LeetCode vs NeetCode: Which Platform Should You Use in 2026?

Two names dominate every coding interview prep discussion: LeetCode and NeetCode. But they're fundamentally different tools serving different purposes.

LeetCode is the industry-standard practice platform with 3,000+ problems and company-tagged questions.

NeetCode is a structured learning resource with curated problem lists and video explanations.

The question isn't really "which is better"—it's "which do you need right now?" This guide breaks down the differences and helps you choose the right approach.

TL;DR: Quick Comparison

For a broader framework on how different tools serve different stages of preparation, see our guide to choosing the right coding interview prep tool.

The short answer: Use NeetCode to learn patterns, then LeetCode to practice at scale.

What Is LeetCode?

LeetCode is the industry-standard coding practice platform, offering:

• 3,000+ problems across all difficulty levels
• Built-in code editor with test cases and submissions
• Discussion forums with community solutions
• Weekly contests for competitive practice
• Premium features including company-tagged questions

LeetCode Free vs Premium

Who uses LeetCode: Almost every software engineer preparing for interviews. It's the closest thing to an industry standard.

What Is NeetCode?

NeetCode is a structured learning resource created by a Google engineer, offering:

• Curated problem lists: NeetCode 75, NeetCode 150, NeetCode All
• Free YouTube videos: High-quality explanations for every problem
• Pattern organization: Problems grouped by Two Pointers, Sliding Window, Trees, DP, etc.
• Roadmap structure: Clear progression from basics to advanced

NeetCode Free vs Pro

Who uses NeetCode: Engineers who want structured guidance rather than random problem grinding.

Key Differences: LeetCode vs NeetCode

1. Purpose: Practice vs Learning

LeetCode is a practice platform. It has thousands of problems but minimal guidance on which to solve, in what order, or how to approach unfamiliar patterns.

NeetCode is a learning resource. It curates problems, teaches patterns through video, and provides a clear roadmap from beginner to advanced.

Analogy: LeetCode is a gym with every piece of equipment imaginable. NeetCode is a personal trainer who tells you exactly which exercises to do.

2. Problem Quantity vs Curation

LeetCode's strength is volume—you can find any type of problem. NeetCode's strength is curation—every problem is hand-picked for interview relevance.

3. Video Explanations

NeetCode: Every problem in the NeetCode 150 has a free YouTube video with:

• Clear problem walkthrough
• Explanation of the pattern/approach
• Code implementation step-by-step
• Complexity analysis

LeetCode: No official video explanations. Relies on:

• Written official solutions (Premium)
• Community discussion solutions
• External resources (including NeetCode videos)

For visual learners, NeetCode's video library is a massive advantage.

4. Company-Specific Preparation

LeetCode Premium offers:

• Company-tagged questions ("This was asked at Google 15 times")
• Frequency data showing how often problems are asked
• Curated company problem sets

NeetCode has no company-specific features. You get general interview patterns, not targeted preparation.

If you're targeting specific companies (FAANG), LeetCode Premium's company data is valuable.

5. Coding Environment

LeetCode: Built-in IDE where you:

• Write and test code
• Submit against hidden test cases
• Get instant pass/fail feedback

NeetCode: No integrated coding environment. You:

• Watch explanations on NeetCode
• Practice on LeetCode (or another IDE)
• Return to NeetCode for next problem

This means you typically need both platforms in your workflow.

6. Pricing Comparison

NeetCode is $40/year cheaper than LeetCode Premium, and offers a lifetime option.

When to Use LeetCode

Use LeetCode If:

1. You need volume practice: Solving 100-300+ problems to build speed and pattern recognition
2. You're targeting specific companies: Company-tagged questions are invaluable for focused prep
3. You learn by doing: You prefer jumping into problems over watching explanations
4. You want mock interview simulation: LeetCode's timed mock interviews mimic real conditions
5. You already know patterns: You understand when to use Two Pointers vs Sliding Window

LeetCode Workflow

1. Pick a problem from a curated list (Blind 75, Top Interview 150)
2. Attempt to solve it (25-45 minutes)
3. If stuck, read discussion solutions or watch a NeetCode video
4. Code and submit your solution
5. Review optimal approaches
6. Move to next problem

When to Use NeetCode

Use NeetCode If:

1. You're just starting interview prep: The structured roadmap prevents overwhelm
2. You don't know patterns yet: Videos teach why approaches work, not just how
3. You're a visual learner: Video explanations are faster than reading for you
4. You feel overwhelmed by LeetCode: The curated list gives clear direction
5. You want efficient prep: NeetCode 150 covers essential patterns without filler

NeetCode Workflow

1. Follow the NeetCode 150 roadmap in order
2. Watch the video explanation first (or attempt the problem)
3. Code the solution on LeetCode
4. Verify you understand the pattern (could you solve a similar problem?)
5. Move to next problem in the roadmap

The Optimal Approach: Use Both

Here's the reality: most successful candidates use both platforms together.

Recommended Strategy

Phase 1: Learn Patterns (NeetCode)

• Complete NeetCode 75 or NeetCode 150
• Watch every video explanation
• Focus on understanding patterns, not just solving problems
• Time: 1-2 months

Phase 2: Volume Practice (LeetCode)

• Solve additional problems in weak areas
• Do LeetCode's Top Interview 150 for breadth
• Use company tags if targeting specific companies
• Time: 1-2 months

Phase 3: Mock Interviews

• LeetCode mock interviews for timed practice
• LeetCopilot Interview Mode for AI-powered simulation
• Pramp or Interviewing.io for human practice

Why This Works

• NeetCode builds your pattern recognition foundation
• LeetCode builds your speed and coverage
• You're not randomly grinding—you have a structured path

NeetCode 150 vs LeetCode Top Interview 150

Both have their own "150 essential problems" lists. How do they compare?

Which to choose: If you want video guidance, start with NeetCode 150. If you want a regularly updated list without external videos, use LeetCode's list.

Many candidates complete NeetCode 150, then backfill gaps with LeetCode's list.

Real Talk: Do You Need to Pay?

Free Stack (Highly Effective)

You can prepare effectively with free resources:

1. NeetCode YouTube – All explanations are free
2. NeetCode roadmap – Access to curated lists is free
3. LeetCode free tier – Most problems are accessible
4. LeetCopilot – Free hints when stuck

What you miss without paying:

• LeetCode company tags (use job posting research instead)
• LeetCode official solutions (use discussion forum)
• NeetCode progress tracking (use a spreadsheet)
• NeetCode spaced repetition (set calendar reminders)

When Premium Is Worth It

LeetCode Premium is worth it if:

• You're targeting specific FAANG companies
• You have interviews in 2-4 weeks and need targeted prep
• Company tag data will meaningfully focus your effort

NeetCode Pro is worth it if:

• You want progress tracking and spaced repetition
• You'll be practicing for 3+ months
• The lifetime option makes economic sense for you

FAQ

Can I just use NeetCode and skip LeetCode?
Not really. NeetCode doesn't have a coding environment—you need LeetCode (or something similar) to actually practice solving problems. NeetCode teaches; LeetCode drills.

Is LeetCode Premium worth it over NeetCode Pro?
Different purposes. LeetCode Premium gives you company-specific data. NeetCode Pro gives you progress tracking and spaced repetition. If targeting specific companies, LeetCode Premium. For general structured prep, NeetCode Pro or free NeetCode.

What about Blind 75 vs NeetCode 150?
NeetCode 150 is the creator's expansion of Blind 75. It includes more problems for better coverage. If time is tight, Blind 75. If you have 2+ months, NeetCode 150.

Should I pay for both?
Usually not necessary. Pick one paid tier or use both free versions. Many successfully prepare using free NeetCode + free LeetCode.

How many problems should I solve?
Quality over quantity. Completing NeetCode 150 with understanding beats grinding 500 random LeetCode problems. Aim for 100-200 well-understood problems.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using Only LeetCode Without Learning Patterns

The trap: Grinding hundreds of LeetCode problems without understanding underlying patterns.

The fix: Use NeetCode to learn patterns first. Then use LeetCode for volume.

Mistake 2: Watching NeetCode Without Coding

The trap: Passively watching videos and thinking you understand.

The fix: After each NeetCode video, solve the problem yourself on LeetCode. If you can't, you didn't actually learn it.

Mistake 3: Starting with LeetCode Premium

The trap: Paying for Premium before knowing if you'll actually use it.

The fix: Start with free resources. Upgrade when you hit a clear limitation (e.g., you need company tags for upcoming interviews).

Mistake 4: Completing Lists Without Review

The trap: Solving NeetCode 150 once and never revisiting problems.

The fix: Implement spaced repetition. Revisit problems after 2 weeks, then 1 month. Patterns stick through review.

Conclusion: LeetCode vs NeetCode Final Verdict

They're not really competitors—they're complementary tools.

The optimal path for most candidates:

1. Start with NeetCode 150 – Learn patterns with video guidance
2. Practice on LeetCode – Solve the same problems in LeetCode's environment
3. Expand with LeetCode – Do additional problems in weak areas
4. Mock interviews – LeetCode timed practice + human mocks

This approach combines NeetCode's structured teaching with LeetCode's practice environment—giving you the benefits of both platforms.

Don't overthink the choice. Pick one and start. You can always add the other later.