Is HackerRank Worth It in 2025? An Honest Review

HackerRank has been around since 2012 and is used by millions of developers. But in 2025, with so many alternatives available, is it still worth your time?

This honest review covers HackerRank's features, pricing, pros, cons, and when you should use something else instead.

TL;DR: Is HackerRank Worth It?

For interview prep: Not the best choice. LeetCode is more focused on algorithm interviews.

For skill building: Decent option. Good for learning multiple domains (SQL, APIs, etc.).

For company assessments: Worth practicing if companies you're targeting use HackerRank.

Verdict: HackerRank is a solid free platform for broad skill building, but not ideal for focused interview prep. Use it alongside more interview-specific resources.

What Is HackerRank?

HackerRank is a coding practice platform offering challenges across multiple domains: algorithms, data structures, SQL, Python, Java, AI/ML, and more.

Key Features

• Multi-Domain Practice: Algorithms, databases, regex, functional programming, AI
• Skill Certifications: Verify skills with certificates
• Company Assessments: Many companies use HackerRank for screening
• Coding Contests: Compete with other developers
• Badges & Ranks: Gamification elements

HackerRank Pricing

HackerRank is free for individuals.

• All Practice: Free access to all challenges
• Certifications: Free skill certifications
• Contests: Free participation

The paid "HackerRank for Work" plans are for companies ($249-$599/month), not individual developers.

What HackerRank Does Well

1. Multi-Domain Coverage

HackerRank covers more than just algorithms:

• Algorithms & Data Structures
• SQL & Databases
• Python, Java, C++, JavaScript
• Regex
• Functional Programming
• AI/ML Challenges

Great for: Developers who want to practice SQL alongside algorithms, or explore new domains.

2. Free Skill Certifications

HackerRank offers free certifications in:

• Problem Solving (Basic/Intermediate/Advanced)
• Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL
• REST API, React, Node.js

Great for: Adding verified skills to your resume or LinkedIn.

3. Company Familiarity

Many companies use HackerRank for technical screening, including:

• Atlassian
• Adobe
• Goldman Sachs
• Booking.com

Great for: Getting comfortable with the HackerRank interface before real assessments.

4. Contests & Competitions

HackerRank hosts regular coding contests that let you compete globally.

Great for: Competitive programmers, measuring your skills.

Where HackerRank Falls Short

1. Not Interview-Focused

HackerRank's problem set isn't optimized for coding interviews:

• No company tags: Can't see what Google/Amazon asks
• No frequency data: Don't know which problems are asked most
• Broad, not deep: Covers everything, masters nothing

LeetCode is better for: Focused algorithm interview prep.

2. Outdated Problem Quality

Some users find HackerRank problems:

• Less representative of actual interview questions
• Sometimes poorly worded or edge-case heavy
• User solutions often locked behind paywall

3. Interface & Experience

The HackerRank interface can feel dated compared to competitors:

• Code editor is functional but basic
• Some problems have clunky I/O handling
• Community solutions less visible than LeetCode

4. No Structured Learning Path

HackerRank lacks a clear curriculum:

• No "start here, then do this" roadmap
• Topics feel scattered
• No pattern-based learning

AlgoMonster is better for: Structured, pattern-based learning.

HackerRank vs Alternatives

When to Use HackerRank

Use HackerRank if:

• Companies you're targeting use HackerRank for assessments
• You want to practice SQL alongside algorithms
• You want free certifications for your resume
• You enjoy coding contests

Don't use HackerRank if:

• You're focused on algorithm interview prep → Use LeetCode
• You want structured learning → Use AlgoMonster or NeetCode
• You want gamified daily practice → Use Codewars

The Optimal Approach

Combine HackerRank with more focused tools:

1. Learn patterns: NeetCode (free) or AlgoMonster (paid)
2. Practice algorithms: LeetCode + LeetCopilot
3. Practice SQL: HackerRank (good for this)
4. Company assessments: Practice on HackerRank if they use it

Real User Reviews

Positive

"HackerRank certifications helped me get noticed by recruiters."

"Good for SQL practice. I use it alongside LeetCode for algorithms."

Critical

"Problems feel outdated compared to what's asked in real interviews."

"The interface feels clunky. LeetCode's editor is much better."

FAQ

Is HackerRank free?
Yes, HackerRank is completely free for individual developers.

Is HackerRank good for interviews?
It's okay for general practice, but LeetCode is better for algorithm interview prep.

Are HackerRank certifications valuable?
They can help your resume stand out, especially for entry-level roles.

Should I use HackerRank or LeetCode?
For interviews, prioritize LeetCode. For SQL and broad skills, HackerRank is useful.

Verdict: Is HackerRank Worth It?

Worth it for:

• ✅ SQL practice — Good coverage
• ✅ Free certifications — Resume boost
• ✅ Company assessments — If they use HackerRank
• ✅ Broad skill building — Multiple domains

Not worth it for:

• ❌ Focused interview prep — LeetCode is better
• ❌ Pattern learning — AlgoMonster is better
• ❌ Structured roadmaps — NeetCode is better

Final Answer: HackerRank is a good free supplement, but not your primary interview prep tool. Use it for SQL, certifications, and familiarity with the platform—but rely on LeetCode + LeetCopilot for algorithm interview prep.