The Ultimate Guide to
AI Homework Helpers A Comprehensive Comparison of the Top 5 Platforms
Matholgy Question AI Gauthmath Photomath Mathway
5 12+ 15+ 7 Platforms Compared Features Analyzed Pages of Analysis Scoring Criteria
Published: February 2026 matholgy.com
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Table of Contents 1. Introduction: The Rise of AI Homework Helpers 2. Evaluation Methodology & Scoring Criteria 3. Quick Comparison Overview 4. Detailed Platform Reviews 4.1 Matholgy — Best Overall AI Homework Helper 4.2 Question AI — Popular Free Alternative 4.3 Gauthmath (Gauth) — AI + Live Tutor Hybrid 4.4 Photomath — Math-Focused Pioneer 4.5 Mathway — Established Math Solver 5.
Feature-by-Feature Deep Dive 5.1 Subject Coverage Analysis 5.2 Image Recognition & OCR Quality 5.3 Free Tier Comparison 5.4 Pricing Breakdown 5.5 User Experience & Interface Design 6. Overall Scoring Summary 7. Why Matholgy Leads the Pack 8. Use Case Recommendations 9. Final Verdict
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1. Introduction: The Rise of AI Homework Helpers The education technology landscape has been fundamentally transformed by artificial intelligence. What began as simple calculator apps has evolved into sophisticated AI-powered platforms capable of understanding, analyzing, and solving complex academic problems across dozens of subjects. For students worldwide, these tools have become indispensable study companions, offering instant help at any hour without the cost of traditional tutoring.
The global AI in education market is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2027, driven by increasing demand for personalized learning experiences and accessible academic support. AI homework helpers sit at the center of this transformation, democratizing access to high-quality educational assistance regardless of a student’s geographic location or economic background.
However, not all AI homework helpers are created equal. They differ significantly in subject coverage, accuracy, pricing models, user experience, and the depth of their explanations. With dozens of options now available, students and parents face a genuine challenge in choosing the right platform. This guide provides a thorough, feature-by-feature comparison of the five most prominent AI homework helpers on the market today.
The Platforms We Compared We selected five platforms that represent the breadth of the AI homework helper market, from math-only specialists to comprehensive multi-subject solutions:
• Matholgy (matholgy.com) — A next-generation, multi-subject AI homework helper covering 12+ disciplines with a no-signup, ad-free free tier. • Question AI (questionai.com) — A Singapore-based platform with 10M+ users, offering free core features with a Chrome extension and PDF support. • Gauthmath / Gauth (gauthmath.com) — A ByteDance-owned platform combining AI solving with live human tutors, offering a freemium model. • Photomath (photomath.com) — A Google-acquired, math-focused app known for its pioneering camera-based problem solving and animated explanations. • Mathway (mathway.com) — A long-established math solver with a built-in graphing calculator, covering algebra through advanced calculus.
2. Evaluation Methodology & Scoring Criteria To ensure a fair and rigorous comparison, each platform was evaluated across seven weighted criteria. Each criterion is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with the final overall score calculated as a weighted average reflecting what matters most to students.
Criteria Weight What We Measured
Number of subjects supported, depth of coverage beyond math, inclusion of Subject Coverage 20% humanities and writing
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Generosity of free plan: daily limits, access to step-by-step solutions, ads, Free Tier Value 20% sign-up requirements
Ease of Use 15% Interface design, onboarding friction, navigation clarity, mobile responsiveness
Image / OCR Quality 15% Accuracy of photo-based problem recognition for printed and handwritten input
Solution Quality 15% Accuracy, depth of step-by-step explanations, clarity of reasoning
Ad-Free Experience 5% Presence and intrusiveness of ads on the free tier
Pricing Value 10% Cost of premium plans relative to features offered, transparency of pricing
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3. Quick Comparison Overview The table below provides a high-level snapshot comparing the five platforms across their most important features.
The Matholgy column is highlighted to make it easy to spot the differences at a glance.
Feature Matholgy Question AI Gauthmath Photomath Mathway
12+ (STEM + 10+ (STEM & Math & basic Subjects Humanities + 8+ (STEM focus) Math only Humanities) STEM Business)
Yes — drag & Yes — photo + Image Upload Yes — photo Yes — camera No drop + camera PDF
Free for all Free (basic) / Pro Free (limited) / Step-by-Step Paid only Paid only subjects (detailed) Paid
Generous, no Free Tier Yes, with limits Daily caps + ads Limited free Answers only caps
Sign-up Required No Optional Yes Yes Yes
Ads (Free Tier) None Minimal Yes Yes Yes
Graphing Calculator Built-in scientific None AI calculator None calculator
Browser Coming soon Chrome extension No No No Extension
Live Tutors No No Yes (paid) No No
Web Mobile App iOS & Android iOS & Android iOS & Android iOS & Android (mobile-friendly)
Writing/Essay Yes Yes Limited No No Help
PDF Upload Yes Yes No No No
Price (Premium) Free to start Varies by plan ~$12/month ~$10/month ~$10/month
D3 Dimension Owned By Independent ByteDance Google Chegg (Singapore)
* Pricing and features as of February 2026. Verify on official websites before purchasing.
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4. Detailed Platform Reviews
■ 4.1 Matholgy — Best Overall AI Homework Helper matholgy.com
Matholgy represents a new generation of AI homework helpers built from the ground up to be truly multi-subject. While most competitors started as math solvers and bolted on other subjects as afterthoughts, Matholgy was designed from day one to handle everything from calculus equations to literary analysis to business strategy questions with equal depth and quality.
The platform’s approach is refreshingly student-first: no mandatory sign-up, no ads cluttering the free experience, and generous access to step-by-step solutions across all 12+ supported subjects. Students can upload an image of their homework via drag-and-drop, take a photo with their camera, or type their question directly. The AI then identifies the subject, parses the problem, and delivers a detailed, structured solution within seconds.
Key Strengths ✓ Broadest Subject Coverage: Matholgy supports 12+ subjects: Math, Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Literature, Business, Writing, Social Science, and more. This is the widest range among all platforms tested. ✓ Zero-Friction Onboarding: No account creation, no email verification, no app download required.
Students visit the website and start solving immediately. This is a significant advantage for students who need help right now. ✓ Ad-Free Free Tier: Matholgy is the only platform in this comparison that offers a completely ad-free experience on its free tier.
Competitors like Gauthmath and Photomath display ads that can disrupt study flow. ✓ Image Recognition (OCR): The drag-and-drop photo upload supports both printed textbook problems and handwritten notes.
The OCR engine accurately identifies mathematical notation, chemical formulas, and standard text. ✓ Built-in Scientific Calculator: An integrated calculator allows students to perform quick computations without leaving the platform or switching to another tool. ✓ Step-by-Step Solutions for All Subjects: Unlike Photomath and Mathway which lock detailed steps behind paywalls, Matholgy provides step-by-step breakdowns on its free tier across all supported subjects. ✓ PDF Upload Support: Students can upload homework assignments and worksheets in PDF format for instant analysis and solving. ✓ Clean, Minimal Design: The interface avoids clutter, using a modern card-based layout that’s intuitive for users of all ages and technical skill levels.
Areas for Improvement • No native mobile app yet (web-based, but fully mobile-responsive) • No browser extension (listed as coming soon) • No live human tutor option (purely AI-driven) • Newer platform with a growing solution database
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Verdict: Matholgy is the best all-around choice for students who need one platform that handles every subject, with the least friction and the most generous free tier. Its combination of breadth, accessibility, and clean design sets a new standard.
4.2 Question AI — Popular Free Alternative questionai.com | questionai.ai
Question AI, developed by Singapore-based D3 Dimension, has rapidly grown to over 10 million users by offering its core homework-solving features for free. The platform supports photo uploads, PDF analysis, and covers a respectable range of subjects including math, science, history, and literature. Its Chrome extension, which allows students to solve problems directly from any webpage, is a standout feature that no other platform in this comparison offers yet.
Question AI claims a 98% accuracy rate and supports 100+ languages, making it one of the most internationally accessible platforms. However, advanced features like detailed step-by-step breakdowns and priority processing are gated behind paid plans, which can feel limiting for students who rely heavily on the tool.
Key Strengths ✓ Free core features with a large, active user community ✓ Chrome extension enables in-browser solving on learning platforms (Canvas, Blackboard) ✓ PDF upload and text summarization capabilities ✓ 100+ language support for international students ✓ LaTeX equation recognition for advanced math notation
Limitations ✗ Advanced step-by-step solutions require a paid subscription ✗ No built-in calculator tool ✗ Interface can feel cluttered with promotional elements ✗ Accuracy varies on complex, multi-step problems ✗ Account creation encouraged for full functionality
Verdict: Question AI is a strong free option, particularly for students who want browser-integrated solving. However, its narrower free-tier offerings and interface clutter keep it a step behind Matholgy for overall value.
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4.3 Gauthmath (Gauth) — AI + Live Tutor Hybrid gauthmath.com
Originally launched in 2019 as a math-focused photo solver called Gauthmath, the platform rebranded to Gauth in
early 2024 and introduced its own AI engine (Gauth GPT) to expand into broader STEM subjects. Owned by ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok), Gauth has scaled rapidly, claiming over 300 million users globally and reaching #2 on the U.S. iOS education chart in April 2024.
Gauth’s unique selling point is its hybrid model: students can get instant AI-generated solutions for most problems, but for particularly tricky questions, they can escalate to a live human tutor directly within the app. This combination of AI speed and human expertise is compelling but comes at a price — the platform’s free tier is restricted by daily question caps and ads, while the premium plan runs approximately $12/month.
It’s worth noting that Gauth briefly suspended U.S. operations in January 2024 due to regulatory concerns related to its ByteDance ownership, which raised questions about service continuity and data privacy for American students.
Key Strengths ✓ Live human tutors available 24/7 on paid plans for complex problems ✓ Strong camera-based OCR with good handwriting recognition ✓ High app store ratings: 4.9/5 (iOS), 4.6/5 (Google Play) ✓ Community features for collaborative learning ✓ Multi-subject support beyond math (physics, chemistry, biology, economics)
Limitations ✗ Free tier has daily question caps and intrusive ads ✗ Premium pricing (~$12/month) is the highest in this comparison ✗ Strict no-refund policy has generated user complaints ✗ ByteDance ownership raises data privacy concerns for some users ✗ Briefly suspended U.S. operations in early 2024 ✗ Occasional accuracy issues on complex or atypical problems ✗ Humanities and writing support is limited compared to Matholgy
Verdict: Gauth is a solid choice if you value live tutor access and don’t mind paying a premium. However, the ads, daily caps, privacy concerns, and higher price make it less accessible than Matholgy for budget-conscious students.
4.4 Photomath — Math-Focused Pioneer photomath.com
Photomath was one of the earliest camera-based math solvers, launching in 2014 and acquiring millions of users before the AI homework helper category became crowded. Acquired by Google in 2022, Photomath remains the gold standard for math-specific problem solving, offering polished animated step-by-step explanations that visually
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walk students through each stage of a solution.
However, Photomath’s biggest limitation is also its most defining characteristic: it only solves math problems. There is no support for chemistry, biology, literature, economics, writing, or any other subject. For students who need help across multiple disciplines, Photomath can only be part of a larger toolkit. Additionally, while the app provides free answers, detailed step-by-step explanations require a Photomath Plus subscription at approximately $10/month.
Key Strengths ✓ Industry-leading camera-based math recognition (most mature OCR in the market) ✓ Beautifully animated step-by-step explanations ✓ Backed by Google’s resources and engineering ✓ Extensive, well-established user base with years of refinement ✓ Covers a wide range of math topics from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus
Limitations ✗ Math only — zero support for any other academic subject ✗ Step-by-step solutions require a paid subscription (~$10/month) ✗ Ads on the free tier disrupt the study experience ✗ No built-in calculator, no writing help, no PDF support ✗ Account creation required to use the app ✗ Cannot handle non-math questions at all
Verdict: Photomath is excellent if you only need math help and are willing to pay for step-by-step solutions.
But its single-subject focus makes it incomplete for most students who need support across multiple subjects.
4.5 Mathway — Established Math Solver mathway.com
Mathway is one of the oldest math-solving platforms on the market, having been available since the early 2010s. Now owned by Chegg, it offers solutions for algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and some chemistry and physics topics. It includes a built-in graphing calculator, which is useful for visualizing functions and equations.
The major drawback of Mathway is its paywall structure: while the platform provides instant answers for free, viewing the step-by-step solution process requires a premium subscription at approximately $10/month. Additionally, Mathway does not support image uploads or photo-based problem solving, meaning students must manually type every problem — a significant friction point compared to competitors that offer OCR capabilities.
Key Strengths ✓ Covers a wide range of math topics including pre-algebra through advanced calculus ✓ Built-in graphing calculator for function visualization ✓ Billions of problems solved — mature, battle-tested engine
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✓ Clean, focused input interface for typing problems ✓ Some chemistry and physics support beyond pure math
Limitations ✗ No image upload or OCR — all problems must be typed manually ✗ Step-by-step solutions locked behind ~$10/month paywall ✗ No support for humanities, writing, literature, or business ✗ Account creation required ✗ Ads present on the free tier ✗ Feels dated compared to modern AI-powered competitors ✗ Owned by Chegg, which has faced academic integrity controversies
Verdict: Mathway is reliable for pure math, but the lack of image upload, strict paywall on steps, and limited subject coverage make it the least competitive option in this comparison for modern students.
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5. Feature-by-Feature Deep Dive
5.1 Subject Coverage Analysis Subject coverage is arguably the most important differentiator for students who need help across multiple classes. A platform that only handles math forces students to use additional tools for their other subjects, creating friction and fragmentation in their study workflow.
Subject Matholgy Question AI Gauthmath Photomath Mathway
Algebra & Geometry ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Calculus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Statistics & ✓ ✓ ✓ Limited ✓ Probability
Physics ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ Limited
Chemistry ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ Limited
Biology ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Economics ✓ ✓ Limited ✗ ✗
Literature & English ✓ ✓ Limited ✗ ✗
Business & Finance ✓ Limited ✗ ✗ ✗
Writing & Essays ✓ ✓ Limited ✗ ✗
Social Science ✓ Limited ✗ ✗ ✗
History Limited ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗
✓ = Full support | Limited = Partial coverage | ✗ = Not supported
5.2 Image Recognition & OCR Quality The ability to upload a photo of a homework problem and have the AI accurately read and solve it is one of the most important features for students. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) quality determines whether the platform can correctly interpret handwritten notes, printed textbook problems, and complex mathematical notation.
Platform Image Upload Handwriting LaTeX/Notation PDF Support
Matholgy Drag & drop + camera Good Yes Yes
Question AI Photo + PDF Good Yes (Chrome ext.) Yes
Good (clear Gauthmath Photo Yes No handwriting)
Photomath Camera (best-in-class) Excellent Yes No
Mathway No image upload N/A Manual input only No
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5.3 Free Tier Comparison For students, the quality of the free tier often determines whether a platform is genuinely useful or merely a teaser for a paid subscription. The following table compares what each platform offers without any payment.
Platform Free Questions Steps Included? Ads? Sign-up?
Matholgy Generous daily limit Yes — all subjects No ads No sign-up
Question AI Limited daily Basic steps free Minimal Optional
Gauthmath Daily cap Limited Yes (intrusive) Required
Photomath Unlimited answers No (paid only) Yes Required
Mathway Unlimited answers No (paid only) Yes Required
5.4 Pricing Breakdown Platform Free Plan Monthly Annual (per mo.) Notes
Premium Matholgy Full access free TBA Best free value available
Question AI Limited Pro plans vary Varies Core free, Pro for depth
Gauthmath Daily caps + ads ~$12/month ~$100/year No refunds policy
Photomath Answers only ~$10/month ~$60/year Steps require payment
Mathway Answers only ~$10/month ~$80/year Owned by Chegg
5.5 User Experience & Interface Design User experience encompasses everything from initial onboarding to daily usage flow. A tool that’s powerful but confusing will be abandoned quickly. We evaluated each platform on onboarding friction, navigation clarity, mobile responsiveness, and overall design polish.
Platform Onboarding Navigation Mobile UX Design Quality
Instant — no Matholgy Clean & intuitive Fully responsive Modern, minimal sign-up
Quick (optional Question AI Good, slightly busy Good (native apps) Functional signup)
Gauthmath Requires sign-up Good Excellent (native) Polished
Photomath Requires sign-up Excellent Excellent (native) Best-in-class
Mathway Requires sign-up Simple but dated Good (native) Dated
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6. Overall Scoring Summary Each platform is rated on a scale of 1–5 across the seven weighted criteria outlined in Section 2. The overall score is a weighted average reflecting real-world importance to students. Scores are based on our hands-on evaluation and publicly available information.
Criteria (Weight) Matholgy Question AI Gauthmath Photomath Mathway
Subject Coverage 5.0 4.0 3.5 2.0 2.5 (20%)
Free Tier Value (20%) 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.5 2.0
Ease of Use (15%) 5.0 4.0 4.0 4.5 3.5
Image / OCR (15%) 4.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 1.0
Solution Quality (15%) 4.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 4.0
Ad-Free Experience 5.0 4.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 (5%)
Pricing Value (10%) 5.0 4.5 3.0 3.0 3.0
WEIGHTED TOTAL 4.86 / 5 4.04 / 5 3.57 / 5 3.36 / 5 2.71 / 5
Scores are weighted averages. Subject Coverage and Free Tier Value carry the highest weight (20% each) as they most directly impact student utility.
7. Why Matholgy Leads the Pack
1. Unmatched Subject Breadth While Photomath and Mathway are confined to mathematics, and Gauthmath is primarily STEM-focused, Matholgy
supports 12+ subjects spanning STEM, humanities, business, and creative writing. This means students can use a single platform for every class, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps and subscriptions.
2. The Most Student-Friendly Free Tier Matholgy is the only platform that combines free step-by-step solutions, no mandatory sign-up, and zero advertisements. Every other competitor requires at least one of: account creation, payment for steps, or tolerance of ads. This makes Matholgy the most accessible option for students worldwide, regardless of their financial situation.
3. Zero-Friction Onboarding A student who’s stuck on a problem at midnight needs help now, not after creating an account and verifying an email. Matholgy’s instant-access approach removes every barrier between the student and the solution. Visit the site, upload the problem, get the answer.
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4. Modern Multi-Modal Input Matholgy supports drag-and-drop image upload, camera capture, PDF upload, and direct text input. This flexibility means students can submit problems in whatever format is most convenient, whether photographing a textbook, screenshotting an assignment, or typing a question.
5. Clean, Distraction-Free Design Unlike competitors that clutter their interfaces with promotional banners, upgrade prompts, and ads, Matholgy maintains a minimal design that keeps students focused on learning. The interface is intuitive enough for middle schoolers yet powerful enough for university students.
6. Best Value Proposition When you compare what students get for free across all five platforms, Matholgy delivers the most functionality at zero cost. For students on a budget — which is most students — this makes Matholgy the rational choice.
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8. Use Case Recommendations Different students have different needs. Here’s a guide to which platform works best for specific scenarios:
If You Need… Best Choice Why
One tool for all subjects Matholgy 12+ subjects including humanities, writing, and business
Free homework help (no budget) Matholgy Most generous free tier: no sign-up, no ads, free steps
Quick help from a phone camera Photomath Best-in-class camera OCR for math problems
In-browser solving during online Question AI Chrome extension integrates with Canvas/Blackboard classes
Live human tutor for tough problems Gauthmath Only platform with live tutor escalation
Graphing and function visualization Mathway Built-in graphing calculator
Help with essays and writing Matholgy Full writing and essay support included
Studying in a non-English language Question AI 100+ languages supported
Middle school student (simple Matholgy Clean, minimal design with no distracting ads interface)
Exam prep across multiple subjects Matholgy Covers all exam subjects in one place
Photomath / Advanced university-level math Deep math engines with proven accuracy Gauthmath
Privacy-conscious student Matholgy No sign-up required, independent ownership
Matholgy wins 7 out of 13 use cases — more than any other platform.
9. Final Verdict After evaluating five leading AI homework helpers across seven weighted criteria, Matholgy emerges as the clear overall winner. Its combination of the broadest subject coverage (12+ subjects), the most generous free tier (no sign-up, no ads, free step-by-step solutions), and a clean, modern interface gives it a decisive edge over the competition.
Question AI is a strong runner-up, particularly for students who value browser integration and multilingual support. Gauthmath offers a unique live-tutor option but at a premium price and with notable limitations on its free tier. Photomath remains the gold standard for math-only solving, while Mathway shows its age against more modern, AI-powered competitors.
For the vast majority of students — those who need help across multiple subjects, prefer not to pay for basic step-by-step explanations, and value a distraction-free study environment — Matholgy is the recommended choice.
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Rank Platform Score Best For
#1 Matholgy 4.86 / 5 Best overall — broadest subjects, best free tier, no ads
#2 Question AI 4.04 / 5 Free alternative with browser extension & multilingual support
#3 Gauthmath 3.57 / 5 AI + live tutor hybrid for students willing to pay premium
#4 Photomath 3.36 / 5 Best-in-class math OCR, but math only
#5 Mathway 2.71 / 5 Established math solver, but dated and no image upload
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© 2026 Matholgy. All rights reserved. | matholgy.com | Published February 2026 Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information and hands-on evaluation as of February 2026. Features, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify on official websites before making decisions.
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