Math.Photos vs Mathway
Two popular math solvers, very different approaches. Mathway is a web/mobile app where you type problems. Math.Photos is a browser extension where you screenshot problems from your screen. Here's how they compare on features, pricing, and what matters most for homework.
Quick Verdict
Choose Math.Photos if: You do homework on a computer, want free step-by-step, hate ads, or need to solve math from PDFs/Canvas/WebAssign.
Choose Mathway if: You primarily use your phone, need graphing, or solve chemistry/physics problems alongside math.
1. Overview
Math.Photos is a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) that screenshots math problems from your screen and solves them with AI-powered step-by-step explanations. It's built for students who do homework on computers.
Mathway (owned by Chegg) is a web and mobile app where you type or photograph math problems. It covers 12+ subjects including chemistry and physics. It's one of the most popular math solver apps, with millions of users.
2. Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Math.Photos | Mathway |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Browser extension | Web app + mobile app |
| Input | Screenshot from screen | Type or camera (premium) |
| Free step-by-step | Yes (40/mo) | No (paywalled) |
| Ads | None | Yes (interstitials) |
| Monthly price | $4.99 | $9.99 |
| Follow-up questions | Yes (Teach Me) | No |
| Account required | No | Yes |
| AI engine | Claude + GPT | Proprietary + partial AI |
| Graphing | No | Yes |
| Chemistry / Physics | No | Yes |
| Mobile app | Via mobile browser | Native iOS + Android |
| Word problems | Yes (from screenshots) | Limited |
3. Pricing
| Plan | Math.Photos | Mathway |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 40 solves/mo with steps | Answers only + ads |
| Monthly | $4.99 | $9.99 |
| Annual | $3.99/mo ($47.88/yr) | $6.67/mo ($79.99/yr) |
Math.Photos is half the price on monthly plans and 40% cheaper on annual. But the biggest difference is the free tier — Math.Photos includes step-by-step for free, while Mathway charges $9.99/month for it.
4. Free Tier Comparison
This is where the two tools diverge most sharply:
Math.Photos free: 40 solves per month. Each solve includes full step-by-step explanation. Follow-up questions on any step. Zero ads. No account needed.
Mathway free: Unlimited solves, but only the final answer. No steps. Full-screen interstitial ads between solves. Banner ads on every page. Account required for some features.
If you just need final answers to check your work, Mathway's free tier works. If you need to understand how to solve problems, Math.Photos' free tier is dramatically better.
5. How You Input Problems
Math.Photos: Screenshot
Click the extension, drag to select the math problem on your screen, and it's solved. Works with any visual source: PDFs, Canvas, WebAssign, Google Docs, online textbooks, handwritten notes photographed and opened on screen. Takes 2-3 seconds.
Mathway: Type or camera
On the web, you type problems using Mathway's math editor — clicking buttons for fractions, exponents, integrals, etc. On the mobile app, you can also use your phone camera (premium feature). Typing a complex expression can take 30-60 seconds.
Winner: Math.Photos for desktop homework. Screenshot is faster and eliminates transcription errors. Mathway for mobile with camera scanning (premium only).
6. Math Subject Coverage
| Subject | Math.Photos | Mathway |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Yes | Yes |
| Geometry | Yes | Yes |
| Trigonometry | Yes | Yes |
| Calculus | Yes | Yes |
| Statistics | Yes | Yes |
| Linear Algebra | Yes | Basic |
| Series & Sequences | Yes | Limited |
| Discrete Math | Yes | No |
| Word Problems | Yes | Limited |
| Chemistry | No | Yes |
| Physics | No | Yes |
Math.Photos covers more advanced math topics (series, discrete math, word problems) thanks to AI. Mathway covers more subjects overall (chemistry, physics) but is shallower on advanced math.
7. Learning Features
Math.Photos: Teach Me mode
After solving a problem, you can ask follow-up questions on any step. "Why did you factor it this way?" or "I don't understand the chain rule" — Math.Photos uses AI to explain at your level, using Socratic questioning to help you learn rather than just showing the answer.
Mathway: Static steps
Mathway shows step-by-step solutions (on the paid tier), but you can't interact with them. If step 3 doesn't make sense, your only option is to read it again. There's no way to ask for clarification or a different explanation.
Winner: Math.Photos. Interactive follow-up questions make a real difference for understanding, not just completing homework.
8. Final Verdict
Math.Photos wins for:
- - Desktop/laptop homework (screenshot input)
- - Free step-by-step explanations (40/month)
- - Budget-conscious students ($4.99 vs $9.99)
- - Learning (follow-up questions on steps)
- - Advanced math (series, discrete math, word problems)
- - Ad-free experience
Mathway wins for:
- - Mobile-first students (native iOS/Android app)
- - Chemistry and physics problems
- - Graphing calculator
- - Subject-specific solving modes
For most students doing homework on a computer, Math.Photos is the better choice. It's cheaper, has a far better free tier, and the screenshot + follow-up question workflow is faster and more educational than typing into Mathway's editor.
Try Math.Photos Free
40 free solves with step-by-step explanations. No ads, no account.
Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Install in 10 seconds.
Install9. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Math.Photos better than Mathway?
For desktop homework, yes. Math.Photos offers free step-by-step (Mathway charges $9.99/mo), screenshot input (no retyping), zero ads, follow-up questions, and costs half the price. Mathway is better if you need a mobile app, graphing, or chemistry/physics support.
Is Math.Photos cheaper than Mathway?
Yes. Math.Photos is $4.99/month vs Mathway's $9.99/month — 50% cheaper. On annual plans, Math.Photos is $3.99/month vs Mathway's $6.67/month. Math.Photos' free tier also includes step-by-step explanations, which Mathway charges for.
Does Mathway have free step-by-step solutions?
No. Mathway's free tier shows the final answer only. Step-by-step solutions require a $9.99/month subscription. Math.Photos includes full step-by-step explanations on the free tier — 40 solves per month.
Can Math.Photos solve the same math as Mathway?
Yes, plus more. Both cover algebra, calculus, statistics, and trigonometry. Math.Photos also handles series/sequences, discrete math, and word problems that Mathway struggles with. Mathway has an edge in chemistry and physics, which Math.Photos does not cover.