The 10 Best AI Apps for Students in 2025
So my little brother was drowning in homework last semester, and I felt so bad watching him stress out every night.
I review apps for a living, so I started sending him some AI tools to try.
Not gonna lie, I was shocked when he texted me two weeks later: “Bro, I actually slept last night”
The right AI apps completely turned things around for him.
His room is still a disaster (some things even AI can’t fix), but he’s acing assignments and actually has time to do normal college kid stuff again.
I’ve tested tons of these AI student apps personally, and I’m sharing the ones that genuinely helped my brother.
No sponsored content here, just real talk about what actually works when you’re buried in coursework.
Want to know which AI tools might save your semester like they did for my brother?
Let’s jump in.
1. Gauth AI – My Brother Likes it the Most
Pros:
- Solves complex problems step by step
- Covers multiple subjects, not just math
- Free to use with unlimited questions
Cons:
- Some solutions need better explanations
- Struggles with super-advanced problems
Price: Free, $11.99/month, or $31.99/quarter.
Get it from: App Store
I can’t tell you how many times my brother texted me in a panic about his homework.
He’d be stuck on some calculus problem at midnight, and I obviously wasn’t about to do the math for him.
That’s when I found Gauth AI.
This AI app is insanely good at breaking down problems in a way that actually makes sense.
You just take a picture of your question, and it gives you a detailed step-by-step solution.
And it’s not just math.
It covers physics, chemistry, history, and even literature.
That’s what makes it different from most other homework help apps.
One thing I really like is that it doesn’t just throw answers at you.
It explains how to solve the problem so you actually learn instead of just copying the answer.
My brother said it made a huge difference in his grades because he finally understood the material instead of guessing his way through tests.
Of course, it’s not perfect.
Some explanations could be clearer, and if you’re doing super advanced stuff, it might not always have the answer.
But for most students, it’s an absolute game-changer.
Plus, the fact that it’s free with unlimited questions.
That’s rare.
If you ever find yourself staring at a problem with zero clue where to start, Gauth AI is worth a shot.
Also read: Best calendar apps for students
2. Notion AI – Best for Note-Taking
Pros:
- Instantly summarizes long notes
- Helps organize ideas and brainstorm
- Works inside Notion, so no extra apps needed
Cons:
- Requires a Notion Plus subscription for full access
- Can be hit-or-miss with complex topics
Price: Free or $10/month.
Get it from: App Store
If you’re like my brother, your notes probably look like a chaotic mess.
Half-finished thoughts, random to-do lists, and lecture points scribbled everywhere.
That’s where Notion AI comes in.
It’s built right into Notion, so if you already use the app for notes or planning, this AI upgrade makes life way easier.
You can type in a bunch of rough notes, and it cleans them up, summarizes key points, and even suggests ways to structure them better.
My brother uses it for everything.
Turning lecture notes into clean summaries, brainstorming ideas for essays, and even generating study guides before exams.
The AI can also help rephrase things or explain concepts in simpler terms, which is a lifesaver when your professor is making zero sense.
The catch?
The AI features aren’t free.
You need a Notion Plus subscription to unlock unlimited AI usage, which might not be ideal for every student.
And while it’s great for summaries and organization, this AI notes app sometimes struggles with highly technical or niche subjects.
But if you already use Notion or want to level up your note-taking game, Notion AI is 100% worth trying.
It saves time, keeps things organized, and makes studying feel way less overwhelming.
Also read: Best AI calendar apps for iPhone
3. Photomath – Best for Solving Math Problems
Pros:
- Instantly solves math problems by scanning them
- Step-by-step explanations make concepts easier to understand
- Works even without an internet connection
Cons:
- Advanced explanations require a paid subscription
- Doesn’t always recognize handwritten equations
Price: Free, $9.99/month, or $69.99/year.
Get it from: App Store
Math was never my strong suit, so when I first tried Photomath, I wished I had it back in high school.
This app lets you snap a picture of any math problem, and it solves it instantly.
But the real magic is that it actually breaks down the solution step by step, so you can understand how to solve it instead of just copying the answer.
My brother started using this when he was stuck on calculus homework, and it was a total game-changer.
He’d scan an equation, see how the AI tackled it, and suddenly, things started making sense.
It works for algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
Pretty much any type of math you throw at it.
One of the coolest parts?
You don’t even need Wi-Fi to use it.
So if you’re cramming for a test in a spotty internet zone, no worries.
But heads up, the free version only gives you basic solutions.
If you want detailed explanations and extra learning tools, you’ll need to upgrade to Photomath Plus.
It’s not perfect.
Handwritten equations sometimes get misread, and it won’t help much with word problems.
But if you’re drowning in math homework, Photomath can be a lifesaver.
Also read: Best AI travel apps for iPhone
4. Question AI – Best for Detailed Homework Solutions
Pros:
- Provides step-by-step solutions for a wide range of subjects
- Can scan and solve complex word problems
- Supports multiple subjects, including science and history
Cons:
- Free version has a daily question limit
- Some explanations can be too brief or generic
Price: Free, $11.99/month, or $99.99/year.
Get it from: App Store
When my brother hit a wall with his assignments, Question AI became his go-to.
Unlike other AI student tools that just spit out answers, this one actually walks you through the logic behind them.
Whether it’s a tricky math equation, a confusing science concept, or a history question that needs a well-structured response, it does the heavy lifting.
All he had to do was snap a picture or type in his question, and within seconds, the app broke it down in a way that actually made sense.
And the best part is that it works across multiple subjects.
So if you’re switching between chemistry and literature, you don’t need five different apps.
It even handles word problems, which some other AI tools struggle with.
That said, the free version has limits.
You only get a certain number of questions per day before it asks you to upgrade.
Also, while most answers are well-detailed, some explanations can feel a bit surface-level.
If you need deeper insight, you might have to dig a little further.
Still, for students who need quick, reliable homework help, Question AI is a solid pick.
5. ChatGPT – Best for Writing
Pros:
- Helps with essays, reports, and brainstorming ideas
- Can rewrite, summarize, and improve clarity in writing
- Great for creative projects like stories and poetry
Cons:
- May generate generic or repetitive responses
- Doesn’t always cite sources for factual content
Price: Free or $20/month.
Get it from: App Store
If you’ve ever stared at a blank document, knowing you need to start writing but having zero ideas, ChatGPT is a game-changer.
My brother used it when he was stuck on an essay introduction, and within minutes, he had a solid starting point.
From there, he tweaked it and made it his own, saving him hours of frustration.
This AI chatbot app isn’t just for essays.
It’s a lifesaver for reports, summaries, creative writing, and even art creation.
Need help structuring an argument?
It can outline your entire essay.
Want to improve clarity?
It rewrites sentences to sound more natural.
Stuck on a research paper?
It helps brainstorm angles you might not have considered.
Of course, it’s not perfect.
Sometimes, responses can be generic, so you have to guide it with specific prompts.
Also, if you’re writing a research-heavy paper, double-check facts because it doesn’t always cite sources.
But as an AI writing assistant, it’s ridiculously useful.
If writing feels like a chore, ChatGPT makes the process smoother, faster, and way less stressful.
6. Grammarly – Best for Grammar
Pros:
- Fixes grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes
- Helps with clarity and tone adjustments
- Works across apps like Google Docs and emails
Cons:
- Free version is limited to basic corrections
- Sometimes suggests unnecessary changes
Price: Free, $29.99/month, $59.99/quarter, or $139.99/year.
Get it from: App Store
If you’ve ever submitted an assignment and later spotted a dumb typo, Grammarly is the safety net you need.
My brother started using it after his professor docked points for grammar mistakes.
And with this AI tool, his grades and confidence improved significantly.
This app does more than just correct spelling.
It catches awkward phrasing, suggests better word choices, and even helps adjust the tone of your writing.
Whether you’re working on an essay, sending emails, or writing discussion posts, Grammarly makes sure your words sound polished and professional.
The free version is solid for basic fixes, but the premium upgrade takes things further with in-depth feedback on clarity, conciseness, and engagement.
One thing to keep in mind.
Sometimes it over-corrects, and you don’t have to accept every suggestion.
But if you want to avoid embarrassing typos and make your writing smoother, Grammarly is a must-have.
7. Perplexity AI – Best for Research
Pros:
- Finds reliable sources and summarizes key points
- Provides citations for fact-checking
- Great for quick research on any topic
Cons:
- Free version has limited queries per day
- Sometimes pulls outdated or less relevant sources
Price: Free, $20/month, or $200/year.
Get it from: App Store
Research is probably the most time-consuming part of any assignment for a student.
You start by looking up one thing, and suddenly, you’ve got 20 tabs open and no idea what’s actually useful.
That’s where Perplexity AI comes in.
This AI tool works like a supercharged search engine.
It doesn’t just give you links but actually summarizes information from multiple sources, saving you hours of scrolling.
My brother used it for a history paper, and instead of clicking through endless websites, he got a concise summary with proper citations in seconds.
The built-in citation feature is a game-changer.
You don’t have to guess whether the info is legit because Perplexity shows you where it’s pulling data from.
But keep in mind, it’s not perfect.
Sometimes, it suggests outdated research, so it’s still worth double-checking the sources.
For students juggling multiple assignments, Perplexity AI makes research faster and easier.
8. Microsoft Copilot – Best for Productivity
Pros:
- Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 tools
- Helps summarize documents, draft emails, and automate tasks
- Great for students managing both studies and work
Cons:
- Works best if you’re already using Microsoft apps
- Free version has some limitations
Price: Free or $20/month.
Get it from: App Store
Juggling school, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars can get overwhelming.
That’s why I recommend Microsoft Copilot.
If you use Word, Excel, or Outlook, this AI tool is a game-changer.
My brother used it to summarize long lecture notes and draft emails, and it saved him a ton of time.
Instead of staring at a blank Word document, he could type a rough idea, and Copilot would flesh it out into a polished draft.
It also helped with organizing Excel spreadsheets, which is a lifesaver for finance or business students.
One of the best things about Copilot is how well it integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem.
If you’re already using these tools, Copilot just slides right in and helps automate boring tasks.
But if you’re not deep into the Microsoft world, it might not feel as useful.
For students who are constantly switching between documents, emails, and spreadsheets, Copilot helps streamline everything.
It won’t do your homework for you, but it’ll make sure you spend less time on the boring stuff and more time actually learning.
I’ve been playing around with some AI productivity apps lately, and I found this guide that’s been super helpful. If you’re looking to boost your own workflow, I’d definitely recommend taking a peek.
9. Otter.ai – Best for Lecture Transcriptions
Pros:
- Accurately transcribes lectures and meetings in real-time
- Syncs with Zoom and Google Meet for automatic transcriptions
- Searchable transcripts make reviewing notes easier
Cons:
- Free plan has a monthly limit on transcription minutes
- Struggles with heavy accents or technical jargon
Price: Free, $16.99/month, or $99.99/year.
Get it from: App Store
Taking notes in class is a nightmare when professors talk fast and cram a whole textbook into one lecture.
That’s why Otter.ai is a must-have.
It transcribes lectures in real time, so you don’t have to scramble to write everything down.
My brother started using Otter when he realized his handwritten notes were basically unreadable.
Now, he just hits record, lets Otter do its thing, and later, he can search for key points without rewatching hours of lecture recordings.
It’s also a lifesaver for group projects.
He records meetings, so no one forgets what was discussed.
The coolest part?
It syncs with Zoom and Google Meet, so if you have an online class, Otter automatically transcribes everything.
No more frantically writing while trying to listen.
You can focus on actually understanding the material instead.
The free plan gives you 300 minutes of transcription per month, which is enough for light use, but heavy users might need to upgrade.
Also, while it’s pretty accurate, this AI voice assistant can struggle with thick accents or technical terms.
If you hate taking notes or just want a safety net for when you zone out mid-lecture, Otter.ai is worth it.
10. Duolingo – Best for Language Learning
Pros:
- Fun, gamified lessons that keep learning engaging
- Covers over 40 languages, including Spanish, French, and Japanese
- AI-powered personalized learning paths
Cons:
- Free version has ads and limited hearts for mistakes
- Not ideal for advanced learners looking for deep grammar explanations
Price: Free, $12.99/month, or $83.99/year.
Get it from: App Store
Learning a new language is tough, but Duolingo makes it feel like a game instead of a chore.
My brother picked it up to brush up on Spanish, and before he knew it, he was on a 50-day streak.
The daily challenges, XP points, and friendly competition make it surprisingly addictive.
The app’s AI tailors lessons based on how you learn, so if you struggle with verb conjugations, it’ll keep drilling them until you get the hang of it.
It’s perfect for beginners or casual learners who want to build a solid foundation without feeling overwhelmed.
Plus, with short 5-10 minute lessons, it’s easy to squeeze into a busy schedule.
The downside?
The free version has ads, and if you make too many mistakes, you have to wait for hearts to refill before continuing.
But honestly, it’s still one of the best free ways to learn a language.
If you’re serious, upgrading to Super Duolingo removes ads and gives unlimited hearts.
For students trying to pick up a new language without getting bored, Duolingo is a no-brainer.
And if you’re into language learning, I’ve got a few guides you absolutely need to see. They’ve really helped me, and I think you’ll find them super useful.
My Final Take
AI is changing the game for students, and after seeing my brother’s transformation, I’m convinced these apps are the real deal.
I know every student’s situation is different.
Some of you might need a research powerhouse like Perplexity, while others just want to stop butchering grammar with Grammarly.
The key is finding what works for you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with school, give one (or a few) of these apps a shot.
They won’t do the work for you, but they will help you study smarter, stay organized, and maybe even get a full night’s sleep.
That’s a wrap.
If you’ve tried any of these apps, let me know what you think.
And if you have a favorite AI tool I missed, drop a comment.
I’m always looking for new ones to test.
FAQs
Are AI apps for students actually helpful?
Yes. AI apps can help with note-taking, research, writing, math problems, and even staying organized. They won’t do your homework for you, but they can save you time and make studying easier.
Is Gauth AI better than Photomath?
Gauth AI is great for a wide range of subjects, including math, science, and literature, while Photomath specializes in solving math problems step by step. If you need help beyond math, Gauth AI is a better choice.
Can AI apps replace tutors?
AI apps are great study tools, but they can’t replace a real tutor or teacher. They’re best for quick explanations, practice problems, and improving productivity.
Which AI app is best for writing essays?
ChatGPT and Grammarly are the best for writing. ChatGPT helps with structuring and generating ideas, while Grammarly makes sure your grammar and writing style are on point.
What’s the best AI app for research?
Perplexity AI is hands down the best for research. It pulls from reliable sources and gives direct answers, making it easier to find the information you need without endless Googling.
