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Head-to-head · Math Solver Apps

Symbolab vs Mathematica

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Symbolab #2 in Math Solver Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Symbolab
Mathematica #5 in Math Solver Apps 8.8/10 15-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Mathematica

Symbolab leads on 1 check, Mathematica on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSymbolab · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly Symbolab
  • Free trialonly Mathematica

Symbolab scores higher on our rubric for math solver apps: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Symbolab offers free plan; Mathematica doesn't.

Symbolab is the better fit for students wanting guided step-by-step solving. Mathematica is the better fit for advanced computation and research workflows.

  • Symbolab fits best

    Students wanting guided step-by-step solving

  • Mathematica fits best

    Advanced computation and research workflows

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Side by side

Feature Symbolab 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Mathematica 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #2 in Math Solver Apps #5 in Math Solver Apps
Best for Students wanting guided step-by-step solving Advanced computation and research workflows
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $9.95/mo 15-day trial
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 15 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Desktop, Cloud
Platforms Web, Android, iOS, Chrome extension Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
Integrations 1 integrations 5 integrations
Features Symbolab 3/4 · Mathematica 3/4
Photo input ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Handwriting input ✓ ✓
Step-by-step explanations ✓ ✓
Offline mode Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Subject coverage Broad Broad
Platform coverage Multiplatform Multiplatform
Our review
Pros
  • Shows structured steps and explanations across a broad range of math topics
  • Accepts typed problems, photos and screenshots across web and mobile
  • Pairs solving with graphing, practice, quizzes and solution verification
  • Combines symbolic and numerical computation with algebra and equation solving
  • Includes interactive 2D and 3D graphics, data tools and machine learning
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and the web, with cloud notebook sharing
Cons
  • Full solution steps and AI chat require a paid plan
  • Its range of study tools may be more than needed for quick calculations
  • No offline operation is described
  • There is no free plan; access is paid
  • The trial is limited to 15 days
  • Pricing varies by license type and region
Our verdict

Symbolab is an online math solver and learning platform for students who want more than a final answer. It covers topics from pre-algebra and algebra through calculus, trigonometry, physics and statistics, with structured steps and…

Read the review →

Mathematica brings symbolic and numerical mathematics together with visualization, data analysis, machine learning and notebook documents. It is aimed at students, educators, researchers, engineers and other technical users whose work…

Read the review →
  1. SymbolabMath Solver Apps 9.2Free plan
  2. MathematicaMath Solver Apps 8.815-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Symbolab — where it wins

    • Shows structured steps and explanations across a broad range of math topics
    • Accepts typed problems, photos and screenshots across web and mobile
    • Pairs solving with graphing, practice, quizzes and solution verification

    Where it doesn't

    • Full solution steps and AI chat require a paid plan
    • Its range of study tools may be more than needed for quick calculations
    • No offline operation is described
  • Mathematica — where it wins

    • Combines symbolic and numerical computation with algebra and equation solving
    • Includes interactive 2D and 3D graphics, data tools and machine learning
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and the web, with cloud notebook sharing

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan; access is paid
    • The trial is limited to 15 days
    • Pricing varies by license type and region

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update