StepWise Math is an AI-powered math tutoring platform. It uses patented AI to guide students step-by-step. The company notes that students using StepWise improve performance (about 16% higher test scores). In this article we examine StepWise Math’s user reviews and legitimacy, its pricing plans, and how it compares to alternatives like My Engineering Buddy in 2025.
Stepwise Math Reviews and Testimonials
StepWise Math has very few independent user reviews. We found no listings onStepWise Math lists no hidden fees. In fact, one review site notes there are “no reviews online” for StepWise Math. The company’s own website only shows positive quotes, such as a student saying “It’s an amazing program… I feel like I am going to do great”. With no third-party ratings, we rely on these site testimonials and the fact that StepWise is made by Querium (founded 2013). Overall, StepWise Math appears to be a legitimate platform by an established ed-tech firm, but users should be aware that external feedback is scarce. We recommend trying the free trial to confirm quality.
Stepwise Math Pricing
Pricing Range
- Student plan: $9.99 per month (covers one user).
- Family plan: $27 per month (up to three users).
- School plan: Custom pricing (available on request).
All plans include 24/7 access and unlimited practice problems. The pricing is advertised as affordable on mobile devices.
What Students Say About Pricing
There is little direct feedback from students on cost. The advertised prices are modest compared to private tutoring. One advantage is affordability – StepWise calls itself an “affordable” mobile solution. Without independent reviews, student opinions on value are unclear. Some may appreciate the flat-rate model, while others might still feel tutoring should be cheaper or free (see Khan Academy below for a free alternative).
Hidden Costs
StepWise Math lists no hidden fees. The only costs are the monthly subscription rates above. There are no reported extra charges beyond the plan price. Users should verify that no in-app purchases or external tutoring fees are needed (none are mentioned on official pages).
How Stepwise Math’s Pricing Works
StepWise Math uses a subscription model. You pay monthly and get continuous access. After the initial free trial (see below), the chosen plan auto-renews each month until canceled. There is no mention of a yearly plan or long-term contract – it appears to be month-to-month billing. You can switch between student and family plans as needed.
Free Trial
StepWise Math offers a free trial where you can solve up to 10 math problems at no cost. This trial requires no credit card. It lets students try the platform and see the AI feedback. After solving 10 problems, you must choose a paid plan to continue. This trial policy is clearly noted on the site.
Refund Policy
There is no public information on refunds. The StepWise site does not mention a refund policy. Students who cancel mid-month presumably forfeit the rest of that month’s access. Prospective users should contact customer support before subscribing to ask about any money-back guarantees (none are advertised).
Stepwise Math Alternatives
Several other platforms offer math help and tutoring. Below are some notable alternatives with their strengths and weaknesses:
My Engineering Buddy (MEB)
My Engineering Buddy is an online tutoring and homework-help service (covering math, engineering, and other STEM subjects). It boasts high customer satisfaction – for example, it has a 4.8/5 rating based on 287 reviews. Strengths: Real human tutors, one-on-one lessons, and help with assignments. Students value its live interaction and rapid responses. Weaknesses: It is more expensive (pay-per-session or hourly rates rather than a flat fee). Coverage is broad in engineering and science, but it requires scheduling a tutor rather than instant AI help. MEB also offers round-the-clock support and has a strong refund policy, according to tutor reviews.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a free non-profit platform offering video lessons and practice problems in math (K-12 and some college topics). Strengths: Completely free, extensive curriculum coverage, and trusted content. It covers a wide range of math topics with thousands of practice items. Weaknesses: No live help or AI feedback – learners must self-pace. There is no personalized tutoring; you watch videos or read notes and practice independently.
Photomath
Photomath is a mobile app where students can scan math problems with a camera to get step-by-step solutions. Strengths: Very user-friendly and fast for many problem types (basic arithmetic through calculus). It gives instant answers, which can help with homework. Weaknesses: It may not explain underlying concepts fully, and it relies on image recognition (so handwritten problems or diagrams may not scan well). It does not adapt to the student’s skill – it just solves the given problem.
Chegg Study
Chegg Study (Math Solver) offers textbook solutions and 24/7 access to online tutors (via subscription). Strengths: Huge database of solved problems, plus the option to ask questions to tutors. It covers many college-level math subjects. Weaknesses: It costs about $14.95/month and up (which is higher than StepWise). Some students report inconsistent quality in tutor answers, and it is designed more for homework help than teaching foundational concepts.
Wyzant
Wyzant is a tutoring marketplace connecting students to independent tutors in many subjects, including math. Strengths: You can find a local or online tutor tailored to your exact needs and schedule. Tutors set their own rates, so quality and pricing vary. Weaknesses: Rates are usually much higher than StepWise’s subscription (often $30–$60+ per hour). It’s not an AI system, so availability depends on the tutor’s schedule. There is no fixed curriculum – you rely on the tutor to provide material.
How it Works?
For Students
To use StepWise Math, a student starts by creating an account on the website. First, you can sign up for a free trial and solve up to 10 math problems at no cost. During these problems, the AI tutor analyzes each step you enter, just like a human tutor would. After trying the free problems, you choose a subscription plan to continue. Students then work through unlimited practice problems online, receiving instant step-by-step feedback and hints. The system is designed so students enter each step of their solution and get corrections, helping them learn from mistakes. In short, students complete problems at their own pace, while the AI coach guides them until they master the concepts.
For Tutors
StepWise Math is AI-driven and does not employ human tutors. Therefore there is no direct “tutor portal” or hiring process. Tutors who work for other platforms can use StepWise Math as a study tool for their students. For example, a math tutor might assign StepWise exercises between sessions. In general, experienced tutors emphasize clear communication and quick feedback. One tutor review notes that a supportive work culture and training are valued. Another review highlights the importance of good student support and refund policies. If you are a tutor collaborating with StepWise users, focus on how to interpret the AI’s guidance and supplement it with real tutoring. Remember that with StepWise there’s no human coach – the responsibility for clarifying concepts falls on the tutor or teacher.
Stepwise Math: Company Information
StepWise Math is a product of Querium, an education technology company founded in 2013 by Kent Fuka and Patti Smith. Querium’s mission is to help students gain the math and STEM skills they need for successful careers. The platform is designed for grades 6–12 and early college, with content in hundreds of math topics (from pre-algebra through calculus). StepWise is built on patented AI technology that “mimics a master teacher” and is available 24/7. Its key features include an adaptive coach, unlimited practice problems, a mobile-friendly interface, and reporting tools for parents and teachers. The platform is offered globally via the web, though the main offices are in the USA (Querium is based in Austin, Texas). StepWise Math supports multiple languages. Customer support is primarily online (helpdesk and email), and the site does not list phone support. The company is focused on AI innovations for education, so future plans likely involve improving the AI tutor and expanding content. One unique point: StepWise was field-tested in US public schools, and a Department of Education study found significant gains among middle schoolers using it. In summary, StepWise Math offers a scalable AI tutoring solution with an educational mission, but it lacks personal tutors (unlike My Engineering Buddy) and has limited independent reviews.
FAQs About Stepwise Math
- Q: Is StepWise Math legitimate or a scam? A: It’s a real platform by Querium (founded in 2013. There’s no evidence of fraud. However, because no verified user ratings exist, you should try the trial yourself. The company is known in edtech, so StepWise itself is not a scam.
- Q: How much does StepWise Math cost? A: After the trial, the student plan is $9.99/month and the family plan is $27/month. There are no extra fees beyond these subscriptions.
- Q: Does StepWise Math offer a free trial? A: Yes. New users get a free trial to solve ten math problems at no charge. This lets you test the system before paying.
- Q: What math topics does StepWise Math cover? A: It covers core math up to early college. Specifically, StepWise includes content in over 500 math topics ranging from pre-algebra through calculus. It is mainly for grades 6–12.
- Q: How does StepWise Math compare to My Engineering Buddy? A: StepWise Math uses AI to tutor students automatically, while My Engineering Buddy (MEB) connects you with live human tutors. MEB has very high satisfaction (about 4.8/5 based on hundreds of reviews. MEB tutors can explain concepts in person or by chat, and they cover broader STEM subjects. StepWise Math is usually cheaper (flat monthly fee) and available 24/7, but it only covers math and provides automated feedback. Choose MEB if you want personal help from a tutor, or StepWise if you prefer instant, self-paced math practice.
Conclusion
StepWise Math’s strengths are its advanced AI tutor, affordability, and always-on availability. Students get instant, step-by-step math help any time of day. The platform claims study improvements (e.g. +16% test scores)} and offers comprehensive math coverage. It provides clear advantages over generic tools32it’s interactive) and is cheaper than hiring a tutor. Weaknesses include its narrow focus on math, lack of human interaction, and very limited external feedback (no public reviews). Some students may also want more explanation than automated hints. For those drawbacks, a service like My Engineering Buddy is a smart alternative: MEB offers live tutors, high user ratings, and help across many STEM subjects. In summary, StepWise Math is a solid AI tutoring tool with unique benefits, but it’s wise to compare it with live-tutor options like MEB to see which fits your learning style and needs.
