AlgoMonster is excellent for learning coding patterns, but it's not the only option. Maybe you prefer video-based learning, need system design coverage, or want a completely free alternative.
This guide covers the 7 best AlgoMonster alternatives in 2025, organized by category, with honest comparisons to help you choose.
TL;DR: Best AlgoMonster Alternatives
| Alternative | Best For | Price |
|---|
| NeetCode | Free video explanations + curated roadmap | Free (Pro: $119/year) |
| LeetCode | High-volume practice | Free (Premium: $35/mo) |
| Educative | Structured text courses + system design | ~$299/year |
| DesignGurus | Pattern-based learning + system design | ~$99 lifetime |
| AlgoExpert | Video walkthroughs + curated problems | $199/year |
| Pramp | Free mock interviews | Free |
| GreatFrontEnd | Front-end interview prep | Freemium |
1. NeetCode (Best Free Alternative)
What it is: A curated roadmap of LeetCode problems with video explanations, created by a former Google engineer.
Key Features:
- NeetCode 75 & 150: Curated lists of the most important LeetCode problems
- Video Explanations: Clear, concise YouTube videos for each problem
- Structured Roadmap: Organized by topic (Arrays, Two Pointers, Graphs, DP, etc.)
- Free Core Content: Most videos and problem lists are free
NeetCode Pro ($119/year):
- Additional problems and courses
- System design content
- Built-in code editor
Why Choose NeetCode Over AlgoMonster:
- Free: NeetCode's core content is completely free
- Video-Based: If you prefer watching over reading, NeetCode wins
- Curated Quality: Focuses on the most frequently asked problems
Why Stick with AlgoMonster:
- AlgoMonster's interactive text format is better for quick reference
- AlgoMonster covers more patterns in-depth
Best for: Visual learners, beginners, budget-conscious prep.
2. LeetCode (Best for High-Volume Practice)
What it is: The largest coding problem database, with 3,000+ problems used by millions of engineers.
Key Features:
- Massive Problem Bank: 3,000+ problems across all topics
- Company Tags: See which companies ask which questions (Premium)
- Contest & Leaderboards: Competitive programming features
- Active Community: Discuss solutions and approaches
- Mobile App: Practice on the go
Pricing:
- Free: Access to most problems
- Premium ($35/month): Company tags, official solutions, frequency data
Why Choose LeetCode Over AlgoMonster:
- Volume: If you want to grind hundreds of problems, LeetCode is unmatched
- Company-Specific Prep: Premium shows you exactly what Google/Amazon asks
Why Stick with AlgoMonster:
- LeetCode has no structured curriculum—you're on your own
- AlgoMonster teaches patterns; LeetCode just gives you problems
Best for: Self-directed learners, experienced engineers, competitive programmers.
Pro Tip: Use LeetCopilot with LeetCode for AI-powered hints when you're stuck.
3. Educative (Best for Structured Learning + System Design)
What it is: Interactive, text-based courses covering algorithms, system design, and more.
Key Features:
- Grokking the Coding Interview: Pattern-based course similar to AlgoMonster
- Grokking the System Design Interview: One of the best system design courses available
- In-Browser Coding: No setup required
- Text-Based: Fast to navigate, no video watchers' delay
- AI-Powered Mock Interviews: Practice with AI feedback
Pricing:
- Individual Course: ~$79-99
- Yearly Subscription: ~$299/year for all courses
Why Choose Educative Over AlgoMonster:
- System Design: Educative's Grokking System Design is industry-leading
- Breadth: Covers more topics beyond DSA
- Similar Format: Text-based, interactive—like AlgoMonster
Why Stick with AlgoMonster:
- AlgoMonster's lifetime plan is cheaper for DSA-only prep
- AlgoMonster is more focused (less overwhelming)
Best for: Senior engineers, system design prep, comprehensive interview prep.
4. DesignGurus (Best for Pattern-Based Learning + System Design)
What it is: Courses focused on coding patterns and system design, including the famous "Grokking" series.
Key Features:
- Grokking the Coding Interview (Patterns): Teaches 16 coding patterns
- Grokking the System Design Interview: Comprehensive system design
- Visual Explanations: Diagrams and flowcharts
- Lifetime Access: One-time payment options
Pricing:
- Individual courses: ~$79-99
- All-Access: ~$199-299 lifetime
Why Choose DesignGurus Over AlgoMonster:
- System Design: AlgoMonster lacks depth here
- Similar Pattern Philosophy: Both teach patterns, not just problems
- Lifetime Access: Like AlgoMonster
Why Stick with AlgoMonster:
- AlgoMonster's DSA coverage is more thorough
- Better interactive coding environment
Best for: Candidates who need both DSA patterns AND system design.
5. AlgoExpert (Best for Video Walkthroughs)
What it is: A curated collection of 160+ coding problems with detailed video explanations.
Key Features:
- Curated Problems: 160+ problems selected for interview relevance
- Video Explanations: Every problem has a detailed video walkthrough
- Mock Assessments: Simulate real coding interviews
- Data Structures Crash Course: Learn fundamentals from scratch
- SystemsExpert: Separate system design course
Pricing:
- ~$99/year (often discounted)
- ~$159 for AlgoExpert + SystemsExpert
Why Choose AlgoExpert Over AlgoMonster:
- Videos: If you prefer watching over reading
- Curated & Focused: Fewer problems, more depth per problem
Why Stick with AlgoMonster:
- AlgoMonster covers more patterns
- Text-based format is faster to review
Best for: Video learners who want depth over breadth.
6. Pramp (Best for Free Mock Interviews)
What it is: A free peer-to-peer mock interview platform.
Key Features:
- 5 Free Sessions/Month: Practice coding, system design, or behavioral
- Peer Matching: Interview other candidates and get interviewed
- Structured Feedback: Rubric-based evaluation forms
- Part of Exponent: Now integrated with Exponent's platform
Pricing: Free (5 sessions/month). Unlimited with Exponent subscription.
Why Choose Pramp Over AlgoMonster:
- Different Purpose: AlgoMonster teaches; Pramp tests
- Completely Free: No cost for core features
Why Use Both:
- Learn patterns on AlgoMonster, then validate with Pramp mocks
Best for: Practicing interviews after you've learned the fundamentals.
7. GreatFrontEnd (Best for Front-End Interviews)
What it is: A specialized platform for front-end interview preparation.
Key Features:
- Front-End Focused: JavaScript, React, CSS, HTML, accessibility
- UI Coding Challenges: Build actual components
- Front-End System Design: Design Twitter feeds, autocomplete, etc.
- In-Browser Coding: Practice directly on the site
Pricing: Freemium. Premium for full content.
Why Choose GreatFrontEnd Over AlgoMonster:
- Specialization: AlgoMonster is DSA-focused; GreatFrontEnd covers front-end specific topics
- UI/UX Practice: Build real components, not just algorithms
Why Use Both:
- Use AlgoMonster for DSA fundamentals
- Use GreatFrontEnd for front-end specific rounds
Best for: Front-end engineers, full-stack engineers with front-end interviews.
Comparison Table
| Feature | AlgoMonster | NeetCode | LeetCode | Educative | DesignGurus | AlgoExpert |
|---|
| Approach | Patterns (text) | Roadmap (video) | Problem bank | Courses (text) | Patterns | Curated (video) |
| Problems | ~230 | 150-300 | 3,000+ | Varies | Varies | 160+ |
| System Design | Limited | Pro only | No | Excellent | Excellent | SystemsExpert |
| Format | Text + interactive | Video + list | Practice | Text + interactive | Text | Video |
| Pricing | $99-150 lifetime | Free / $119/yr Pro | Free / $35/mo | ~$299/yr | ~$199 lifetime | ~$199/yr |
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Choose NeetCode if:
- You want free content
- You prefer video explanations
- You want a curated roadmap of LeetCode problems
Choose LeetCode if:
- You need high-volume practice (500+ problems)
- You want company-specific question data
- You're comfortable self-directing your study
Choose Educative if:
- You need system design coverage
- You want a comprehensive curriculum beyond just DSA
- You prefer text-based, structured courses
Choose DesignGurus if:
- You want pattern-based learning PLUS system design
- You prefer lifetime access over subscriptions
Choose AlgoExpert if:
- You prefer video walkthroughs
- You want a tightly curated, small problem set
Stick with AlgoMonster if:
- You want efficient, pattern-first DSA learning
- You prefer text + interactive over video
- You have limited time (4-6 weeks)
The Optimal Combination
Many successful candidates combine resources:
Beginner Path:
- NeetCode (free) — Learn patterns via video
- LeetCode — Practice problems from NeetCode 150
- LeetCopilot — AI hints when stuck
Comprehensive Path:
- AlgoMonster or DesignGurus — Learn DSA patterns
- Educative — System design
- LeetCode — High-volume practice
- Pramp — Mock interviews
FAQ
What's the best free AlgoMonster alternative?
NeetCode offers most of its content for free, including the NeetCode 75/150 roadmaps and YouTube videos.
Which alternative is best for system design?
Educative (Grokking the System Design Interview) and DesignGurus are the top choices.
Is LeetCode enough without AlgoMonster?
You can succeed with just LeetCode, but you'll need to learn patterns elsewhere (NeetCode, YouTube, or books). AlgoMonster accelerates pattern learning.
Can I use multiple platforms?
Absolutely. Many candidates learn patterns on AlgoMonster/NeetCode, practice on LeetCode, and do mock interviews on Pramp.
Conclusion: Choose Based on Your Learning Style
AlgoMonster is excellent—but it's not the only path.
- Free? NeetCode + LeetCode + LeetCopilot
- Video-based? NeetCode or AlgoExpert
- System design? Educative or DesignGurus
- Front-end? GreatFrontEnd
- Mock practice? Pramp
Pick the combination that matches your learning style, budget, and timeline. Good luck!
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