Comparison · checked 15 October 2026
Free step-by-step math solvers compared
Five photo math solvers, compared on the four things people ask first: does it work without installing an app, do you need an account, are the full steps free, and how much is free.
Disclosure: Solvecam is our own product. For every other site, each cell repeats what that site's own pages said on 15 October 2026, with a link, so you can check it yourself.
| Solver | Works without installing an app? | Account needed for free use? | Full steps free? (as each site states) | Free limit | Paid plans | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solvecam (our product) | Yes, browser only | No | Yes, every step with a "why" | 3 problems a day per device | Plus $6.99/month, $39.99/year, or $2.99 for 7 days (once) | Pricing |
| Math Camera Solver | Yes ("No app to download or install") | No ("No signup") | Site says "no paywall for step-by-step" | Not stated on its site | None stated ("No subscription") | mathcamerasolver.com |
| MathGPT | Yes (type or upload a photo on the site) | No ("No signup required") | Site says "Every answer shows the steps" | Not stated on its site | MathGPT Unlimited $5.99/month or $39.99/year, after a 7-day free trial | mathgpt.now |
| CameraMath | Yes (upload a photo or screenshot on the site); also points to its UpStudy app | "Most of its features" without registering | Site says "step-by-step explanations"; free or paid not stated | Not stated on its site | Not stated on its site | cameramath.com |
| Photomath | Site says to scan problems with its app; we did not check for a web solver | Not stated on its site | Free Basic tier lists step-by-step explanations | Not stated on its site | Plus $9.99/month or $69.99/year: adds custom visual aids and extra "how" and "why" tips | photomath.com |
"Not stated on its site" means we did not find it on the page we read; it does not mean the feature is missing. Prices are in USD as shown on each site.
How to choose
- Daily limit. Solvecam's free tier stops at 3 problems a day. The other sites' home pages did not state a daily limit; check their terms if you need many problems in one sitting.
- Understanding each move. Solvecam writes every step as one move with a one-line "why", shows steps one at a time, and has a Practice mode that checks your own next line before revealing the step.
- Phone app user. Photomath is built around its app: its site says to scan problems with the app, and its free Basic tier includes step-by-step explanations.
- School-managed Microsoft 365. math.microsoft.com now presents Math Assistant in OneNote for Microsoft 365 Education rather than a standalone web solver (checked 15 October 2026).
How we checked
On 15 October 2026 we opened each site's home page in a browser without signing in and read what it says about installs, accounts, free steps and prices. We did not create accounts or pay for anything. We could not load mathway.com or cymath.com that day, and the Symbolab pages we opened did not state its free and paid step terms, so those three are not in the table.
FAQ
Which free math solver shows the full steps without an app or sign-up?
On 15 October 2026, four of the sites in the table let you submit a problem in the browser and describe step-by-step solutions on their home pages: Solvecam (3 free problems a day, no account), Math Camera Solver and MathGPT (both say no signup), and CameraMath (most features without registering). Only Solvecam's limits are first-hand; for the others we repeat what their pages say. Photomath's free Basic tier lists step-by-step explanations, and its site directs you to scan problems with its app.
Why is Mathway not in the table?
We could not load mathway.com when we checked on 15 October 2026, so we have nothing first-hand to put in the cells. Check its site for the current free and paid features.
Is this comparison neutral?
It is written by Solvecam, so read it as a vendor page. To keep it checkable, every cell for another site repeats what that site says about itself, and links to it. If something has changed, email support@solvecam.com and we will correct it.