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MathType starts at $4.43 and has a free plan, but the listing warns buyers to check platform fit and annual plan costs. In one r/matheducation thread, users objected to the Word add-in’s image-based output and missing PowerPoint support; others reported holding onto older Macs or dealing with crashes. None of the alternatives below is documented here as a dedicated equation editor, so treat them as adjacent document tools—not drop-in replacements.
01Why people leave MathType
macOS support stopped
In one Reddit thread, users said WIRIS did not plan a new MathType version for macOS Catalina or Big Sur for the foreseeable future.
Word add-in output disappoints
A Reddit user said the add-in creates formula images that look blurry on screen and in PDFs, and reported that it did not work in PowerPoint.
Reliability and legacy-file risk
Commenters reported crashes and lockups, plus years of existing Word and PowerPoint files that make switching tools harder.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Browser document editing
Word for the webWord for the webWord for the web is the closest listed option if you are leaving MathType’s desktop setup and mainly need browser-based document editing. The listing describes a free plan, Microsoft account access, and basic documents and collaboration; paid plans start at $1.67. The available details do not confirm equation features or MathType-file compatibility.
Trade-off: The listed details do not establish it as an equation editor or a MathType replacement.
6.5/10from
$1.67/mofree plan - Personal document suite
WPS OfficeWPS OfficeWPS Office is worth considering if you want a broader document app rather than another dedicated equation tool. The listing describes basic document needs and PDF tools, with a free plan and paid plans from $2.49. It does not specify equation-authoring features, so check those—and compatibility with existing files—before switching.
Trade-off: The free tier is described as limited, and paid-plan costs are not fully transparent.
6.4/10from
$2.49/mofree plan - Cross-platform PDF work
Foxit PDF EditorFoxit PDF EditorFoxit PDF Editor fits if the work you are moving away from MathType is really about handling finished documents across platforms. Its listing includes PDF editing, eSign, and batch tools, with plans from $10.83. That makes it an adjacent document option, not a documented way to author or replace MathType equations.
Trade-off: AI-credit caps and tier-gated tools affect value; it is not documented as an equation editor.
7.2/10from
$10.83/mo - Everyday PDF tasks
SmallpdfSmallpdfSmallpdf may suit people whose priority has shifted from equation authoring to routine PDF work. The listing describes editing and e-signature tools, a free plan, and paid plans from $7. It is not presented as a MathType substitute, and the published details do not say whether it preserves or edits MathType equations.
Trade-off: Free-use limits and paid-plan costs narrow its appeal.
6.6/10from
$7/mofree plan - Varied PDF tasks
iLovePDFiLovePDFiLovePDF is the low-entry-price option here for people who need varied PDF tasks in one app, rather than a replacement equation editor. Its listing gives it a free plan and a $5 starting price, and says teams can use custom PDF workflows. Check what the free plan allows and how it handles your existing equation files.
Trade-off: Free limits are unclear, and the listing flags privacy concerns.
7.8/10from
€5/mofree plan - PDF forms and signing
pdfFillerpdfFillerpdfFiller makes sense only if your reason for leaving MathType is part of a wider move toward PDF forms and signing. The listing describes fillable forms and e-signatures for individuals and small teams, with plans from $8. It does not establish equation-authoring or MathType-file support, so it is not a like-for-like replacement.
Trade-off: There is no free plan, and reported save paywalls weaken the value.
5.8/10from
$8/mo
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 MathType MathType (current) | 5.4 | $4.43/mo | Yes | Educators writing equations in Office |
| Word for the web Word for the web | 6.5 | $1.67/mo | Yes | Free browser-based document editing |
| WPS Office WPS Office | 6.4 | $2.49/mo | Yes | Personal users with basic document needs |
| Foxit PDF Editor Foxit PDF Editor | 7.2 | $10.83/mo | No | Teams editing PDFs across platforms |
| Smallpdf Smallpdf | 6.6 | $7/mo | Yes | People handling PDFs regularly |
| iLovePDF iLovePDF | 7.8 | €5/mo | Yes | People handling varied PDF tasks |
| pdfFiller pdfFiller | 5.8 | $8/mo | No | People who regularly edit and sign PDFs |
Questions people ask
Which MathType alternative is a direct replacement?
Based on the options covered here, we cannot confirm a direct replacement: none is described as equation-authoring software. Word for the web and WPS Office are the closest document-suite options, but the published details do not establish their equation tools or compatibility with existing MathType files. Verify those before moving a library.
Does MathType still support older macOS versions?
In one r/matheducation thread, a user said WIRIS had told them there would be no new MathType version for macOS Catalina or Big Sur for the foreseeable future. Other commenters said they were staying on Mojave to keep using MathType. Check current support information before upgrading a Mac.
How much does MathType cost compared with these options?
The published MathType listing says it starts at $4.43 and has a free plan; it does not specify the billing period. The listed alternatives start at $1.67 for Word for the web, $2.49 for WPS Office, and $5 for iLovePDF. Compare plan terms and needed features, not just starting prices.