NeetCode vs AlgoMonster: Which Should You Use in 2025?

NeetCode and AlgoMonster are two of the most popular platforms for coding interview preparation—but they take fundamentally different approaches.

NeetCode is video-first. You watch explanations, follow structured roadmaps like NeetCode 150, and learn by example.

AlgoMonster is pattern-first. You read interactive text, learn templates and flowcharts, and master the ~48 patterns that cover most interview questions.

Which is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down features, pricing, pros, cons, and the best use cases for each platform.

TL;DR: NeetCode vs AlgoMonster

What Is NeetCode?

NeetCode started as a YouTube channel by a former Google engineer. It has since grown into a complete interview prep platform.

NeetCode Free (YouTube)

• NeetCode 75: A curated list of 75 essential LeetCode problems
• NeetCode 150: Expanded list covering more advanced topics
• Video Explanations: Clear, step-by-step walkthroughs for each problem
• Completely Free: All videos on YouTube

NeetCode Pro

• All Free Content + More: Extended problem sets and courses
• System Design Courses: Beginner and advanced system design
• Object-Oriented Design: OOD interview prep
• Built-In Code Editor: Practice directly on the platform
• Progress Tracking: Track completion across all roadmaps
• Private Discord: Community support

Pricing:

• Annual: ~$119/year
• Lifetime: ~$297 (one-time)

What Is AlgoMonster?

AlgoMonster is a structured course created by ex-Google engineers. It focuses on teaching coding patterns—reusable templates that solve entire categories of problems.

Core Features

• 48 Coding Patterns: Two Pointers, Sliding Window, BFS/DFS, DP, etc.
• 231 Lessons & Problems: Organized by pattern category
• 700+ Illustrations: Diagrams and flowcharts
• Interactive Text: No videos—learn by reading and coding
• Speedrun Mode: Quick pattern review
• Company-Specific Banks: Google, Amazon, Meta question lists
• AI Assistant: Get explanations and hints

Pricing:

• Annual: ~$89/year
• Lifetime: ~$99-150 (frequently on sale)

Job Guarantee: AlgoMonster promises at least one tech job offer after completing the curriculum.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Learning Style

NeetCode wins if: You prefer watching someone explain concepts. Video is great for understanding thought processes and seeing code written in real-time.

AlgoMonster wins if: You prefer reading and hands-on coding. Text is faster to reference and doesn't require passive consumption.

Content Structure

NeetCode approach: Complete the NeetCode 150 list, and you've seen the most important problem types.

AlgoMonster approach: Master the 48 patterns, and you can solve new problems you've never seen before.

"AlgoMonster taught me to identify the pattern first, then apply a template. This changed how I approach problems." — Reddit user

Problem Coverage

Both platforms cover the essential topics: arrays, strings, trees, graphs, dynamic programming, etc.

Key Difference: NeetCode curates existing LeetCode problems. AlgoMonster has its own problem set focused on pattern mastery.

System Design

NeetCode wins for system design. If you need to prepare for senior-level interviews, NeetCode Pro's system design courses are valuable.

AlgoMonster focuses primarily on data structures and algorithms. For system design, you'll likely need to supplement with Educative or DesignGurus.

Pricing Comparison

AlgoMonster is cheaper for lifetime access—often $99 on sale vs. $297 for NeetCode.

NeetCode offers more free content—the entire YouTube library is free, which covers most of the core NeetCode 150.

Pros and Cons

NeetCode Pros

• ✅ Massive free content — YouTube covers NeetCode 75/150
• ✅ Video explanations — Great for visual learners
• ✅ System design courses — Essential for senior roles
• ✅ Active community — Discord, forums
• ✅ LeetCode aligned — Problems are actual LeetCode questions

NeetCode Cons

• ❌ Video can be slow — Hard to skim/search
• ❌ Pro is more expensive — $297 lifetime vs. ~$99 for AlgoMonster
• ❌ Less pattern-focused — Teaches problems, not templates
• ❌ Mixed reviews on Pro — Some find free content sufficient

AlgoMonster Pros

• ✅ Pattern-based learning — Teaches reusable templates
• ✅ Interactive text — Faster to read and reference
• ✅ 700+ illustrations — Great diagrams and flowcharts
• ✅ Affordable lifetime — ~$99-150 vs. $297
• ✅ Job guarantee — Promise of at least one offer
• ✅ Speedrun mode — Quick pattern review

AlgoMonster Cons

• ❌ No videos — Not ideal for visual learners
• ❌ Limited free content — Must pay for full access
• ❌ Weaker system design — Need supplemental resources
• ❌ Smaller community — Less active than NeetCode
• ❌ Can feel like template memorization — Some users want deeper understanding

What Reddit Says

On NeetCode:

"NeetCode free is gold. The YouTube videos are some of the best explanations I've found."

"NeetCode Pro is not as good as expected. The free content already covers most of what you need."

"Great for understanding solutions, but you still need to practice on LeetCode."

On AlgoMonster:

"AlgoMonster's templates and flowcharts are amazing for recursion, BFS, DFS, and DP."

"It's like a textbook for coding interviews—use it alongside LeetCode."

"The pattern-based approach finally made Dynamic Programming click for me."

Common Advice:

"Much of DSA content can be learned for free through NeetCode's videos and other YouTube channels. AlgoMonster's value is in its organization and templates."

When to Choose NeetCode

Choose NeetCode if you:

• Prefer video explanations over reading
• Want free content to start
• Need system design preparation
• Like following a curated problem list (NeetCode 150)
• Plan to practice directly on LeetCode

Recommended Path:

1. Watch NeetCode YouTube videos for NeetCode 75/150
2. Practice each problem on LeetCode
3. Use LeetCopilot for hints when stuck
4. Upgrade to NeetCode Pro for system design

When to Choose AlgoMonster

Choose AlgoMonster if you:

• Prefer reading over watching
• Want to learn reusable patterns and templates
• Have limited time (4-8 week prep)
• Want cheaper lifetime access
• Like interactive, text-based learning

Recommended Path:

1. Complete AlgoMonster's pattern curriculum
2. Practice on LeetCode to apply patterns
3. Use LeetCopilot for context-aware hints
4. Add Educative for system design (if needed)

Can You Use Both?

Yes! Many successful candidates combine both platforms:

• Learn patterns with AlgoMonster (4-6 weeks)
• Watch explanations for tricky problems on NeetCode YouTube
• Practice volume on LeetCode
• System design via NeetCode Pro or Educative

This combination gives you pattern mastery + visual explanations + high-volume practice.

Comparison Table

FAQ

Is NeetCode free enough?
For DSA prep, yes. NeetCode's free YouTube content covers NeetCode 75/150 comprehensively. Pro adds system design and convenience features.

Is AlgoMonster worth it if I can learn for free?
AlgoMonster's value is in its organization and pattern templates. If you learn best from structured text with visual diagrams, it's worth the ~$99 lifetime price.

Which is better for beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly. NeetCode is better if you need someone to walk you through problems. AlgoMonster is better if you prefer reading and coding hands-on.

Which is better for experienced engineers?
NeetCode Pro for system design. AlgoMonster for efficient DSA pattern review.

Can I pass FAANG interviews with just one platform?
Yes, but most candidates supplement with LeetCode practice. Either platform + LeetCode + LeetCopilot is a strong combination.

Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose NeetCode if:

• You're a visual learner
• You want free content to start
• You need system design prep
• You prefer video walkthroughs

Choose AlgoMonster if:

• You're a reader who prefers text
• You want to learn patterns, not just problems
• You have limited time (4-8 weeks)
• You want cheaper lifetime access

Or Use Both:

• AlgoMonster for pattern foundations
• NeetCode YouTube for tricky problem explanations
• LeetCode + LeetCopilot for practice

Good luck with your prep!