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.
Choose SageMath if you want
Open-source algebra and number theory.
The open-source option here, under the GPL, combining many math packages behind Python. Setup is heavier than the browser tools, and Windows users are pointed to WSL.
The main differences
- Only SageMath runs on Linux.
- Only SageMath runs on macOS.
- Only Photomath runs on iOS.
- Only Photomath runs on Android.
- SageMath is open source; Photomath is not.
Side by side
| Score | 76.0 | 84.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #6 of 6 | #4 of 6 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree basic tier; paid plans from $9.99 a month or $69.99 a year | Free and open sourceFree and open source; GPL-licensed system |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOSAndroidiOS, Android | LinuxmacOSLinux, macOS |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Main use | Homework solver | Algebra and number theory |
| Where it runs | iOS and Android | Linux and macOS |
| Scripting or programming | No | Yes |
| Best for | Checking homework step by step on a phone | Open-source algebra and number theory |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Photomath vs SageMath
- Is SageMath better than Photomath?
- SageMath ranks higher in our list of math and graphing software (#4 against #6, score 84.0 against 76.0). Photomath is best for: checking homework step by step on a phone. SageMath is best for: open-source algebra and number theory.
- Which is cheaper, Photomath or SageMath?
- Photomath: Free basic tier; paid plans from $9.99 a month or $69.99 a year. SageMath: Free and open source; GPL-licensed system.
- Do Photomath and SageMath run on the same platforms?
- Photomath supports iOS, Android. SageMath supports Linux, macOS.

