Photomath and Microsoft Math Solver were both widely recognized math-solving tools, especially for students who wanted to scan problems and get step-by-step solutions. While the standalone Microsoft Math Solver experience is no longer available in its previous form, many users still search for the tool or look for a suitable alternative.

In this article, we compare Photomath vs Microsoft Math Solver across photo recognition, solution explanations, supported math topics, pricing, and accessibility. We'll also introduce a modern alternative for users who want an active AI math solver in 2026.

Photomath vs Microsoft Math Solver at a Glance

The main difference in 2026 is not simply which solver has more features. Photomath remains a dedicated math-solving app, while Microsoft has moved its math-solving capabilities into other Microsoft products, particularly Math Assistant in OneNote. Microsoft's current support documentation lists equation solving, graphs, and step-by-step solutions as Math Assistant features.

What Is Photomath?

Photomath is a dedicated math-solving app built around camera-based problem recognition. Users can scan printed or handwritten problems with a phone and receive a solution with step-by-step explanations.

Its coverage extends from basic arithmetic and pre-algebra to algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. Photomath also supports word problems and provides different solution methods for some questions.

Key Features of Photomath

• Camera scanning: Scan printed or handwritten math problems with a smartphone.

• Step-by-step solutions: See the process used to reach an answer rather than only the final result.

• Multiple solution methods: Some problems include more than one way to reach the solution.

• Broad topic coverage: Supports areas ranging from arithmetic to calculus, geometry, and statistics.

• Graphing and visual tools: Certain mathematical problems can be explored visually.

• Premium learning features: Photomath Plus adds features such as animated tutorials and deeper explanations.

What Is Microsoft Math Solver?

Microsoft Math Solver was Microsoft's dedicated math-solving tool, known for solving equations and other math problems with step-by-step explanations, graphing, and multiple input methods.

The standalone Microsoft Math Solver experience was retired in 2025. The mathsolver.microsoft.com domain still exists, but it no longer provides the original standalone solver interface. Microsoft has instead moved related capabilities to Math Assistant in OneNote , which can solve supported equations, show steps, and create graphs.

What Happened to Microsoft Math Solver?

Microsoft Math Solver was popular partly because its core solving features were free and easy to access. Today, users looking for Microsoft's math-solving capabilities need to use supported Microsoft products such as OneNote rather than the former standalone Math Solver experience.

This distinction is important when comparing it with Photomath in 2026: Photomath remains an active dedicated math-solving app, while Microsoft Math Solver is no longer available in its original standalone form.

Microsoft Math Solver vs Photomath: Key Differences

Photo Recognition and Input Methods

Photo-based solving is one of Photomath's defining features. Users can scan printed or handwritten math problems directly through the app, then review the recognized equation and solution. Photomath's official materials specifically describe scanning both printed and handwritten problems.

Microsoft Math Solver also supported image and handwritten input during its standalone period. Today, however, Microsoft's current Math Assistant experience focuses on typed and handwritten equations in OneNote rather than providing the same standalone camera-first workflow.

For users who mainly want to take a photo of a math problem and solve it, Photomath is therefore the more direct option in 2026.

Step-by-Step Solutions and Learning Experience

Both tools were designed to show the solving process rather than only return an answer.

Photomath continues to provide step-by-step explanations, and its official materials emphasize showing the reasoning behind each step. Some problems also offer alternative solution methods. Photomath Plus adds deeper explanations and animated tutorials.

Microsoft Math Solver was similarly known for step-by-step explanations. Its current replacement within Microsoft's ecosystem, Math Assistant in OneNote, can still provide step-by-step solutions for supported problems.

The practical difference is accessibility. Photomath puts the solving workflow directly inside a dedicated math app, while Microsoft's current solution requires using OneNote and meeting the relevant Microsoft 365 requirements.

Supported Math Topics and Problem Types

Photomath currently covers a broad selection of mathematics, including arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. Its official materials also mention word problems.

Microsoft Math Solver historically supported a similarly broad range of topics, including equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. Many of these capabilities remain represented in Math Assistant, although the exact features depend on the OneNote and Microsoft 365 environment being used.

Pricing and Free Features

Photomath offers a free Basic plan with step-by-step explanations. Photomath Plus adds features such as custom visual aids and additional "how" and "why" explanations, with plans currently listed at $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year.

Microsoft Math Solver no longer has its own pricing plan because the standalone service was retired in 2025. Microsoft has instead moved related math-solving capabilities into Math Assistant in OneNote, which is tied to eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions rather than a separate math-solver subscription.

User Experience and Accessibility

Photomath is designed specifically around math problem solving. Its camera-first workflow makes it convenient for students working with textbook exercises, worksheets, or handwritten problems.

Microsoft's current approach is more integrated into OneNote. Users can type or write equations and use Math Assistant to solve them, view steps, and create graphs. This can be useful for students already working in OneNote, but it is less direct than opening a dedicated math-solving app.

As a result, Photomath is generally more straightforward for quick math homework help, while Microsoft's current Math Assistant makes more sense for users who already use OneNote and Microsoft 365.

Top Alternative to Microsoft Math Solver: Tenorshare AI Math

With the standalone Microsoft Math Solver experience no longer available, Photomath is an obvious alternative for users who prefer solving math problems on a mobile device. However, it is not the only option.

For students who frequently study on a computer, Tenorshare AI Math offers a more suitable web-based experience. Unlike Photomath, which is primarily designed as a mobile app, Tenorshare AI Math can be accessed directly from a browser without switching to a phone.

It also goes beyond basic problem solving with:

• Text, image, and PDF input for different types of homework

• Step-by-step solutions that show how the answer is reached

• AI video explanations for more visual learning

• Follow-up questions when a solution needs further clarification

• Practice problems to reinforce what you have learned

For users looking to replace Microsoft Math Solver, the choice therefore depends largely on how they study. Photomath is a strong fit for mobile, camera-based solving, while Tenorshare AI Math is a practical alternative for computer-based study and a broader AI learning workflow .

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

In 2026, Photomath is the more straightforward choice if you want a dedicated mobile math solver with photo-based problem solving. Its free tier and step-by-step explanations make it a practical option for students who mainly solve problems on their phones.

However, if you usually study on a computer, Tenorshare AI Math is a stronger alternative to the former Microsoft Math Solver experience. As a web-based tool, it works directly in your browser and supports text, images, and PDF files. It also combines step-by-step solutions with video explanations, follow-up questions, and practice problems.

So, the choice comes down to your learning setup: choose Photomath for mobile-first solving, or Tenorshare AI Math for a broader, computer-friendly AI math learning experience.

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