Overview

Mathway is an AI-powered solver and calculator for students, with a subject range that also makes it relevant to parents and teachers helping with coursework. It suits people who want to enter a problem quickly and check an answer across several disciplines. The catch is that full step-by-step work requires a subscription.

Key features

Problems can be typed or submitted as photos of handwritten or printed work. Photo input is useful for a worksheet or notebook problem, while typing offers a direct alternative when capturing an image is inconvenient. Mathway says its solver explains the method behind solutions, but the full work for each step is an optional paid unlock; learners who need to follow the reasoning should factor that into their choice.

Coverage includes Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, Finite Math, Linear Algebra, Chemistry, and Physics. Dedicated calculators handle tasks including equations, factoring, derivatives, graphing, and statistics. That range makes Mathway a flexible companion across coursework, though it is more than a student needs if they only want help with one narrow topic.

Mathway can be used without signing up, so users can try its solver and calculators before committing to a subscription. The distinction between getting a solution and unlocking the full working matters in practice: it is a stronger fit for answer-checking than for anyone who needs every intermediate step at no cost.

Pricing

Mathway is freemium. The Free plan is 0.00 USD per free and provides solver and calculator access; step-by-step solutions are available, while an optional subscription unlocks the full work shown for each step. It is the sensible starting point for occasional answer checks, but not for learners who need complete working without paying.

Step-by-Step Access costs 9.99 USD per month, billed monthly. It provides step-by-step solutions and limits advertisements, making it the clearest fit for students who want to see the method and prefer a monthly commitment. Mathway Premium provides step-by-step solutions, with rates varying by subscription period and purchase channel; its current rate is shown at signup, so this plan uses custom pricing. Both Premium subscriptions automatically renew at the end of the selected billing period unless canceled. Purchases made through the mobile app are billed through the relevant app store.

A 7-day trial is offered. Check the renewal terms before starting if you do not intend to continue, and confirm the price at signup for Premium rather than assuming the monthly Step-by-Step Access rate applies.

Platforms

Mathway is available on Android, iOS, web, and Windows. The iPhone and iPad app is a free download with in-app purchases. On Android, the app encrypts data in transit and supports requests to delete user data; support is available by email at support@mathway.com.

Who it's for

Mathway is best for students who want one solver spanning math, chemistry, and physics, and who value the choice of typing a problem or photographing it. Parents and teachers can also use it as a problem-solving resource. It is less suitable for learners who need full explanations but are unwilling to subscribe, or for someone whose needs are confined to a single topic.

Pros and cons

Pros: Typed and photo-based input accommodates both digital problems and printed or handwritten work.
Pros: Coverage from basic math through linear algebra, plus chemistry and physics, reduces the need to switch tools across subjects.
Pros: No-sign-up access makes it possible to begin with the solver and calculators before paying.
Cons: Full step-by-step work requires a subscription, limiting the value of free access for students learning a method rather than checking a result.
Cons: Premium renews automatically unless canceled, so trial users should pay attention to billing terms.

Alternatives

MathPad is worth considering for readers who want a free allowance of 10 daily credits and three AI Tutor trial messages per day, or need its wider platform availability, including Linux, macOS, and browser extensions. Its Basic plan costs 14.99 USD per month for 500 monthly credits, so Mathway's 9.99 USD monthly Step-by-Step Access is the lower stated monthly price if step-by-step solutions are the priority.

SnapXam offers free Solve and Factor APIs, including step-by-step explanations for algebra, trigonometry, and calculus through the Solve API. It is a better match for someone seeking API access for those specific areas; Mathway instead offers direct solver access across a broader subject list.

Cymath provides free step-by-step math solutions, while Cymath Plus costs 5.00 USD per month and adds ad-free use and detailed sub-steps on most problems. Choose it if that lower-priced math-focused option fits; Mathway covers additional subjects including chemistry and physics.

MathBuddy gives free-account users three questions per day with full step-by-step explanations and accepts photo, text, paste, and upload input. It is a stronger fit for someone who needs full explanations within a small daily allowance rather than Mathway's paid full-working access.

Mathos AI (MathGPTPro) has a free plan with limited MathosPro, video generation, and image input, alongside flashcards, quizzes, and auto-drawn graphs. Pick it if those study aids and graphing tools matter more than Mathway's broad solver subject list.

Photomath offers free step-by-step explanations on Android and iOS, while its Basic plan excludes custom visual aids and extra how-and-why tips. It is a suitable alternative for mobile users who want free explanations, while Mathway offers web and Windows access and broader subject coverage.

Maple Calculator is a free Android and iOS calculator with a limit of five step-by-step solutions per week, and some aspects require internet access. It suits mobile users with modest weekly needs; Mathway is the better fit when more varied subjects and platforms matter.

Creo is an alternative for readers seeking design software.

For more options, browse Math Solver Apps or AI Homework Helpers.

Verdict

Choose Mathway if you want a multi-subject solver with typed and photo input across mobile, web, and Windows. Its breadth and no-sign-up access are the main reasons to start with it; the main reason to look elsewhere is that learners who need complete step-by-step work must pay, and other tools offer free explanations or lower-priced plans for narrower needs.

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

Math Solve vs Mathway

Math Solve

Mathway