Looking for websites like LeetCode but with better learning support? We tested 12 coding platforms to find the best LeetCode alternatives for every learning style and budget.

Quick Answer: Which LeetCode Alternative Is Right for You?

Want to actually learn problem-solving, not just memorize solutions? → AlgoCademy

Need free practice with mentor feedback? → Exercism

Preparing for a specific company’s coding assessment? → CodeSignal or HackerRank

Prefer mobile coding practice? → CodenQuest

Looking for curated interview prep lists? → NeetCode

LeetCode Alternatives Comparison Table (2026)

PlatformBest ForPriceFree TierAI Help
AlgoCademyGuided learning$20/mo✅ Yes✅ Yes
NeetCodeCurated roadmaps$99/yr✅ Yes❌ No
HackerRankCompany prepFree✅ Full❌ No
ExercismMentor feedbackFree✅ Full❌ No
CodeSignalAssessment prep$25/mo⚠️ Limited❌ No
PrampMock interviewsFree✅ Full❌ No
CodewarsGamified practiceFree✅ Full❌ No
Interview CakeExplanations$249⚠️ Limited❌ No
TopCoderCompetitionsFree✅ Full❌ No
StrataScratchData science$49/mo⚠️ Limited❌ No
CodilityEmployer testsFree✅ Full❌ No
CodenQuestMobile practiceFree✅ Full❌ No

Why Look for a LeetCode Alternative?

LeetCode is the most popular coding practice platform, but it’s not perfect for everyone. Many developers search for LeetCode similar sites because:

The best LeetCode alternatives address these gaps with interactive tutorials, AI-powered guidance, structured curricula, or specialized focuses like data science or mobile accessibility.

Let’s explore the best coding platforms like LeetCode for 2026.

1. AlgoCademy — Best for Actually Learning Problem-Solving

AlgoCademy takes a fundamentally different approach from LeetCode. Instead of throwing problems at you and hoping you figure them out, AlgoCademy’s interactive step-by-step tutorials teach you how to think through coding challenges.

What Makes It Different

The platform’s AI tutor doesn’t just give hints—it teaches you systematic problem-solving frameworks you can apply to any challenge. Each tutorial breaks complex problems into digestible steps with live code execution, so you understand why each part of the solution works.

Key Features

Pricing

$20/month when billed annually. A generous free tier includes basic tutorials and limited AI tutoring.

Best For

Beginners who feel lost on LeetCode, and intermediate developers who can solve problems but want to understand why solutions work. If you’ve ever copied a LeetCode solution without truly understanding it, AlgoCademy addresses exactly that problem.

Limitations

No competitive programming contests or community leaderboards. The focus is entirely on learning, not competition.

2. NeetCode — Best for Curated Problem Roadmaps

NeetCode has become one of the most popular LeetCode alternatives thanks to its famous curated problem lists: NeetCode 150 and the Blind 75. Instead of solving random problems, you follow a structured roadmap organized by pattern.

Key Features

Pricing

$99/year for full access. Many video explanations are free on YouTube.

Best For

Self-disciplined learners who want structure without hand-holding. If you can learn from video explanations and want a clear roadmap of what to study, NeetCode delivers.

Limitations

Less interactive than AlgoCademy—you’re still largely solving problems on your own. The teaching style assumes you can follow along with video solutions.

3. HackerRank — Best Free All-Around Platform

HackerRank offers one of the most comprehensive free coding practice experiences available. It covers algorithms, data structures, SQL, functional programming, and language-specific challenges across dozens of programming languages.

Key Features

Pricing

Completely free for individual users. Companies pay for the assessment platform.

Best For

Job seekers who want to practice company-specific questions and potentially get noticed by recruiters. Also excellent for practicing SQL alongside algorithms.

Limitations

Solutions can be narrow—sometimes valid approaches are marked incorrect. The platform prioritizes assessment over teaching, so explanations are limited.

4. Exercism — Best Free Platform with Human Mentorship

Exercism stands out among free LeetCode alternatives by offering something rare: feedback from experienced human mentors. This non-profit platform supports 70+ programming languages with exercises designed to teach idiomatic code.

Key Features

Pricing

100% free — operates as a non-profit.

Best For

Developers learning a new programming language who want feedback on writing idiomatic code. Less focused on interview prep, more focused on becoming a better programmer overall.

Limitations

Mentorship response times vary. Less emphasis on data structures and algorithms compared to interview-focused platforms.

5. CodeSignal — Best for Assessment Simulation

If you’re applying to companies that use CodeSignal for technical assessments (many do), practicing on the actual platform gives you a significant advantage. CodeSignal specializes in standardized coding assessments with timed challenges.

Key Features

Pricing

$24.99/month for full access. Limited free practice available.

Best For

Job seekers actively applying to companies using CodeSignal assessments. Practicing in the same environment you’ll be tested in reduces anxiety and improves performance.

Limitations

Focused on assessment, not learning. If you need to build skills from scratch, start elsewhere and use CodeSignal for final preparation.

6. Pramp — Best for Free Mock Interviews

Pramp connects you with peers for live mock interviews—completely free. You interview someone, they interview you, and both of you get practice with the human dynamics of technical interviews.

Key Features

Pricing

Completely free.

Best For

Anyone who can solve problems alone but freezes in live interviews. The human element of technical interviews requires separate practice, and Pramp provides exactly that.

Limitations

Partner quality varies—you might get someone much more or less experienced. No feedback from professional interviewers.

7. Interview Cake — Best Guided Explanations

Interview Cake teaches problem-solving through detailed, conversational explanations that walk you through the thinking process. Instead of just showing solutions, it explains how to arrive at them.

Key Features

Pricing

$249 lifetime access (often discounted to $149). Limited free content available.

Best For

Learners who benefit from detailed written explanations and want to understand the reasoning behind solutions, not just the code.

Limitations

Smaller problem set than LeetCode. Higher upfront cost than monthly subscriptions.

8. Codewars — Best for Gamified Practice

Codewars gamifies coding practice through “kata” challenges and a martial arts-inspired ranking system. You progress from 8 kyu (beginner) to 1 kyu and beyond as you solve increasingly difficult problems.

Key Features

Pricing

Completely free.

Best For

Developers who enjoy gamification and want daily practice habits. The ranking system and community comparisons keep practice engaging long-term.

Limitations

Challenge quality varies since they’re community-created. Less structured than interview-focused platforms—you might practice things that rarely appear in interviews.

9. TopCoder — Best for Competitive Programming

TopCoder pioneered competitive programming and remains the platform for developers who want to compete against the best coders worldwide. Regular contests feature challenging algorithmic problems with prize money.

Key Features

Pricing

Free to compete. Prize money available in competitions.

Best For

Experienced developers who want to push their limits and compete at the highest levels. Also valuable for practicing under time pressure.

Limitations

Steep learning curve for beginners. Problems often exceed typical interview difficulty. Competition focus may not directly translate to interview success.

10. StrataScratch — Best for Data Science Interviews

StrataScratch focuses specifically on data science interview preparation with SQL, Python, and statistics questions sourced from real company interviews.

Key Features

Pricing

$49/month or $199/year for premium. Limited free access available.

Best For

Data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers preparing for interviews. If your target roles emphasize SQL and data manipulation over algorithms, StrataScratch is more relevant than LeetCode.

Limitations

Narrow focus—not useful for general software engineering roles. Higher price than general platforms.

11. Codility — Best for Employer Assessment Practice

Like CodeSignal, Codility powers technical assessments for many employers. Practicing on Codility prepares you for companies using their platform for hiring.

Key Features

Pricing

Free for individual practice.

Best For

Job seekers applying to companies using Codility for assessments. Familiarity with the interface reduces test-day friction.

Limitations

Limited learning resources—assumes you already have foundational knowledge.

12. CodenQuest — Best for Mobile Practice

CodenQuest brings full coding practice to iOS devices, letting you practice during commutes, lunch breaks, or anywhere away from your computer.

Key Features

Pricing

Free with optional premium features.

Best For

Busy developers who want to squeeze practice into small time windows throughout the day. Also useful as a supplement to desktop-based practice.

Limitations

Mobile coding has inherent limitations—complex problems are harder on smaller screens. Best for shorter challenges and review.

Best Free LeetCode Alternatives

If budget is your primary concern, these platforms offer substantial value at no cost:

  1. Exercism — Full platform free with mentor feedback
  2. HackerRank — Comprehensive free tier with certifications
  3. Pramp — Unlimited free mock interviews
  4. Codewars — All challenges free with gamification
  5. Codility — Free practice for assessment preparation
  6. AlgoCademy — Free tier with basic tutorials and AI tutoring

LeetCode vs. Alternatives: Key Differences

FactorLeetCodeBest Alternatives
Learning approachFigure it out yourselfAlgoCademy: guided step-by-step
Price$159/year premiumVaries (many free options available)
Problem quantity3,000+Varies (NeetCode 150 is curated)
ExplanationsCommunity solutionsInterview Cake: detailed walkthroughs
Mock interviewsLimitedPramp: unlimited free
Data science focusWeakStrataScratch: specialized
Mobile supportLimitedCodenQuest: full mobile IDE

How to Choose the Right LeetCode Alternative

Choose AlgoCademy if: You want to understand how to solve problems, not just see solutions. Best for building long-term problem-solving skills.

Choose NeetCode if: You want a clear roadmap and can learn from video solutions independently.

Choose HackerRank if: You want free, comprehensive practice with potential employer visibility.

Choose Exercism if: You’re learning a new language and want mentor feedback on writing idiomatic code.

Choose CodeSignal/Codility if: You’re actively applying to companies using these platforms for assessments.

Choose Pramp if: You can solve problems alone but struggle in live interview settings.

Choose Interview Cake if: You prefer detailed written explanations that teach reasoning, not just solutions.

Choose Codewars if: You enjoy gamification and want to build consistent practice habits.

Conclusion

While LeetCode remains the most popular coding practice platform, these LeetCode alternatives often provide better learning experiences for specific needs. Whether you’re looking for AI-powered tutoring with AlgoCademy, free mentorship through Exercism, or mock interviews via Pramp, there’s a platform that fits your learning style and budget.

The best approach for most people: combine platforms strategically. Use AlgoCademy or Interview Cake to learn problem-solving frameworks, practice with HackerRank or NeetCode’s curated lists, and polish your live interview skills with Pramp.

Ready to move beyond trial-and-error learning? Start with AlgoCademy’s free tier and experience the difference guided problem-solving instruction makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free alternative to LeetCode?

For comprehensive free practice, HackerRank offers the most features without payment. For learning with human feedback, Exercism provides free mentorship in 70+ languages. For mock interviews, Pramp offers unlimited free peer practice sessions.

Is LeetCode Premium worth it compared to alternatives?

LeetCode Premium ($159/year) provides company-specific questions and solution videos. However, AlgoCademy ($20/month billed annually) offers a fundamentally different approach with AI tutoring that teaches you how to solve problems, not just shows solutions. NeetCode ($99/year) provides curated problem lists with video explanations. The best choice depends on your learning style.

Which LeetCode alternative is best for beginners?

AlgoCademy is specifically designed for learners who find LeetCode overwhelming. Its step-by-step tutorials break down problems into manageable pieces, and the AI tutor adapts to your skill level. Exercism is also excellent for beginners learning their first programming language.

What websites are similar to LeetCode for coding practice?

The most similar websites to LeetCode include HackerRank (same problem-solving format with more domains), Codewars (community challenges with gamification), and NeetCode (curated LeetCode problems with video explanations). For a different approach emphasizing learning over practice, try AlgoCademy or Interview Cake.

How do I prepare for coding interviews without LeetCode?

Combine multiple platforms: Learn problem-solving patterns with AlgoCademy or Interview Cake, practice curated problems on NeetCode or HackerRank, simulate assessments on CodeSignal or Codility, and practice live interviews with Pramp. This multi-platform approach often works better than LeetCode alone.

Are there any LeetCode alternatives focused on SQL?

StrataScratch specializes in SQL and data science interview questions from real companies. HackerRank also has a comprehensive SQL track. For general database practice, DataCamp offers interactive SQL courses.