12 Best LeetCode Alternatives in 2025 (Free & Paid)

LeetCode is the gold standard for coding interview prep, but it's not the only option—and it's not always the best fit for everyone.

Maybe you're overwhelmed by 3,000+ problems. Maybe you want structured learning instead of random grinding. Or maybe you just need a change of scenery.

This guide covers the 12 best LeetCode alternatives in 2025, organized by category, with honest pros and cons for each.

TL;DR: Best LeetCode Alternatives by Category

Free Alternatives

1. NeetCode (Best Free Structured Learning)

What it is: A curated roadmap of LeetCode problems with free video explanations.

Key Features:

• NeetCode 75 & 150: Curated lists of essential interview problems
• Free YouTube Videos: Clear, step-by-step explanations
• Structured Roadmap: Topics organized from easy to hard
• Pattern-Based: Teaches underlying patterns, not just solutions

Pricing: Free (most content). Pro: ~$119/year.

Why Choose NeetCode:

• Eliminates "what should I study?" paralysis
• High-quality video explanations
• Still uses LeetCode for practice (best of both worlds)

Limitation: NeetCode curates problems—practice still happens on LeetCode.

Best for: Beginners, visual learners, anyone overwhelmed by LeetCode.

2. HackerRank (Best Free Broad Practice)

What it is: A coding practice platform with challenges across algorithms, SQL, AI/ML, and more.

Key Features:

• Multi-Domain Practice: Algorithms, databases, regex, functional programming
• Gamified Experience: Badges, certifications, leaderboards
• Built-In Editor: No setup required
• Company Assessments: Many companies use HackerRank for screening

Pricing: Free (individual practice). Premium for businesses.

Why Choose HackerRank:

• Broader than LeetCode (SQL, AI/ML, etc.)
• Gamified learning keeps you motivated
• Familiarity with the platform helps in actual assessments

Limitation: Problem difficulty may not align perfectly with FAANG interviews.

Best for: Beginners, those who want multi-domain practice, interview screening familiarity.

3. Pramp (Best Free Mock Interviews)

What it is: A peer-to-peer mock interview platform.

Key Features:

• Live Mock Interviews: Practice with other candidates
• Reciprocal Format: You interview them, they interview you
• Structured Feedback: Rubric-based evaluation
• Free: 5 sessions/month

Pricing: Free (5 sessions/month). Unlimited with Exponent subscription.

Why Choose Pramp:

• Real interview practice, not just problem solving
• Playing interviewer improves your evaluation skills
• Free!

Limitation: Peer quality varies; not all partners are experienced.

Best for: Practicing interview communication, building confidence.

4. GeeksforGeeks (Best Free Resource Hub)

What it is: A massive repository of articles, tutorials, and problems.

Key Features:

• Extensive Articles: Explanations for every algorithm and data structure
• Company-Specific Problems: Questions from Google, Amazon, etc.
• Multiple Languages: Solutions in C++, Java, Python, etc.
• Free: Most content is free

Pricing: Free (most content). Premium for courses.

Why Choose GeeksforGeeks:

• Great for learning concepts alongside practice
• Company-specific problem lists
• Free access to most content

Limitation: Interface is dated; some content is less curated.

Best for: Supplemental learning, concept explanations.

5. Codewars (Best Free Gamified Practice)

What it is: A gamified coding challenge platform with community-created problems.

Key Features:

• "Kata" Challenges: Bite-sized problems with varying difficulty
• Ranking System: 8kyu (beginner) to 1kyu (master)
• Community-Created: Thousands of problems
• Multiple Languages: 55+ languages supported

Pricing: Free.

Why Choose Codewars:

• Gamified approach is fun and motivating
• Unique, creative problems
• Great for learning new languages

Limitation: Not specifically interview-focused; some problems are impractical.

Best for: Fun practice, learning new languages, daily coding habit.

Paid Alternatives

6. AlgoMonster (Best Pattern-Based Learning)

What it is: A structured course teaching coding patterns, created by ex-Google engineers.

Key Features:

• 48 Coding Patterns: Two Pointers, Sliding Window, DP, etc.
• 231 Lessons & Problems: Organized by pattern
• 700+ Illustrations: Diagrams and flowcharts
• Speedrun Mode: Quick review before interviews
• Job Guarantee: Promise of at least one offer

Pricing: ~$89/year or $99-150 lifetime.

Why Choose AlgoMonster:

• Learn patterns instead of grinding random problems
• Structured 4-8 week curriculum
• Cheaper than LeetCode Premium for lifetime access

Limitation: Smaller problem set (~230 vs. 3,000+).

Best for: Beginners, busy professionals, pattern-focused learning.

7. AlgoExpert (Best Video Walkthroughs)

What it is: A curated set of 160+ problems with detailed video explanations.

Key Features:

• 160+ Curated Problems: Selected for interview relevance
• Video Explanations: Every problem has a walkthrough
• Data Structures Crash Course: Learn fundamentals
• SystemsExpert: Separate system design course

Pricing: ~$99/year. ~$159 for AlgoExpert + SystemsExpert.

Why Choose AlgoExpert:

• High-quality video explanations
• Curated, focused problem set
• Good for video learners

Limitation: Smaller problem set; less volume practice.

Best for: Visual learners, those who want depth over breadth.

8. Educative (Best System Design + Courses)

What it is: Interactive, text-based courses for algorithms, system design, and more.

Key Features:

• Grokking the Coding Interview: Pattern-based DSA course
• Grokking System Design: Industry-leading system design course
• In-Browser Coding: No setup required
• AI Mock Interviews: Practice with AI feedback

Pricing: ~$59/month or $299/year for all courses.

Why Choose Educative:

• Best system design courses available
• Text-based = fast to navigate
• Comprehensive coverage beyond just DSA

Limitation: Subscription-based (no lifetime option).

Best for: Senior engineers, system design prep, comprehensive learning.

9. CodeSignal (Best for Assessment Practice)

What it is: A platform for coding practice and technical assessments.

Key Features:

• General Coding Assessments (GCA): Standardized scoring
• Company Assessments: Practice real company tests
• Realistic Environment: Mirrors actual interview assessments
• Certifications: Verified skill badges

Pricing: Free (basic). Premium for advanced features.

Why Choose CodeSignal:

• Many companies use CodeSignal for actual interviews
• Practice in the real assessment environment
• Standardized scoring shows your level

Limitation: More assessment-focused than learning-focused.

Best for: Preparing for CodeSignal-based company assessments.

10. Exponent (Best for PM/TPM + Mock Interviews)

What it is: Courses and mock interviews for PM, TPM, and engineering roles.

Key Features:

• Peer Mock Interviews: Via Pramp integration
• Expert Mock Interviews: With industry professionals
• Courses: PM, TPM, engineering, data science
• Community: Active forums and support

Pricing: Subscription-based (varies by plan).

Why Choose Exponent:

• All-in-one platform for multiple roles
• Integrates peer and expert mock interviews
• Strong for non-engineering tech roles

Limitation: More expensive than specialized platforms.

Best for: PM, TPM, or multi-role interview prep.

11. StrataScratch (Best for Data Science)

What it is: A platform for data science interview prep with real company questions.

Key Features:

• Real Company Questions: Actual interview questions from FAANG
• SQL + Python: Practice both
• Video Explanations: For tricky problems
• Free Tier: Many problems accessible for free

Pricing: Free tier + Premium subscription.

Why Choose StrataScratch:

• Focused specifically on data science
• Real interview questions from actual companies
• SQL and Python practice

Limitation: Only for data science roles.

Best for: Data scientists, data analysts, ML engineers.

12. InterviewBit (Best Free Structured Practice)

What it is: A structured interview prep platform with step-by-step problem solving.

Key Features:

• Structured Path: Problems organized by topic
• Hints System: Get guidance without full solutions
• Company-Specific: Problems tagged by company
• Free: Most content is free

Pricing: Free.

Why Choose InterviewBit:

• More structured than LeetCode
• Free access to most content
• Good for building fundamentals

Limitation: Smaller problem set; less active community.

Best for: Beginners wanting free, structured practice.

Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Choose NeetCode if:

• You want free, structured guidance
• You prefer video explanations
• You're overwhelmed by LeetCode

Choose HackerRank if:

• You want multi-domain practice (SQL, AI/ML)
• Companies use HackerRank for your assessments

Choose AlgoMonster if:

• You want to learn patterns systematically
• You have limited time (4-8 weeks)
• You prefer text + diagrams over videos

Choose Educative if:

• You need system design prep
• You want comprehensive courses beyond DSA

Choose Pramp if:

• You need mock interview practice
• You want to improve communication skills

Stick with LeetCode if:

• You need high-volume practice
• You want company-specific question data
• You're self-directed and don't need structure

The Optimal Combination

Most successful candidates combine platforms:

1. Learn patterns: NeetCode (free) or AlgoMonster (paid)
2. Practice volume: LeetCode + LeetCopilot for hints
3. Mock interviews: Pramp (free)
4. System design: Educative (paid)

This combination covers all bases: pattern learning, volume practice, interview simulation, and system design.

FAQ

Is LeetCode necessary?
Not strictly, but it's the industry standard. Many alternatives teach patterns that you'll apply on LeetCode eventually.

What's the best free alternative?
NeetCode for structured learning + HackerRank for broad practice.

What's the best paid alternative?
AlgoMonster for pattern-based learning. Educative for system design.

Can I get a job without LeetCode?
Yes, using alternatives like AlgoMonster + mock interviews. But most candidates still practice on LeetCode at some point.

Conclusion: Pick Based on Your Needs

LeetCode is powerful, but it's not the only path.

• Overwhelmed? → NeetCode or AlgoMonster
• Need structure? → AlgoMonster or Educative
• Want videos? → NeetCode or AlgoExpert
• Need system design? → Educative
• Mock practice? → Pramp
• Data science? → StrataScratch

And don't forget: use LeetCopilot for AI-powered hints when practicing on LeetCode.

Good luck with your prep!