Photomath vs Gauth: which is better for homework?
Sources checked: the official website and pricing pages, the Apple App Store listing and independent reviews. See sources.
Quick answer
Photomath is the better pick for math: it is owned by Google, its free tier shows basic step-by-step solutions, and Plus costs about $9.99 a month. Gauth covers more subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology and writing, but its free tier has ads and daily limits, Plus costs about $11.99 a month, and it is owned by ByteDance, which some US school districts restrict. Both show answers instantly, so use either only to check finished work.
Side by side
| Photomath | Gauth | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Homework solver | Homework solver |
| Gives answers? | Yes | Yes |
| Free option | Free basic step-by-step solutions. | Free core solving with ads and a daily question limit. |
| Paid plans (US) | Free: $0; Photomath Plus: About $9.99/month; cheaper annual plan | Free: $0; Gauth Plus: About $11.99/month; quarterly and annual plans cost less |
| Best for | Elementary through college math | Middle school through early college |
| Subjects | Math | Math, physics, chemistry, biology, writing |
| Works on | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, web |
| Parent visibility | No dedicated parent view | No dedicated parent view |
| Made by | ByteDance (GauthTech) |
US prices checked in October 2026. Confirm on each official site before subscribing.
What each app does
Both are photo solvers: point the camera at a problem and get the answer with worked steps in seconds. Neither is a tutor, and neither holds back the answer.
Photomath focuses on math, from arithmetic through calculus. Gauth started as a math solver (Gauthmath) and has expanded into a multi-subject homework helper with an AI chat and on-demand human experts.
Price
Photomath's free tier includes basic step-by-step solutions. Photomath Plus costs about $9.99 a month, with a cheaper annual plan and a 7-day free trial, and adds animated tutorials and textbook solutions.
Gauth is free with ads and a daily question limit. Gauth Plus costs about $11.99 a month in the US, with cheaper quarterly and annual plans, and removes ads and limits.
Ownership and privacy
Photomath is owned by Google. Gauth is owned by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, and some US school districts restrict ByteDance-owned apps on school devices. Families who care about where homework photos and usage data go should read each app's privacy policy.
Learning value
Because both put the answer on screen right away, the learning value depends entirely on how they are used. The rule that works: solve first, then scan to check. If the answers differ, find the first step where the work went wrong.
Which should you choose?
Choose Photomath if
- The homework is math
- You want a useful free tier without ads
- You prefer a Google-owned app
Choose Gauth if
- Your teen needs help checking science or writing too
- You are comfortable with ByteDance ownership and have checked school policy
FAQ
Is Photomath or Gauth more accurate?
Both do well on clean, printed math. Gauth's accuracy varies more on complex, multi-step problems. For high-stakes checking, Wolfram|Alpha, which computes answers, is the most reliable.
Which is free, Photomath or Gauth?
Both have free tiers. Photomath's free tier shows basic steps; Gauth's free tier has ads and a daily question limit.
Why do some schools block Gauth?
Gauth is owned by ByteDance, and some US school districts restrict ByteDance-owned apps on school devices over data concerns.
Full reviews
Photomath
Point the camera at a math problem and get a step-by-step solution.
Price: Free option · For: Elementary through college math
Gauth
A multi-subject photo solver with an AI chat tutor and on-demand human experts.
Price: Free option · For: Middle school through early college
Compare all 19 AI homework tools →
Sources
We checked these sources in October 2026. How we research and update pages is described in our editorial policy.