Comparison · Math and graphing software
Desmos vs Photomath: which is better in 2026?
Desmos ranks higher in our list of math and graphing software (#1 against #9, score 91.0 against 76.0).
- 91.0Editorial score76.0
- 3Platforms2
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Desmos if you want
Graphing and visual math in the browser.
Free graphing, scientific, geometry and 3D calculators that run in a browser with no install. It is weak for symbolic algebra, which Wolfram|Alpha and SageMath handle better.
Choose Photomath if you want
Checking homework step by step on a phone.
A camera solver with step-by-step explanations for math from elementary school to college, with a free basic tier. It works more as a solver than a tutor, and it runs on phones only.
The main differences
- Only Desmos runs on Web.
- Desmos is free; Photomath is free plan, paid upgrades.
Side by side
 Desmos |  Photomath | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.0 | 76.0 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #9 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFree calculators and tools on the Desmos site | Free plan, paid upgradesFree basic tier; paid plans from $9.99 a month or $69.99 a year |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | iOSAndroidiOS, Android |
| Made by | Desmos Studio | Not stated |
| Main use | Graphing and visual math | Homework solver |
| Where it runs | Web browser | iOS and Android |
| Scripting or programming | No | No |
| Best for | Graphing and visual math in the browser | Checking homework step by step on a phone |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Desmos vs Photomath
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
