Overview

Mathway is a math solver and calculator for students, with tools for parents and teachers as well. Its broad subject range and typed or photo-based problem entry suit people looking for quick help across different kinds of coursework. The key trade-off is that full step-by-step work requires a subscription.

Key features

Users can enter a problem by typing or by uploading a photo of handwritten or printed work. That gives students a practical route from a worksheet or notebook to a solution, though anyone relying on the reasoning rather than the result should account for the paid step-by-step access.

Mathway covers Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, Finite Math, Linear Algebra, Chemistry, and Physics. Dedicated calculators handle tasks such as equations, factoring, derivatives, graphing, and statistics. This breadth makes Mathway a flexible reference for students working across subjects; it is less compelling if the only requirement is one narrow math topic.

The solver explains methods behind solutions, and Premium unlocks the full work shown for each step. Mathway can be used without signing up, so it is possible to start with solver and calculator access before committing. But the distinction between solution access and full working matters: learners who need to follow every step should expect to pay.

Pricing

Mathway is freemium. The Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free and provides solver and calculator access, with step-by-step solutions available and an optional subscription to unlock the full work shown. That makes it a useful starting point, but not a substitute for consistently detailed explanations.

Step-by-Step Access costs 9.99 USD per month, billed monthly. It includes step-by-step solutions and limits advertisements. It is the straightforward choice for students who want the working and prefer monthly billing; the plan does not remove ads entirely.

Mathway Premium has custom pricing: rates vary by subscription period and purchase channel, and the current rate is shown at signup. It includes step-by-step solutions and automatically renews for the selected subscription period. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled, so check the term and renewal details before buying. Purchases made in the mobile app are billed through the relevant app store.

Platforms

Mathway is available on Android, iOS, web, and Windows, offering access across mobile and desktop. The iOS app is a free download with in-app purchases for iPhone and iPad. The Android listing says data is encrypted in transit and users can request deletion of their data; it also provides support at support@mathway.com.

Who it's for

Mathway fits students who need a broad solver for coursework, especially those who want to submit a photo rather than type a problem and are willing to subscribe for full working. Parents and teachers may also find its wide subject coverage useful as a problem-solving resource. It is a weaker fit for users who need unrestricted detailed explanations at no cost.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad coverage across math, chemistry, and physics makes it useful beyond a single course or calculator task.
Pro: Typed and photo input accommodate both neatly formatted problems and handwritten or printed work.
Pro: Free access without signing up lets users try the solver before choosing a subscription.
Con: Full step-by-step work is behind a subscription, limiting the free option for learners who need to understand the method.
Con: Premium rates vary by term and purchase channel, and subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled.

Alternatives

Photomath is a phone-based alternative for Android and iOS with a free Basic plan that includes step-by-step explanations; its listed exclusions include custom visual aids and extra “how” and “why” tips. Choose it when that mobile focus and free explanation tier better match the need.

ShowYourWork suits users who want explanations and practice problems always free, alongside a Free forever tier with three generations per month and three additional generations per referral. It also runs on web, as well as Android and iOS.

AskSia is worth considering for users who want daily problem solves, step-by-step solutions, and photo input on its free plan; it supports more platforms, including browser extension, macOS, and Windows.

Cymath offers free step-by-step math solutions and a Plus plan at 5.00 USD per month with ad-free use and detailed sub-steps on most problems. Pick it when math-only coverage and that lower stated monthly price matter more than Mathway's broader subject range.

Sovi.AI is another freemium option for users who want to compare a free starting plan before upgrading.

StrataMind is a web-based alternative with a free tier for core AI tutoring features.

Homework Rabbit is a freemium alternative on Android and web.

Solvely is a freemium alternative available on Android, iOS, web, and as a browser extension.

Browse AI Homework Helpers or Math Solver Apps to compare more options.

Verdict

Mathway is a strong fit for students who need one solver across a wide range of subjects and value photo input alongside web and mobile access. Its main reason to choose it is that breadth; its main reason to look elsewhere is that full step-by-step work requires a renewing subscription, with Premium pricing dependent on term and purchase channel.

	Mathway	Maxima
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	$3.33/mo	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, Web, Windows	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	9.99 /mo	—
Photo input	Yes	—
Handwriting input	Yes	—
Step-by-step explanations	Yes	—
Subject coverage	broad	broad
Platform coverage	multiplatform	multiplatform

Mathway vs Maxima

Mathway

Maxima