Side by side
Axiom vs Maxima
Both stand on math solver apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Axiom provides a broad scientific-computing environment with its own language, compiler, algebra system, and graphics. Platform-specific setup and macOS limitations are important considerations alongside its long-running development history.
Visit Axiom
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Maxima covers a wide range of algebra and numerical work, with notebook, terminal, and browser access. Its own documentation warns that computer algebra results are not proven correct for every problem.
Visit MaximaThe facts
| Axiom | Maxima | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | nongnu.org | maxima.sourceforge.io |
| On math solver apps | #22 of 68 | #26 of 68 |
Axiom: what it does well
- Free BSD-like licensed software
- Built-in programming language and compiler
- Strongly typed mathematical hierarchy
- Broad subject coverage
- Offline desktop operation
What to know first
- Windows setup requires an X server and Linux installation
- macOS issues affect Hyperdoc and graphics
- Project is being reimplemented
Maxima: what it does well
- Free under the GNU General Public License.
- Supports symbolic and numerical operations.
- Offers formatted notebook and terminal interfaces.
- Can plot functions and data in two or three dimensions.
- An online browser version is available to try.
What to know first
- Linux plotting requires Gnuplot.
- The project cautions that results are not guaranteed correct for every problem.
- Some U.S. Department of Energy export restrictions apply.