| Feature | Mathos AI | Sourcely |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | AI Math Solver & Tutor | Academic Source & Citation Finder |
| Core Strength | Step-by-step STEM problem solving | Finding peer-reviewed research papers |
| Input Methods | Photo, Voice, Text, PDF | Text snippets, Paragraphs, Essays |
| Database Size | N/A (Generative AI + Math Engines) | 200 Million+ Research Papers |
| Pricing | Free; Basic (~$12/mo); Prime (~$20/mo) | Free; Pro (~$17/mo); Long-term plans |
| Best For | Math, Physics, Engineering students | Thesis writing, Essays, Literature reviews |
Problem Solving vs. Literature Discovery
The fundamental difference lies in their output. Mathos AI is a "solver." If you give it a triple integral or a chemical equation, it processes the logic and outputs a solution. It features high-precision models (claiming 20% higher accuracy than GPT-4 for math) and integrates with Desmos for dynamic graphing. Sourcely, conversely, is a "finder." It doesn't solve equations; it scans the academic web to find a paper from 2022 that proves the point you just made in your sociology essay. It is an investigative tool rather than a computational one.
Input Flexibility and Interaction
Mathos AI excels in multi-modal input. Students can snap a photo of a handwritten worksheet, upload a 50-page PDF textbook, or even use voice commands to ask for help. The experience is conversational, acting as a 24/7 tutor. Sourcely’s interface is optimized for text analysis. Its "Search by Paragraph" feature is its standout capability, allowing you to paste a draft and receive a list of matching references, which is a massive time-saver for anyone writing a thesis or a research paper.
Learning vs. Credibility
Mathos AI is built for comprehension in STEM. It provides visual aids and allows users to ask follow-up questions to clarify specific steps in a solution. Sourcely is built for credibility in the humanities and social sciences. It provides tools to filter sources by citation count and publication year, ensuring that the evidence used in an academic paper is both recent and respected in the field. While Mathos teaches you "how" to get the answer, Sourcely shows you "who" else has written about your topic.
## Pricing ComparisonMathos AI often uses a weekly billing cycle, which can be deceptive for long-term budgeting. Its "Basic" plan is roughly $2.99/week (~$12/month), while the "Prime" plan (offering the most accurate MathosMax model) is around $4.99/week (~$20/month). There is a free tier, but it is quite limited and often acts as a demo for the paid versions.
Sourcely offers a more traditional subscription model. While they have a free version, it is limited to 300-character searches. The Pro membership typically costs around $17 per month, providing unlimited searches and full access to their database. They also offer a "Believer" plan, which is a one-time payment for multi-year access, making it more cost-effective for students throughout their entire degree.
## Use Case Recommendations- Use Mathos AI when: You are stuck on a Calculus II problem, need to graph a complex function, or want a step-by-step breakdown of a Physics homework assignment.
- Use Sourcely when: You are writing a research paper, need to find peer-reviewed sources to cite in your bibliography, or want to quickly summarize academic papers to see if they are relevant to your thesis.