Best Interviewing.io Alternatives in 2026: Free & Paid Options

Interviewing.io is the gold standard for mock interviews with real FAANG engineers. But at $225+ per session, it's a premium investment that not everyone can afford.

The good news? You have options. Whether you want free peer-to-peer practice, AI-powered mock interviews, or cheaper expert coaching, there are solid alternatives for every budget.

This guide covers the best Interviewing.io alternatives in 2025—helping you get quality interview practice without breaking the bank.

TL;DR: Quick Comparison

What Interviewing.io Offers (And Why You Might Want Alternatives)

Before exploring alternatives, let's understand what Interviewing.io provides:

Interviewing.io includes:

• Anonymous mock interviews with senior FAANG engineers
• Detailed written feedback after each session
• Session recordings with interviewer annotations
• Multiple interview types: coding, system design, behavioral
• Potential job connections for top performers

Interviewing.io pricing:

• Standard mock interview: ~$225
• Branded interviews (specific company): ~$339
• System design: Higher (varies)

Why consider alternatives:

1. Budget constraints: $225/session adds up quickly
2. You want free options: Peer-to-peer platforms cost nothing
3. AI is sufficient for now: AI mock interviews have improved significantly
4. You need volume practice: Can't afford 5-10 paid sessions
5. You're earlier in prep: Expert feedback is wasted if you're still learning basics

Best Free Alternatives to Interviewing.io

1. Pramp (Best Free Peer-to-Peer Platform)

What it is: A platform that matches you with other candidates for mutual mock interviews.

How it works:

• Schedule a session (30-60 minutes)
• Get matched with another candidate
• Take turns interviewing each other
• Provide rubric-based feedback

What you get:

• Live video + collaborative coding environment
• Questions provided for coding, behavioral, system design
• Structured feedback forms
• 5 free sessions per month

Pricing:

• Free: 5 sessions/month
• Unlimited: Requires Exponent subscription (~$79/month)

Pros:

• Completely free for basic use
• Real human interaction
• Practice being an interviewer too
• Multiple interview types supported

Cons:

• Peer quality varies widely
• Feedback quality depends on your partner
• Not expert-level calibration

Best for: Building confidence and practicing the format before paid sessions.

Website: pramp.com

2. Google Interview Warmup (Best Free AI Tool)

What it is: A free AI-powered interview practice tool from Google.

How it works:

• Choose a job field (Software Engineering, PM, Data Analytics, etc.)
• AI asks questions via voice or text
• Your responses are transcribed and analyzed
• Get insights on word usage, topics covered, and talking points

What you get:

• Industry-specific practice scenarios
• Real-time transcription
• Analysis of job-relevant terminology
• Completely free, no signup required

Pros:

• Zero cost
• No scheduling needed
• Good for behavioral practice
• Analyzes speech patterns

Cons:

• No live coding environment
• Limited technical depth
• Doesn't simulate real interviewer interaction
• Basic feedback compared to humans

Best for: Quick practice sessions and behavioral interview prep.

Website: grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup

3. LeetCopilot Interview Mode (Best for Technical Practice)

What it is: An AI-powered interview simulation that practices technical interviews with context-aware feedback.

How it works:

• Enter Interview Mode with a LeetCode problem
• Practice solving while explaining your thinking out loud
• Get feedback on your approach and communication
• Simulates real interview conditions

What you get:

• Technical problem practice under interview conditions
• Feedback on problem-solving approach
• Communication skill development
• Hints without spoiling solutions

Pricing: Free

Pros:

• Combines coding practice with interview simulation
• Context-aware hints
• No scheduling required
• Free to use

Cons:

• AI, not human interviewer
• Best for coding, not system design or behavioral

Best for: Practicing the coding portion of technical interviews.

Try it: LeetCopilot Interview Mode

4. InterviewBit Mock Interviews (Free Peer Matching)

What it is: A free platform that matches you with peers for mock interview practice.

How it works:

• Sign up and set your availability
• Get matched with peers based on experience level
• Conduct mock interviews with hints and solutions provided
• Collaborative coding editor + audio calling

What you get:

• Anonymous peer matching
• Complete question bank with hints
• Real-time collaborative environment
• Interview tips and solutions

Pricing: Free

Pros:

• No cost
• Questions provided with solutions
• Good for consistent practice

Cons:

• Peer quality varies
• Less established than Pramp

Best for: Free structured practice with provided questions.

Best Paid Alternatives to Interviewing.io

1. MeetAPro (Best Affordable Expert Feedback)

What it is: A marketplace connecting candidates with FAANG interviewers for mock interviews.

How it works:

• Browse coaches by company, role, and ratings
• Book sessions directly
• Get personalized feedback

Pricing: Varies by coach (often cheaper than Interviewing.io)

Pros:

• Often more affordable than Interviewing.io
• Choose your specific interviewer
• Transparent pricing and reviews
• FAANG-quality feedback

Cons:

• Quality depends on coach selection
• Less platform infrastructure than Interviewing.io

Best for: Those who want expert feedback at lower prices.

Website: meetapro.com

2. Hello Interview (AI + Human Hybrid)

What it is: A platform combining AI interview practice with expert FAANG coaching.

How it works:

• Practice anytime with AI mock interviews
• Book human sessions with FAANG staff engineers
• Covers coding, system design, and behavioral

Pricing: Varies (AI is cheaper, human sessions premium)

Pros:

• AI for volume practice, human for calibration
• FAANG staff engineers as coaches
• Comprehensive interview type coverage
• Resume review and salary negotiation support

Cons:

• Human sessions still expensive
• Newer platform

Best for: Those who want AI volume with occasional human calibration.

3. Design Gurus Mock Interviews (Best for System Design)

What it is: Live mock interviews with FAANG experts, focused on system design.

Pricing: Part of membership (~$180/year) or à la carte

What you get:

• Structured system design practice
• Expert feedback from FAANG engineers
• Access to Grokking courses

Pros:

• System design specialists
• Bundled with excellent learning content
• More affordable as part of subscription

Cons:

• Less coding-focused
• Fewer scheduling options than Interviewing.io

Best for: Those specifically preparing for system design interviews.

4. Exponent (Best for PM & Behavioral)

What it is: A comprehensive interview prep platform with courses, mock interviews, and community.

Pricing: ~$200/year or $79/month

What you get:

• Video courses on PM, engineering, data science interviews
• Mock interview matching
• Community discussions
• Behavioral interview focus

Pros:

• Strong for PM roles
• Good behavioral content
• Community support
• Multiple role types covered

Cons:

• Less technical depth for SWE coding
• Mock quality varies (peer-based)

Best for: PM candidates and those needing behavioral prep.

Note: Exponent acquired Pramp, so their mock interview systems are linked.

5. Prepfully (Expert-Led Mocks)

What it is: A platform for 1:1 mock interviews with experienced professionals.

What you get:

• Personalized mock interviews
• Expert feedback
• Multiple interview types

Best for: Those who want the Interviewing.io experience at potentially lower prices.

AI-Powered Mock Interview Tools

The AI mock interview space has exploded in 2024-2025. Here are additional options:

When to use AI tools:

• High-volume practice without scheduling
• Refining speech patterns and communication
• Preparing for recorded video interviews
• Budget constraints

When AI isn't enough:

• You need expert calibration
• Complex system design discussions
• Nuanced behavioral feedback
• Final prep before real interviews

Comparison: Which Alternative Is Right for You?

Choose Pramp If:

• You're on a tight budget
• You want real human interaction
• You're comfortable with peer feedback
• You want to practice being an interviewer

Choose AI Tools (Google Warmup, LeetCopilot) If:

• You need high-volume practice
• Scheduling is difficult
• You're early in your prep journey
• You want to work on communication basics

Choose MeetAPro If:

• You want expert feedback at lower cost
• Specific company/role expertise matters
• You're comparison shopping for coaches

Choose Exponent If:

• You're preparing for PM interviews
• Behavioral is your weakness
• You want courses + mock interviews combined

Choose Design Gurus If:

• System design is your primary focus
• You want the Grokking methodology
• You need both learning content and mocks

Stay with Interviewing.io If:

• You value the platform infrastructure
• You want recorded sessions with annotations
• You need the job connection potential
• Budget isn't a constraint

The Optimal Free Mock Interview Stack

Here's how to get quality mock interview practice for free:

Step 1: Build Basics with AI

Use Google Interview Warmup and LeetCopilot Interview Mode to:

• Practice explaining your thinking out loud
• Get comfortable with the format
• Build confidence before peer practice

Step 2: Peer Practice with Pramp

Use Pramp (5 free sessions/month) to:

• Practice with real humans
• Learn to give and receive feedback
• Simulate interview pressure

Step 3: Find Practice Partners

Reach out to:

• Friends preparing for interviews
• Discord/Reddit communities (cscareerquestions, blind)
• Local coding meetups

Free peer practice with friends often beats Pramp because:

• More comfortable environment
• Can give brutally honest feedback
• Schedule flexibly

Step 4: Invest in 1-2 Paid Sessions for Calibration

Before real interviews, consider:

• 1-2 MeetAPro or Interviewing.io sessions
• Get expert calibration on your blind spots
• Use the feedback for final refinement

Total cost: $0-450 (vs. $1,000+ for 5+ Interviewing.io sessions)

FAQ

Is Pramp as good as Interviewing.io?
No, but it's free. Pramp provides peer practice, not expert calibration. It's best for volume practice and format familiarity. Interviewing.io is for high-quality feedback from FAANG engineers.

Can AI mock interviews replace human practice?
Not entirely. AI is great for volume practice and communication basics, but lacks nuanced feedback and real interview pressure. Use AI for prep, humans for calibration.

How many mock interviews do I need?
Most candidates benefit from 5-10 mock interviews before interviewing at target companies. Mix free (Pramp, AI) for volume with 1-3 paid sessions for calibration.

Is Interviewing.io ever worth the price?
Yes, if you're close to real interviews and need expert calibration. 2-3 sessions can identify blind spots worth fixing. See our Interviewing.io review for details.

What's the best free alternative?
Pramp for human interaction, LeetCopilot Interview Mode for technical practice, Google Interview Warmup for behavioral. Use all three.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Alternatives

Mistake 1: Going Straight to Paid Without Free Practice

The trap: Paying $225 for expert feedback before you've done any mock practice.

The fix: Do 5-10 free mock interviews first. Fix obvious issues. Then invest in paid sessions for calibration.

Mistake 2: Only Using AI

The trap: Practicing exclusively with AI and never experiencing real human pressure.

The fix: AI is for volume. Use Pramp or friends for the human experience. Real interviews involve social dynamics AI can't simulate.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Behavioral Prep

The trap: Focusing only on coding mocks and failing behavioral rounds.

The fix: Use Google Interview Warmup and Exponent for behavioral. Most candidates underestimate behavioral's importance.

Mistake 4: Too Many Paid Sessions

The trap: Buying 10 Interviewing.io sessions ($2,250).

The fix: 2-3 expert sessions is usually enough. Diminishing returns after that. Spend the rest on free practice.

Conclusion: You Don't Need Interviewing.io to Practice

Interviewing.io is excellent—but it's a luxury, not a necessity.

Best free alternatives:

• Pramp for peer practice
• Google Interview Warmup for behavioral
• LeetCopilot Interview Mode for technical coding

Best paid alternatives:

• MeetAPro for cheaper expert feedback
• Design Gurus for system design focus
• Exponent for PM and behavioral

The optimal approach:

1. Volume practice with free tools (AI + Pramp)
2. Peer practice with friends and communities
3. Calibration with 1-3 paid expert sessions

This gives you the mock interview experience you need at a fraction of Interviewing.io's cost. Save the premium sessions for when they matter most—right before your target company interviews.