Overview

Photomath accepts problems through a phone camera or a smart calculator, then provides step-by-step solutions. It can handle word problems as well as math notation, and a scanned problem may offer multiple solution methods. That combination is useful for checking work and comparing approaches, not just retrieving an answer.

Coverage ranges from elementary through college math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. Interactive graphs can be zoomed and tapped for information, with definitions in context. The mobile focus suits study on Android and iOS, but does not suit teams looking for a desktop or web-based tool.

Key features

Camera and calculator input: Scan a problem or enter it in the smart calculator. Photo and handwriting input support working from written problems; calculator entry provides another route when scanning is not suitable.
Step-by-step explanations: Basic includes explanations, so learners can follow the reasoning without paying for Plus. Multiple methods for some scanned problems can help users see that a problem may be approached in different ways.
Visual and contextual support: Interactive graphs offer zooming and tappable information. Plus adds custom visual aids, extra “how” and “why” tips, Animated Tutorials, and teacher-approved definitions, making it the more complete option for learners who benefit from additional explanation.

Pricing

Photomath is freemium. Basic costs 0.00 USD per free and includes step-by-step explanations, but excludes custom visual aids and extra “how” and “why” tips. It is the sensible starting point for learners who mainly need worked solutions.

Photomath Plus costs 9.99 USD per month, billed monthly, or 69.99 USD per year, billed annually. Both paid plans include step-by-step explanations, custom visual aids, and extra guidance. The annual plan lowers the effective monthly cost for someone expecting to use the app throughout the year; monthly billing costs more over a full year but avoids an annual commitment.

No-cost trials may be offered from time to time. A subscription trial converts to paid billing unless canceled before it ends, so users should track the trial end date. Paid services are billed through Google Play Store or iOS App Store. The service is for personal, non-commercial use only, which rules it out for commercial deployments or team use.

Platforms

Photomath is available on Android and iOS. Its camera-based workflow fits learners using a phone or tablet, but its mobile-only platform coverage is a drawback for people who want to solve problems from a desktop or browser.

Who it's for

Photomath is best suited to students working through math problems, and to parents or teachers helping learners understand them. Its range of subjects and free explanations make it useful across different stages of math study. It is not a fit for organizations seeking a commercial or shared team service, given the personal, non-commercial use restriction.

The privacy policy says the service may collect usage, device, and location data, as well as camera images or videos used to recognize and solve problems. It describes privacy-by-design practices including pseudonymization, data minimization, and encryption. User-taken images are not shared with service providers, advertising agencies, business partners, or other third parties, subject to the stated exception for the added micro-tutoring feature.

Pros and cons

Pro — useful breadth for a free mobile tool: Basic offers step-by-step explanations across subjects from elementary through college math, including word problems.
Pro — more than one way to learn: Some scans return multiple methods, while graphs and Plus visual aids add support beyond a bare answer.
Con — premium guidance costs extra: Custom visual aids and additional “how” and “why” tips require Plus.
Con — mobile and personal-use boundaries: Android and iOS support are the available platforms, and the Terms limit use to personal, non-commercial purposes.
Con — trial renewal needs attention: A subscription trial becomes paid unless canceled before it expires.

Alternatives

For a solver with Android, iOS, web, and Windows support, consider Mathway; its free access includes the solver and calculators, while step-by-step solutions are available and an optional subscription unlocks additional access.

ShowYourWork is a web-capable option with a free monthly allowance of three generations, plus explanations and practice problems always free; choose it if that combination and browser access matter more than Photomath’s camera-first mobile workflow.

AskSia offers free daily problem solves, step-by-step solutions, and photo input across Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS, and a browser extension; it is a fit when broader platform support is the priority.

Cymath is another free step-by-step math solver, with a 5.00 USD per month Plus plan for ad-free use and detailed sub-steps on most problems; consider it if those paid features better match the help needed.

Sovi.AI is a free-to-start alternative for users who prefer to review the current plan terms before upgrading.

StrataMind is a web-based alternative for users who want a browser service with a free tier.

Study Help AI offers a free plan with four AI solves and one image or PDF upload per day, text and image uploads, six Indian languages, and basic practice questions; its paid weekly option is priced in INR.

Tutorly is a web-based alternative whose free plan includes three guided sessions a week across math, science, and writing, with understanding checks and a session recap.

For broader discovery, browse AI Homework Helpers, Math Solver Apps, and AI Study Tools.

Verdict

Choose Photomath if you want a mobile math companion that turns camera scans or calculator entries into step-by-step help across a wide range of subjects, with a free plan that covers the core explanation workflow. Look elsewhere if you need desktop access, team or commercial use, or Plus-level visual guidance without a subscription.

	Cognito System	Photomath
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	Free	$5.83/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	iOS	Android, iOS
Free plan	Yes	Yes
AI flashcards	Yes	—
AI quizzes	Yes	—
Source uploads	Yes	—
Mobile app coverage	ios	—
Source citations	Yes	—
Paid from	—	$9.99/mo

Cognito System vs Photomath

Cognito System

Photomath