You've been grinding LeetCode for months. You can solve Medium problems in your sleep. But there's one thing that still terrifies you: the actual interview.
Enter Interviewing.io—a platform that promises mock interviews with real FAANG engineers. The pitch is compelling: practice under realistic conditions with experts who've been on the other side of the table.
But at $225+ per session, it's not cheap. Is Interviewing.io worth it, or are you better off with free alternatives?
This is the honest review you need—covering what you get, who it's for, and whether the premium price is justified.
TL;DR
- Price: $225+ per mock interview session (branded interviews ~$339)
- Best for: Experienced engineers preparing for FAANG who need expert feedback on their interview performance
- Not worth it if: You're a beginner, on a tight budget, or haven't exhausted free alternatives first
- Key Pros: FAANG-level interviewers, high-quality feedback, anonymous practice, recorded sessions
- Key Cons: Expensive, not beginner-friendly, interviewer quality can vary
- Free alternative: Pramp offers peer-to-peer mock interviews at no cost
- Verdict: Worth it if you're close to interviewing at top companies and need a final polish. Not worth it as your primary practice tool.
What Is Interviewing.io?
Interviewing.io is a premium mock interview platform that connects candidates with experienced engineers from top tech companies.
Key features:
- Real FAANG engineers: Interviewers are current or former engineers from Google, Meta, Amazon, etc.
- Anonymous interviews: Voice-only by default, reducing bias
- Recorded sessions: Review your performance and see interviewer annotations
- Multiple interview types: Coding, system design, behavioral
- Actionable feedback: Detailed written feedback after each session
The platform positions itself as the closest thing to a real interview experience outside of actual company interviews.
Interviewing.io Pricing Breakdown
This is where things get serious. Interviewing.io is not cheap.
| Session Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Mock Interview | ~$225 |
| Branded Interview (specific company) | ~$339 |
| System Design Interview | Higher (varies) |
| Behavioral Interview | ~$115-230 |
What affects the price:
- Interviewer experience level
- Specific company expertise (e.g., "I want a Google interviewer")
- Interview type (system design typically costs more)
Free options on the platform:
- Peer-to-peer mock interviews with other users
- AI interviewer (limited functionality)
Referral discounts: Some users report $100 off through referral codes.
The Good: Where Interviewing.io Shines
1. Real FAANG Engineers
The biggest selling point is interviewer quality. These aren't random peers—they're engineers who've:
- Conducted real interviews at top companies
- Been through the hiring process themselves
- Seen hundreds of candidates
This means feedback comes from people who actually know what interviewers look for.
2. Actionable, Expert Feedback
Users consistently praise the quality of feedback:
- Specific, not generic ("You struggled with X, try Y approach")
- Communication coaching (how you explain your thinking)
- Calibration against real candidates ("You'd be a strong hire / borderline / no-hire at my company")
This calibration insight is nearly impossible to get elsewhere.
3. Anonymous, Voice-Only Interviews
By default, interviews are voice-only without video. This:
- Reduces bias (interviewer doesn't know your background, appearance, etc.)
- Simulates real phone screens
- Helps candidates focus on communication, not appearance anxiety
4. Recorded Sessions
Every session is recorded, and you can:
- Rewatch your performance
- See real-time interviewer annotations (what they're thinking as you speak)
- Identify patterns in your mistakes
This is incredibly valuable for self-improvement.
5. Potential Job Pipeline
If you perform well, Interviewing.io can connect you with companies hiring. Strong candidates have received real interview requests from top companies based on their mock performance.
The Bad: Where Interviewing.io Falls Short
1. The Price Is Steep
$225+ per session adds up fast:
- 5 mock interviews = $1,125
- 10 mock interviews = $2,250
For most candidates, this is a significant investment—and arguably overkill if you haven't exhausted cheaper options first.
2. Not Beginner-Friendly
Interviewing.io is designed for candidates who:
- Already know DSA fundamentals
- Have some interview experience
- Are targeting senior roles at competitive companies
If you're still learning basics, this isn't for you. You'd be paying premium prices for feedback you're not ready to act on.
3. Interviewer Quality Can Vary
While most interviewers are excellent, quality isn't perfectly consistent. Some users report:
- Less engaged interviewers
- Feedback that felt generic
- Occasional scheduling issues
You're paying for the average high quality, but individual experiences vary.
4. Limited Value After a Few Sessions
Mock interview feedback follows diminishing returns. After 3-5 sessions with expert feedback, you've likely identified your main weaknesses. Additional sessions provide less incremental value.
5. Free Peer Interviews Are Limited
The free peer-to-peer option exists, but:
- Matching can be inconsistent
- Peer quality varies widely
- You get peer feedback, not expert calibration
It's useful but doesn't replace the paid experience.
Interviewing.io vs. Free Alternatives
Pramp (Best Free Alternative)
What it is: A free peer-to-peer mock interview platform.
How it works:
- Match with another candidate
- Take turns interviewing each other
- Give/receive rubric-based feedback
Pricing: 5 free sessions/month (unlimited with Exponent subscription at $79/mo)
Pramp vs. Interviewing.io:
| Aspect | Interviewing.io | Pramp |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $225+/session | Free |
| Interviewers | FAANG engineers | Other candidates |
| Feedback Quality | Expert calibration | Peer-level (variable) |
| Best For | Final polish | Initial practice |
| Interview Types | All | Coding, behavioral, system design |
When Pramp is better: You're building confidence, practicing communication, and exploring the format.
When Interviewing.io is better: You need calibration from someone who's actually hired people at your target company.
LeetCopilot Interview Mode
LeetCopilot Interview Mode offers AI-powered mock interview practice:
- Simulates real interview conditions
- Provides feedback on your approach
- Helps practice thinking out loud
- Free to use
Best for: Practicing the communication skills that interviews test—explaining your thinking, handling hints, and managing nerves—without the cost of human interviewers.
Who Should Use Interviewing.io?
The Ideal User
You should consider Interviewing.io if:
You're targeting FAANG or equivalent: The expert calibration is most valuable for top-tier companies with rigorous processes.
You've already done significant prep: You know DSA, can solve Medium problems, and have done free mock interviews.
You're in the final prep phase: You have interviews scheduled in the next 2-4 weeks and want a realistic pressure test.
You can afford the investment: $500-1,000 for 3-5 sessions won't strain your finances.
You need external feedback: You've been practicing alone and need someone who can spot blind spots.
Who Should Skip Interviewing.io
It's NOT worth it if:
You're a beginner: Spend that money on learning resources instead. Master fundamentals first.
You haven't tried free alternatives: Exhaust Pramp, peer practice with friends, and AI mock interviews first.
Budget is tight: $225 per session creates financial stress you don't need during job searching.
You're targeting mid-tier companies: The FAANG calibration is less relevant for companies with different interview styles.
You've already done 5+ paid sessions: Diminishing returns. You've likely gotten the main insights.
How to Maximize Value if You Buy Sessions
If you decide Interviewing.io is right for you, here's how to get the most from your investment:
1. Do Free Practice First
Before your paid session:
- Do 3-5 Pramp sessions
- Practice with LeetCopilot Interview Mode
- Record yourself solving problems
This ensures you're not paying $225 for feedback you could have gotten free.
2. Buy 2-3 Sessions, Not 10
Most valuable insights come in the first few sessions. Plan for:
- Session 1: Identify major weaknesses
- Session 2: Verify you've fixed them
- Session 3 (optional): Final confidence check
More than 5 is rarely necessary.
3. Request Specific Interview Types
Distribute across your weak areas:
- If system design is rusty, get a system design session
- If behavioral is weak, get a behavioral session
- Don't do 5 coding sessions if you already crush coding
4. Review Recordings Thoroughly
After each session:
- Watch the entire recording
- Note where you hesitated or went wrong
- Identify patterns across sessions
The recording is half the value. Don't skip it.
5. Act on Feedback Before Next Session
Don't stack sessions back-to-back. Give yourself 1-2 weeks to:
- Practice the specific feedback
- Apply insights to more problems
- Then test again
FAQ
Is Interviewing.io legit?
Yes. It's a well-established platform with real FAANG engineers as interviewers. Users have landed jobs at top companies after practicing on the platform.
Can I get free mock interviews on Interviewing.io?
Yes, the platform offers free peer-to-peer matching and an AI interviewer. However, the flagship experience (expert interviewers with detailed feedback) is paid.
How does it compare to paying a friend who works at Google?
If you have a friend willing to do mock interviews, that's often better—you get FAANG calibration for free, plus they understand your specific situation. Interviewing.io is for people who don't have that network.
Is the AI interviewer any good?
It's a useful supplement but doesn't replace human feedback. The AI can follow a script, but can't provide the nuanced calibration that expert humans offer.
Can Interviewing.io help me get a job?
Potentially. Candidates who perform well can get connected with hiring companies. However, this is a side benefit—the primary value is the practice, not job placement.
How many sessions do I need?
2-5 is the sweet spot for most people. Beyond that, you're likely seeing diminishing returns.
Common Mistakes When Using Interviewing.io
Mistake 1: Using It Too Early
The trap: Buying sessions when you're still learning Two Pointers.
The fix: Wait until you can comfortably solve LeetCode Medium problems. Expert feedback on "you don't know fundamentals" isn't worth $225.
Mistake 2: Not Recording or Reviewing
The trap: Doing the session, hearing feedback, and moving on.
The fix: The recording is half the value. Watch it. Take notes. Identify patterns.
Mistake 3: Stacking Sessions Without Practice
The trap: Booking 5 sessions in a week.
The fix: Space them out. Give yourself time to practice feedback and improve before testing again.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Free Alternatives First
The trap: Jumping straight to paid sessions without trying Pramp.
The fix: Do 5+ free mock interviews first. Interviewing.io is for polish, not foundational practice.
Conclusion: Is Interviewing.io Worth It?
Interviewing.io is a luxury tool for serious candidates. Like hiring a personal trainer before a competition, it provides expert feedback that free alternatives can't match—but it's expensive and unnecessary for most people's prep journey.
It's worth it if:
- You're targeting top-tier companies
- You've maxed out free practice options
- You're 2-4 weeks from real interviews
- You have the budget for 2-5 sessions
It's NOT worth it if:
- You're still learning fundamentals
- Budget is a concern
- You haven't tried Pramp or peer practice
- You're targeting companies with less rigorous interviews
For most candidates, the optimal path is:
- Learn patterns with NeetCode/LeetCode
- Practice communication with Pramp and LeetCopilot Interview Mode
- Get expert calibration with 2-3 Interviewing.io sessions (if targeting FAANG)
Don't pay $225 for feedback you could get free. But if you're close to interviewing at a dream company and need that final edge, Interviewing.io delivers real value.
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LeetCopilot is a free browser extension that enhances your LeetCode practice with AI-powered hints, personalized study notes, and realistic mock interviews — all designed to accelerate your coding interview preparation.
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