Overview

Mathway is an AI-powered solver and calculator for students, with tools for parents and teachers who help with coursework. It suits learners who want to enter problems by typing or photo and get help across several subjects. Its broad coverage is useful; learners who need full working for every step should expect to subscribe.

Key features

Problems can be typed in or submitted as photos of handwritten or printed work. Photo input is a practical shortcut for worksheet and notebook problems, while typed entry offers another route when an image is inconvenient. Mathway says the solver explains the method behind solutions, but the full work shown for each step is a Premium benefit. That distinction matters for students using a solver to learn a method, not just check an answer.

Coverage ranges from Basic Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra through Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, Finite Math and Linear Algebra, with Chemistry and Physics also included. Dedicated calculators handle tasks including equations, factoring, derivatives, graphing and statistics. This makes Mathway a flexible option for students moving between coursework; someone needing help in only one narrow area may have little use for its breadth.

Mathway says it can be used without signing up, and free access includes its solver and calculators. The Android app listing says data is encrypted in transit and users can request deletion of their data. The service also has iPhone and iPad apps, available as free downloads with in-app purchases.

Pricing

Mathway is freemium. The Free plan is free and provides access to the solver and calculators. Step-by-step solutions are available, but an optional subscription unlocks the full work shown for each step. Free access is a reasonable starting point for checking problems; it is a weaker fit for learners who need to follow the complete reasoning.

Step-by-Step Access costs 9.99 USD per month, billed monthly. It provides access to step-by-step solutions and limits advertisements, making it the clearest option for students who want the working without choosing a longer subscription period.

Mathway Premium offers step-by-step solutions, with rates varying by subscription period and purchase channel; the current rate is shown at signup. It automatically renews for the selected subscription period unless canceled. Subscriptions bought in the mobile app are billed through the relevant app store, so the purchase channel matters. A 7-day trial is offered, but the subscription terms still make checking the renewal and cancellation details important before starting.

Platforms

Mathway is available on Android, iOS, web and Windows, giving students options across mobile and desktop use. Mobile subscriptions are billed through the relevant app store. The Google Play listing provides support at support@mathway.com.

Who it's for

Mathway is best suited to students who want one solver for a wide range of math subjects, plus Chemistry and Physics, and value both typed and photo-based input. Parents and teachers may also find it useful as a problem-solving resource. It is less suitable for anyone who needs guaranteed full step-by-step work at no cost.

Pros and cons

Broad subject coverage: Mathway spans multiple levels of math as well as Chemistry and Physics, so students can use it across varied coursework.
Two input methods: Typed problems and photos of handwritten or printed work accommodate both manually entered questions and problems already on a page.
Free starting point: Solver and calculator access without signing up makes it possible to begin without a paid commitment.
Full reasoning requires payment: The full work for each step is a subscription benefit, limiting free access for learners who need to study the method.
Renewal needs attention: Paid plans automatically renew unless canceled, and mobile purchases are billed through the app store.

Alternatives

AI Homework Helpers and Math Solver Apps are useful starting points for comparing options by category.

Photomath is worth considering if its free step-by-step explanations meet your needs; its Basic plan excludes custom visual aids and extra “how” and “why” tips, while its annual Plus plan costs 69.99 USD per year.

CameraMath suits people who want a free online solver with photo, screenshot, handwritten, text and calculator input, plus step-by-step solutions.

AskSia may fit users who want daily problem solves, step-by-step solutions and photo input on its free plan.

ShowYourWork is an option for those who can work within three generations per month on its free plan; explanations and practice problems remain free.

Solvely is another freemium alternative with Android, iOS, web and browser-extension availability.

Cymath offers free step-by-step math solutions, while its 5.00 USD per month Plus plan adds ad-free use and detailed sub-steps on most problems.

Sovi.AI is another freemium option for readers comparing math-solving services.

StudyX may suit students looking beyond solving for tools such as AI notes, flashcards, quizzes and chat.

Verdict

Choose Mathway if you want a broadly useful coursework solver with both typed and photo input, and can pay for full step-by-step working. Its free solver and calculators lower the barrier to trying it, but learners who need complete explanations without a subscription should compare alternatives first.

	Mathway	Maxima
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	$3.33/mo	Free
Platforms	Android, iOS, Web, Windows	Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
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
Step-by-step solutions	Yes

Mathway vs Maxima

Mathway

Maxima