12 Best LeetCode Alternatives in 2026 (Free & Paid)

I've spent $600+ on coding interview platforms over two prep cycles. LeetCode, NeetCode Pro, AlgoExpert, AlgoMonster, Educative—I've tried them all.

Here's what I learned: LeetCode is still the best practice platform, but it's terrible for learning. If you're just grinding random problems, you're wasting time. The right alternative depends on whether you need to learn patterns or practice volume.

After testing 12 platforms and interviewing at multiple companies, here's my honest ranking of LeetCode alternatives—with specific recommendations for different situations.

One-Minute Decision: What You Actually Need

If you're overwhelmed by LeetCode (don't know what to study):
Start with NeetCode (100% free). The NeetCode 150 roadmap tells you exactly what to study and in what order.

If you prefer reading over watching videos:
Choose AlgoMonster ($300 lifetime) or Design Gurus ($180/year). Both are pattern-based but text-first.

If you need system design (L4+ roles):
Educative's Grokking System Design or Design Gurus. LeetCode can't help you here.

If you freeze in real interviews:
Pramp (free mock interviews) is more valuable than solving 100 more problems.

If you're data science / ML:
StrataScratch, not LeetCode. Different question types entirely.

Don't waste money on:

• Multiple overlapping platforms (pick ONE learning + ONE practice resource)
• Paid platforms before trying free versions
• Video courses if you're a text learner (or vice versa)
• Any platform before you've tried NeetCode's free YouTube

How to Use This Guide

Step 1: Identify your gap

• Can't recognize patterns? → You need a learning platform
• Know patterns but can't execute under pressure? → You need practice + mocks
• Failing system design? → You need system design resources
• Data science role? → You need StrataScratch

Step 2: Match to your learning style

• Video learner → NeetCode, AlgoExpert
• Text learner → AlgoMonster, Design Gurus, Educative
• Gamified learner → HackerRank, Codewars

Step 3: Set your budget

• $0 → NeetCode free + LeetCode free + Pramp
• $100-200 → Add LeetCode Premium or NeetCode Pro
• $200-400 → Add AlgoMonster or Educative

Decision Rules:

• If you've solved fewer than 50 LeetCode problems: You need learning, not more problems. Start with NeetCode or AlgoMonster.
• If you can solve LeetCode Mediums but freeze in interviews: Pramp mock interviews are your priority, not more grinding.
• If you're targeting L5+ roles: System design matters. Add Educative or Design Gurus.
• If companies you're targeting use HackerRank/CodeSignal: Practice on that platform specifically.

Quick Verdict Table: Every Alternative Compared

Free Alternatives

NeetCode — The Best Free Alternative, Period

Final Verdict: Start here. The free content covers 90% of what you need to learn patterns. Pro adds convenience but not essential content.

Why NeetCode beats random LeetCode grinding:
I wasted 2 months grinding random LeetCode problems before discovering NeetCode. The difference: NeetCode teaches patterns, not just individual solutions. After using NeetCode for 3 weeks, I could recognize problem types before starting to code.

What you get for free:

• NeetCode 75 and NeetCode 150 roadmaps
• All YouTube video explanations (200+ problems)
• Basic website features
• Discord community

What Pro adds ($119/year or $219 lifetime):

• Progress tracking with spaced repetition
• Additional practice problems
• Code solutions in 7+ languages

Choose NeetCode if:

• You're overwhelmed by LeetCode's 3,000+ problems
• You prefer video explanations
• You want someone to tell you what to study next
• Your budget is $0

Skip NeetCode if:

• You strongly prefer reading over watching
• You already know all the patterns
• You need system design content (NeetCode is DSA-focused)

My experience:
NeetCode's pattern-based approach changed my prep. Instead of memorizing solutions, I learned to recognize: "This is a sliding window problem" or "This needs a monotonic stack." That recognition saved me in multiple real interviews.

Free status verification (Jan 2026):
Visit youtube.com/@NeetCode — all videos free

HackerRank — Best for Multi-Domain Practice

Final Verdict: Useful if you need SQL, regex, or your target company uses HackerRank. Otherwise, stick with LeetCode.

When HackerRank makes sense:
HackerRank's DSA section isn't as good as LeetCode's. But if your target company uses HackerRank for assessments, practice there. The interface and problem style differ.

What makes it different:

• Multi-domain: Algorithms, SQL, regex, functional programming
• Gamified: Badges, certifications, leaderboards
• Company assessments: Many companies use HackerRank for screening

Choose HackerRank if:

• You need SQL or non-DSA practice
• Your target company uses HackerRank assessments
• You like gamified learning with badges

Skip HackerRank if:

• You only need classic DSA practice (LeetCode is deeper)
• You're past the screening stage
• You want harder problems

Free status verification (Jan 2026):
Full platform free for individual practice

Pramp — The Most Underrated Free Resource

Final Verdict: If you've solved 30+ problems but freeze in real interviews, Pramp is more valuable than solving 100 more problems.

Why mock interviews matter:
I solved 150 LeetCode problems and felt ready. Then I did my first Pramp mock and completely bombed it. Solving alone is different from solving while someone watches.

How Pramp works:

1. Schedule a session
2. Get matched with a peer
3. 30 minutes: you interview them
4. 30 minutes: they interview you
5. Exchange feedback

What I learned from 10 Pramp sessions:

• How to think out loud (harder than it sounds)
• How to recover when stuck
• How to handle hints gracefully
• How to manage time under pressure

The quality lottery:
Not all Pramp partners are equal. My experience:

• 4/10 sessions: Excellent partners (senior engineers)
• 4/10 sessions: Good partners (similar level)
• 2/10 sessions: Weak partners (less experienced)

Even weak sessions helped because they forced me to articulate my thinking.

Choose Pramp if:

• You've solved 30+ problems and need interview practice
• You freeze during real interviews
• You need to practice thinking out loud

Skip Pramp if:

• You haven't built pattern fundamentals yet (do NeetCode first)
• You've already done 10+ solid mocks
• You have friends who can mock interview you (same thing, better)

Free status verification (Jan 2026):
Free tier includes 5 sessions/month. Create account at pramp.com

GeeksforGeeks — Best for Concept Explanations

Final Verdict: Great for looking things up, not for structured learning. Use as reference, not primary resource.

What it does well:
GFG has the most comprehensive algorithm explanations on the internet. If you need to understand how Union Find works, GFG has 5 articles about it.

What it doesn't do well:

• Outdated interface
• Variable quality (some articles excellent, others mediocre)
• Not structured for interview prep

Choose GFG if:

• You need to look up how an algorithm works
• You want company-specific problem lists
• You prefer reading detailed explanations

Skip GFG if:

• You want a structured study plan (use NeetCode or AlgoMonster)
• You prefer modern, clean interfaces

Codewars — Best for Gamified Fun Practice

Final Verdict: Fun for daily coding practice and learning new languages. Not focused enough for serious interview prep.

What makes it unique:

• "Kata" challenges with creative problems
• 8kyu (beginner) to 1kyu (master) ranking
• 55+ languages supported
• Community-created problems

Choose Codewars if:

• You want fun, daily coding practice
• You're learning a new language
• You enjoy gamified progression

Skip Codewars if:

• You're focused on interview prep (NeetCode is more targeted)
• You need pattern-based learning

Paid Alternatives

AlgoMonster — Best for Text Learners (One-Time Payment)

Final Verdict: If you prefer reading to watching videos and want lifetime access, this is the best option.

Why I recommend AlgoMonster:
After trying NeetCode (video) and AlgoMonster (text), I understood the same patterns differently. AlgoMonster's diagrams and flowcharts clicked for me in ways that videos didn't.

What you get:

• 48 coding patterns organized systematically
• 231 lessons and problems
• 700+ illustrations and diagrams
• Job guarantee (money back if no offer)

Pricing (Jan 2026): ~$300 lifetime (verify on algo.monster)

Choose AlgoMonster if:

• You prefer reading to watching videos
• You want one-time payment (no annual renewal)
• You want the job guarantee safety net
• You learn well from diagrams and flowcharts

Skip AlgoMonster if:

• You're a video learner (NeetCode or AlgoExpert are better)
• You only need 1 year of access (NeetCode Pro is cheaper)
• You already know all the patterns

The NeetCode vs AlgoMonster comparison:
Both teach the same patterns. The difference is format:

• NeetCode: Video explanations, more extensive free content
• AlgoMonster: Text + diagrams, one-time payment, job guarantee

AlgoExpert — Best for Integrated Video Environment

Final Verdict: Higher production quality than NeetCode videos, with an integrated coding workspace. Worth it if you want everything in one place.

What makes AlgoExpert different:
AlgoExpert videos are longer and more detailed than NeetCode's. The integrated IDE means you never leave the platform. This is either a pro or con depending on your preference.

What you get:

• 160+ curated problems with video walkthroughs
• Integrated coding environment
• Data structures crash course
• SystemsExpert (separate purchase for system design)

Pricing (Jan 2026): ~$199/year (verify on algoexpert.io)

Choose AlgoExpert if:

• You want detailed, polished video explanations
• You prefer an integrated coding environment
• You're willing to pay more for production quality

Skip AlgoExpert if:

• NeetCode's free videos work well for you
• You want more problems (160 vs. NeetCode's 300+)
• You already use LeetCode's IDE comfortably

Educative — Best for System Design and Text Courses

Final Verdict: The best system design content available. Essential for L5+ roles. Overkill if you only need DSA.

What makes Educative unique:
Educative's Grokking System Design is industry-leading. If you're interviewing for senior roles (L4+), system design is 30-50% of your evaluation. This is where most engineers underprepare.

What you get:

• Grokking the Coding Interview (patterns)
• Grokking System Design Interview (essential for L4+)
• Text-based, fast to navigate
• In-browser coding environment
• Broad course library beyond interview prep

Pricing (Jan 2026): ~$299/year (verify on educative.io)

Choose Educative if:

• You need system design prep
• You're targeting L4+ roles
• You prefer text over video
• You want comprehensive courses beyond just DSA

Skip Educative if:

• You only need DSA (cheaper options exist)
• Your interviews don't include system design
• You prefer video explanations

The Educative vs Design Gurus question:
The original Grokking courses moved from Educative to Design Gurus. Educative now has their own versions. If you want the original creators, go to Design Gurus.

Design Gurus — Best for Original Grokking Courses

Final Verdict: The creators of the original Grokking methodology. Best if you want coding patterns + system design in one subscription.

What you get:

• Grokking the Coding Interview (original)
• Grokking the System Design Interview (original)
• Grokking Dynamic Programming
• Text-based with diagrams

Pricing (Jan 2026): $180/year or $320+ lifetime (verify on designgurus.io)

Choose Design Gurus if:

• You want the original Grokking courses
• You need both DSA and system design
• You prefer text-based learning

Skip Design Gurus if:

• You only need DSA (AlgoMonster is more focused)
• You have no system design in your interview loop

CodeSignal — For Companies That Use CodeSignal Assessments

Final Verdict: Only useful if your target companies use CodeSignal. Practice the assessment environment, not just the problems.

What you get:

• General Coding Assessment (GCA) practice
• Platform mirrors real company assessments
• Standardized scoring to measure progress

Choose CodeSignal if:

• Your target companies use CodeSignal (check their job listings)
• You want to practice in the actual assessment environment

Skip CodeSignal if:

• Your companies use LeetCode or HackerRank instead
• You're past the OA stage

StrataScratch — For Data Science / ML Roles

Final Verdict: The right choice for data science interview prep. Not relevant for SWE roles.

What you get:

• Real interview questions from FAANG companies
• SQL + Python practice
• Video explanations for tricky problems
• Company-specific filters

Choose StrataScratch if:

• You're a data scientist, data analyst, or ML engineer
• You need SQL and Python interview practice

Skip StrataScratch if:

• You're a software engineer (LeetCode is better for SWE)

Common Mistakes When Choosing Alternatives

Mistake #1: Subscribing to Multiple Overlapping Platforms

The trap: Buying NeetCode Pro, AlgoExpert, AND AlgoMonster.

Why it's wrong: They all teach the same patterns. You're paying 3x for redundant content.

The fix: Choose ONE learning resource + LeetCode for practice. That's it.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Free Tier

The trap: Paying for platforms without trying free content first.

Why it's wrong: NeetCode's free YouTube covers 90% of what Pro offers. You might not need to pay.

The fix: Use free versions for 1-2 weeks before paying for anything.

Mistake #3: Choosing Based on Someone Else's Recommendation

The trap: "My friend said AlgoExpert is the best" — but you're a text learner.

Why it's wrong: Learning style matters more than platform quality.

The fix: Try both video (NeetCode) and text (AlgoMonster) samples. See which clicks.

Mistake #4: All Learning, No Practice

The trap: Watching every NeetCode video but never solving problems.

Why it's wrong: Watching isn't doing. Interview performance requires hands-on practice.

The fix: 20% learning (videos), 80% doing (LeetCode + mocks). Adjust ratio as you improve.

What People Actually Ask About LeetCode Alternatives

"Is LeetCode necessary?"

Short answer: Not strictly necessary, but still the best practice platform.

The longer answer:
You can learn patterns from NeetCode, AlgoMonster, or AlgoExpert. But LeetCode has:

• The largest problem library (3,000+)
• Company-specific question data
• Active community discussions
• The interface most real assessments mimic

Most candidates end up on LeetCode eventually, even if they learn elsewhere.

"What's the best free alternative?"

Short answer: NeetCode + LeetCode free tier + Pramp.

This covers:

• Pattern learning (NeetCode YouTube)
• Volume practice (LeetCode free)
• Mock interviews (Pramp)

Total cost: $0.

"What's the best paid alternative?"

Short answer: Depends on your learning style.

• Video learners: AlgoExpert ($199/year)
• Text learners: AlgoMonster ($300 lifetime)
• System design needed: Educative ($299/year) or Design Gurus ($180/year)

For most SWE candidates, LeetCode Premium ($159/year) for company tags is the most unique paid value.

"Can I get a job without LeetCode?"

Short answer: Yes, but you're making it harder.

Alternatives like AlgoMonster offer complete pattern coverage. But:

• Most OA platforms mimic LeetCode's interface
• Company question data is LeetCode-exclusive
• The discussion community is largest on LeetCode

I'd learn on alternatives but practice on LeetCode.

Final Verdict: The Optimal Stack

After testing 12 platforms and two prep cycles, here's what actually works:

The Mistakes I Made

Mistake #1: Subscribed to NeetCode Pro, AlgoExpert, and Educative simultaneously

• What happened: $500+ spent, only actively used NeetCode
• Lesson: Pick ONE learning resource

Mistake #2: All LeetCode grinding, no learning

• What happened: Solved 100+ problems, couldn't recognize patterns
• Lesson: Learn patterns first (NeetCode), then grind

Mistake #3: Ignored mock interviews

• What happened: First real interview was a disaster despite solving 150 problems
• Lesson: Pramp is more valuable than solving 50 more problems

The Stack That Works

For $0 budget:

• NeetCode free YouTube (learning)
• LeetCode free tier (practice)
• Pramp (mocks)

For $150-200 budget:

• NeetCode free YouTube (learning)
• LeetCode Premium $159/year (company tags)
• Pramp (mocks)

For $300-500 budget (video learners):

• NeetCode Pro or AlgoExpert (learning)
• LeetCode Premium (company practice)
• Pramp (mocks)

For $300-500 budget (text learners):

• AlgoMonster $300 lifetime or Design Gurus $180/year
• LeetCode Premium $159/year
• Pramp (mocks)

For L5+ candidates:
Add Educative or Design Gurus for system design. It's 30-50% of your evaluation.

One-Minute Decision Guide

If you're overwhelmed: Start with NeetCode (free)

If you prefer text: AlgoMonster or Design Gurus

If you freeze in interviews: Pramp is your priority

If you need system design: Educative or Design Gurus

If you're data science: StrataScratch

If you just need volume practice: Stick with LeetCode + LeetCopilot for hints

Last updated: January 13, 2026. Based on hands-on testing of all 12 platforms over two interview prep cycles, synthesizing what actually worked versus what sounded good. Platform pricing and features change frequently—verify on official sites before purchasing.