You want to scan a single math problem and see step-by-step solutions. It's been polished for that one job for over a decade.
You take more than just math, you want concept-level explanations grounded in your own lecture notes, or you want a single app for every class.
Photomath solves problems. ClassMinds explains material. They overlap on "step-by-step math" but ClassMinds covers physics, chem, bio, business, philosophy, etc. — Photomath doesn't.
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | ClassMinds | Photomath |
|---|---|---|
| Math problem solver (camera scan) | Type or paste a problem; no camera scan | Yes — the core feature1,2 |
| Step-by-step math solutions | Yes (general problems) | Yes — core steps are free3 |
| Animated video explanations | No | Animated tutorials (Photomath Plus)3 |
| Subjects covered | Every subject | Math only (elementary through college)1 |
| AI grounded in your real notes | Yes — cites the note it used | Solves the problem you scan2 |
| Lecture recording & transcription | Yes | Not offered |
| Flashcards, quizzes & spaced repetition | Built in, from your own lectures | Not offered |
| Class chat with classmates | Join with a class code or invite link | Not offered |
| Schedule import | Upload your school's schedule PDF — AI builds your classes | Not offered |
| Deadline tracking | From your syllabus, with reminders | Not offered |
| Free tier | Free plan + Pro $9.99/mo | Core steps free; Plus adds animated tutorials, hints & deeper steps3 |
| Platforms | iPhone first (iOS 17+); Android & web in development | iOS & Android apps1 |
✓ Yes / ~ Partial / ✗ No, based on each company's public docs and help pages, checked September 2026. “Not offered” means we found no such feature in Photomath's public docs. Numbers link to the sources below.
The honest recommendation
If you're stuck on one specific math problem — open Photomath, scan it, get a step-by-step. It's been polished for exactly that workflow for years.
If you don't understand the underlying concept — that's where Photomath falls short. It'll show you "step 1: factor the polynomial" but it doesn't know that your professor showed a shortcut for this case in lecture 6. ClassMinds does, if you recorded or uploaded that lecture.
For non-math classes, Photomath doesn't compete. Of these two, only ClassMinds handles physics derivations, chem mechanism walk-throughs, philosophy argument analysis, etc.
If you take a heavy STEM courseload, both apps make sense — Photomath for the "I just need to check this answer" moments, ClassMinds for "wait, why did we do it this way."
Why students switch from Photomath
Every subject, not just math
One app for all your classes. Bio, lit, econ, philosophy — same AI tutor that knows what each professor emphasized.
Concept explanations, not just steps
Photomath shows the steps. ClassMinds explains why those steps work, in language that matches what your prof said.
Notes that go beyond one problem
Save lectures, ask questions across them, and review with flashcards and quizzes — a real semester-long knowledge base, not just a history of solved equations.
Frequently asked
Can ClassMinds solve a math problem from a photo?
Not today — typed or pasted problems work. ClassMinds is built around your lectures and notes rather than scanning single problems, so for quick scan-and-solve, Photomath has the better camera flow.
Will my professor accept ClassMinds answers?
Same rules as any AI tool — check your syllabus. ClassMinds tends to fall on the "summarize your own notes" side of the typical AI policy, but rules vary by school and instructor.
Is ClassMinds cheaper than Photomath Plus?
ClassMinds is coming soon with a free plan; Pro is $9.99/month. Photomath's core step-by-step solutions are free, and Photomath Plus is a paid subscription that adds animated tutorials and deeper explanations (check their site for current pricing).
Does ClassMinds handle calculus / linear algebra / diff eq?
Yes — same AI handles upper-division math. The difference is concept explanation: Photomath gives you steps, ClassMinds gives you steps + your professor's framing.
Can I use both?
Yes — many STEM students do. Photomath for quick scan-and-solve, ClassMinds for "explain this like my professor did."
ClassMinds is coming soon
Free plan; Pro is $9.99/month. Launching first on iPhone (iOS 17+); Android and a web version are in development. Every subject.
Other comparisons
Studying for a specific major? See ClassMinds for STEM, pre-med, law and business students.