobile-friendly, handles simple physics/algebra.

And yes, I also tested ApexVision AI. It's surprisingly good with conceptual questions and explaining tricky steps in plain English, but still catching up to Symbolab in diagrams.

How to Pick the Right Physics Problem Solver

Here’s exactly how I do it (and what I suggest for friends):

• Figure out your level. High school? AP? College physics?
• Are you stuck on algebraic equations (like kinematics) or conceptual word problems?
• Need diagrams and visuals? Symbolab is best.
• Doing advanced calculus or circuits? Go with Wolfram Alpha Pro.
• Budget tight? Microsoft Math Solver is free and works for basics.
• Working through textbook or end-of-chapter problems? Chegg’s solution library is unbeatable.

Always test the free version first. Some tools (like Symbolab and Wolfram Alpha) lock the best steps behind paywalls. Don’t pay until you’re sure it works for your course.

Pro Tip: For tricky or multi-step word problems, try ApexVision AI or Chegg. For showing every algebra step, Symbolab wins.

My Testing: What Worked Best (and What Didn’t)

Here’s what actually happened when I put these tools to real homework use:

• Symbolab helped me fix sign errors and units in kinematics problems I kept missing on tests.
• Wolfram Alpha saved me on hard college homework-especially when the prof mixed calculus and physics in one question.
• Microsoft Math Solver helped a freshman I tutored finally “see” why his F=ma math was off.
• Chegg filled in the blanks for AP Physics C word problems when nothing else matched my textbook.

But, none of these tools are perfect:

• Symbolab sometimes missed the “why” behind the answer.
• Wolfram Alpha can’t read your mind-input has to be super clear.
• Microsoft Math Solver skips diagrams, so it’s less helpful for understanding.
• Chegg sometimes gives short or confusing answers (but usually there’s at least something to work with).

FAQ: What Students Always Ask

What is the best tool for step-by-step physics help?

From my testing, Symbolab is the best for detailed, step-by-step breakdowns-especially for high school and AP-level physics.

Are these solvers accurate for college physics?

Wolfram Alpha is the most accurate for advanced (calculus-based) college physics. Symbolab works well up to early college.

Can these tools help with word problems?

Chegg is best for complex word problems (since it has human-created textbook solutions). Wolfram Alpha can work if you enter the problem clearly as an equation.

Are there totally free options?

Yes-Microsoft Math Solver is 100% free. Symbolab and Wolfram Alpha both let you try limited versions for free.

Do any of these show diagrams?

Symbolab includes diagrams for many mechanics problems. Others mainly focus on equations and math steps.

Final Thoughts: What I’d Actually Use

If you only want one tool for physics, here’s how I’d decide:

• High school or AP Physics? Start with Symbolab for steps and diagrams. Use free version first.
• College physics, especially with calculus? Wolfram Alpha Pro is worth the price for steps.
• Just want a quick, free answer? Microsoft Math Solver-it’s basic, but fast.
• Textbook problems or wordy questions? Chegg or ApexVision AI.

Don’t rely 100% on any tool. Always double-check against your notes or ask a classmate if something feels off. AI is awesome, but it can make mistakes (I’ve caught a few weird ones myself).

Try these out on your actual homework and see what clicks for your style. If you have a favorite solver I didn’t cover, let me know-I’m always hunting for something better!

Happy problem solving!