# Mathematica vs Wolfram|Alpha

Source: https://listme.name/compare/mathematica-vs-wolfram-alpha
Framed by the ranking: https://listme.name/best/math-software

| | Mathematica | Wolfram|Alpha |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 86.5 |
| Rank | #3 | #4 |
| Price | Paid | Free plan, paid upgrades |
| Best for | Research computation and notebook documents | Symbolic answers and computed results |
| Main use | Technical computing and notebooks | Symbolic answers and computation |
| Where it runs | Windows, macOS, Linux, cloud | Browser and mobile apps |
| Scripting or programming | Yes | No |

Wolfram Language system for technical computing, with notebooks and cloud access, on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is a paid research environment, so it asks more of users than GeoGebra or Desmos, which are free. Computes symbolic answers and, on Pro, step-by-step solutions, with mobile apps. It is a calculator and reference rather than a course, and Pro is a paid subscription.