Calculator for iPad₊ alternatives

Users often seek alternatives to Calculator for iPad₊ due to frequent, intrusive ads and perceived predatory subscription practices. Many look for simpler, ad-free experiences or apps with more transparent pricing for basic calculation needs.

Why users look for alternatives to Calculator for iPad₊

The app is plagued by frequent and intrusive pop-up ads that disrupt calculations and make the app nearly unusable.^R1^R9^R16^R24
Users report that ads appear even after paying for a subscription, or that the app tries to trick them into subscribing.^R7^R41^R43
There are complaints about being double-charged for subscriptions across different Apple devices or that paid features like history don't work.^R10^R28
Some users are concerned about data tracking, privacy policies, and terms of service for a basic calculator app.^R4

The alternatives

Calculator₊

4.7★ · 1,723,281 ratings · Free

Calculator₊ offers a range of calculators and features, including the ability to upload math problems via photo, though this comes at a price ^R62. Users appreciate its large fonts and ease of use ^R52^R64.

Better for: This app is better for users who need advanced features like photo math and value large, easy-to-read fonts, provided they are willing to pay a subscription fee ^R52^R62. It suits those who use a calculator frequently and find the paid version reliable ^R60^R64.

Head-to-head: Calculator for iPad₊ vs Calculator₊

Calculator‰

4.9★ · 408,857 ratings · Free

Calculator‰ is described as a simple and basic calculator that works well for everyday needs . However, it has recently become unusable for many due to constant and long ad interruptions, especially when hitting 'total' or opening the app ^R65^R67^R68^R70.

Better for: This app was previously better for users seeking a straightforward, basic calculator without complex features . However, current reviews indicate it is no longer recommended due to overwhelming ads ^R65.

Head-to-head: Calculator for iPad₊ vs Calculator‰

Calculator⁼

4.6★ · 357,863 ratings · Free

Calculator⁼ is praised for being simple, easy to use, quick, and accurate, offering several calculation options ^R83. However, like many others, it is heavily criticized for having too many annoying pop-up ads that make it almost unusable ^R79^R81^R82.

Better for: This app would be better for users who need a quick, accurate, and simple calculator with various options, but only if they can tolerate or bypass the significant ad presence ^R83.

Head-to-head: Calculator for iPad₊ vs Calculator⁼

Basic Calculator+

4.9★ · 256,302 ratings · Free

Basic Calculator+ is exactly what its name suggests: a basic calculator for everyday calculations ^R94. Users appreciate its simplicity and ease of use ^R94. However, it is frequently criticized for intrusive ads that pop up during calculations or block the screen, making it unusable for many ^R93^R95^R96.

Better for: This app is suitable for users who need a very basic, straightforward calculator for simple math . However, the pervasive ad issue makes it difficult to recommend for consistent use ^R93^R95.

Head-to-head: Calculator for iPad₊ vs Basic Calculator+

Calculator

4.5★ · 145,833 ratings · Free

Calculator is described as helpful for school and offers various backgrounds, being completely free ^R108. However, numerous users report that it has too many ads, often appearing every time a function like 'clear' is pressed ^R109^R110. Some find it a bit confusing or laggy ^R111.

Better for: This app could be better for students who need a free calculator with aesthetic options for schoolwork ^R108. However, the high frequency of ads is a significant drawback ^R110.

Head-to-head: Calculator for iPad₊ vs Calculator

Stick with Calculator for iPad₊ if

You should stick with Calculator for iPad₊ if you find its specific features or layout indispensable and are willing to tolerate frequent ads, or if you have found its paid version to be reliable and worth the cost ^R38.

Evidence note: Calculator₊, Calculator‰, Calculator⁼, Basic Calculator+, and Calculator all have sufficient reviews to form a judgment.

Frequently asked

Why do so many calculator apps have ads?

Many calculator apps, including Calculator for iPad₊, Calculator‰, Calculator⁼, Basic Calculator+, and Calculator, include ads as a primary way for developers to generate revenue, especially for apps offered for free ^R1^R3^R6. These ads can be very intrusive, often appearing as pop-ups that disrupt calculations or take over the entire screen ^R1^R16^R24^R68.

Are there any ad-free calculator apps for iPad?

While many calculator apps like Calculator for iPad₊ offer in-app purchases to remove ads, users often report that ads persist even after paying, or that the subscription models are confusing or predatory ^R7^R43. Some users resort to using built-in iPad features like Siri or creating a homepage shortcut to a webpage calculator to avoid ads ^R13^R24.

Is it worth paying for a calculator app?

The value of paying for a calculator app depends on individual needs and the app's specific offerings. For Calculator for iPad₊, some users find the annual price functional and worth it for accurate computations ^R17^R38, while others report issues like double charges or paid features not working ^R10^R28. For Calculator₊, the photo math feature might justify the price for some, but others find it too expensive compared to free alternatives like ChatGPT ^R62. Many users question paying any recurring subscription for a basic calculator, as free options are readily available .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

[R1] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US Ads galore: This used to be a decent app, but now you cant do anything without a pop up ad. This is a calculator! why the hell are there ads!?
[R9] Calculator for iPad₊ 3/5 · US It’s meh.: Pretty helpful app for needing to study math but Out of nowhere you get an ad for calculator… WHILE USING CALCULATOR Fix that now
[R16] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US How extremely annoying to use: The calculator works wonderful but the ads that keep popping up, make it literally impossible for you to use. I hate it. I totally hate it.
[R24] Calculator for iPad₊ 3/5 · US Ads kill this app: I wanted a simple calculator for my ipad since apple doesn’t have it as an option (for some reason??). This one was great but having ads not only present but take over the whole screen in a pop up that you have to wait a few seconds to click out of make it unbearable. I’d rather just create a homepage shortcut to a webpage calculator 🙄
[R7] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US Fruity, requires in app purchases get rid of ads.: Fruity, requires in app purchases get rid of ads.
[R41] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US Scam: Tricked me to pay
[R43] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US Predatory. Tries to trick users into subscribing.: Predatory practices. Tries to immediately trick the user into subscribing at either price point. Says no ads but displays ads. Breaks App Store rules. These developers are no good.
[R10] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US Double charge?: They want you to pay 1 fee to use on iphone and another to use on ipad…even on same apple account. Not ok
[R28] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US Selling upgrade that doesn’t work: Have used the app for years and the out of the blue you have to pay a subscription fee to unlock the history. Ok, but I have paid twice now and still can’t see my history. Con!!
[R4] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US No: A calculator now needs ads, terms of service, privacy policy, and a FORGET ME button, which implies they are tracking your data, and are. For a calculator. I’m switching to a more default feel app.
[R52] Calculator₊ 5/5 · US Appreciative: Large Fonts Are Very Helpful!
[R60] Calculator₊ 5/5 · US App bug: I genuinely love your product and have been using the paid version for several years, but for about a month now, there's been an annoying bug: if the answer to a division problem is a repeating decimal, it doesn't display in the answer line; it just shows "0e0." You have to click on the calculation history to see the actual result. Please fix this; it's quite inconvenient. · translated
[R62] Calculator₊ 4/5 · US Great Calculators: This App Has Great Calculators And Features Such As That It Allows You To Upload A Math Problem Via Photo, For A Price; My Only Issue Is That That Price Is Too Much For An App That I Use On Occasion. I Already Have ChatGPT And So Do Millions Of People, So The Price For This App Is Not Worth It. If It Were, Say, $25 For A Yearly Subscription, Then Yes, Definitely Would Subscribe.
[R64] Calculator₊ 5/5 · US Always use this app!!! Easy to use and have had fo many years!: You will love it
[R65] Calculator‰ 1/5 · US Constant Ad Interruption: I used this app for years but now the interruptions with ads make it unusable. I’ve deleted and moved on. Not worth downloading.
[R67] Calculator‰ 3/5 · US Ads: I realize you need to make money, but EVERYTIME I hit total an ad comes up. This used to be my favorite calculator. Time to move on
[R68] Calculator‰ 1/5 · US Long ads: Almost impossible to use. This app has now incorporated long ads which begin shortly after opening. No way to close the ad without seeing it the full way through.
[R70] Calculator‰ 3/5 · US Ad monster gets bigger and bigger: Worst part is when the ads popped up, you couldn’t get the pop up to go away to get back to the calculator screen. Had enough of it, changed to a different calculator program
[R79] Calculator⁼ 1/5 · US Ad: Too many ads on iPad.
[R81] Calculator⁼ 3/5 · US Easy to use, but: Too many annoying pop ups!
[R82] Calculator⁼ 1/5 · US Too Many Ads: Every update of this App adds more Ad’s !! The App is now almost unusable !! SAD.
[R83] Calculator⁼ 5/5 · US Simple: Easy to use.
[R93] Basic Calculator+ 1/5 · US Ads: Was trying to use this and ads kept popping up…on a calculator app like rly -.- Deleted it so fast
[R94] Basic Calculator+ 5/5 · US Basic calculator plus: Awesome calculator easy to use
[R95] Basic Calculator+ 3/5 · US Please reduce the ads: The basic calculator works great, but many times now, every time I try to remember a number to put into the calculator I find myself trying to get out of the ads first . These popups have progressively gotten to the frustration point to the user. I do realize that income is necessary and that comes from the ads, but all it does is make me want to not purchase from those comp
[R96] Basic Calculator+ 1/5 · US Blocking calculator: Now it keeps blocking the calculator and keeps an ad up, trying to force me to get an app to scan your phone on an iPad.
[R108] Calculator 5/5 · US Calc: Very helpful
[R109] Calculator 3/5 · US It was ok ig?: It worked great for everything but a little to much ads.
[R110] Calculator 1/5 · US Too many ads: lol it gives me an ad every time I click the c function. Useless
[R111] Calculator 4/5 · US It was awesome: It was great the only problem is it was really laggy and I couldn’t figure out how to return to start another question but ether then that it was GREAT 😁I would get it
[R3] Calculator for iPad₊ 3/5 · US Ads: Why ads no ads
[R6] Calculator for iPad₊ 3/5 · US Okay but just use a real one: Good but why ads it is literally just a calculator. Also this is not why i rated it lower but i do not understand half of the components that you can use. A real calculator has no ads👍🏻
[R13] Calculator for iPad₊ 1/5 · US No purpose: If you have an iPad you can use the free one or Siri
[R17] Calculator for iPad₊ 5/5 · US Appreciation: I love having the ability to make accurate computations!
[R38] Calculator for iPad₊ 5/5 · US Me gusta: Es funcional y tiene buen precio anual.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store