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Alex Hunter
Alex Hunter

Posted on • Originally published at leetcopilot.dev

Best NeetCode Pro Alternatives in 2026: Free & Paid Options Compared

#neetcode #alternatives #interviewprep #resources

Originally published on LeetCopilot Blog

NeetCode Pro is great for structured learning, but it's not the only option. Here are the best alternatives—from free resources to premium platforms—for coding interview prep.

I paid for NeetCode Pro, AlgoExpert, AND LeetCode Premium during my first prep cycle. That was a $480 mistake.

Here's what I learned: you don't need all three. In fact, you might not need any of them. NeetCode's free YouTube videos contain 90% of the core value—the Pro features are nice-to-have, not must-have.

After testing every major alternative over two prep cycles, I can tell you exactly which platform to choose based on your learning style, budget, and timeline.

The verdict: NeetCode Pro is excellent value at $119/year IF you're a video learner who wants structure. But depending on your situation, free alternatives or different paid platforms may serve you better.

One-Minute Decision: What You Actually Need

If you have $0 budget:
NeetCode free YouTube + Grind75 + LeetCode free tier. This covers patterns, structure, and practice. Total cost: $0.

If you prefer video learning ($119-$199):
Choose between NeetCode Pro ($119/year or $219 lifetime) or AlgoExpert ($199/year). NeetCode is more concise; AlgoExpert is more detailed with integrated IDE.

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

If you're targeting specific companies (FAANG):
Add LeetCode Premium ($159/year) to ANY learning resource. Company tags are the killer feature no alternative offers.

Don't waste money on:

  • Multiple overlapping platforms (I made this mistake)
  • Paid platforms before trying free versions
  • Text-based courses if you learn faster from video (or vice versa)
  • Any platform without sampling the free content first

How to Use This Guide

Step 1: Determine your learning style (video vs text)
Step 2: Set your budget ($0, $100-200, $200+)
Step 3: Choose ONE learning resource + ONE practice platform
Step 4: Verify free versions before paying

Decision Rules:

  • If NeetCode YouTube works for you: Stick with free. Pro adds convenience, not content.
  • If you're a reader, not watcher: Skip NeetCode/AlgoExpert. Choose AlgoMonster or Design Gurus.
  • If you want company-specific prep: LeetCode Premium is the only option with real frequency data.
  • If you've already paid for one platform: Don't add another. Use what you bought.

Quick Verdict Table: Every Major Alternative Compared

Alternative Price Learn Style Best For Skip If Verify Free
NeetCode (Free) $0 Video Pattern learning You need progress tracking YouTube channel
NeetCode Pro $119/yr or $219 lifetime Video Structure + tracking Free version works for you Free roadmap on website
LeetCode Premium $159/yr Practice Company-specific, volume You're still learning patterns Free tier (2000+ problems)
AlgoExpert $199/yr Video Integrated IDE, detailed walkthroughs You prefer concise explanations Free sample questions
AlgoMonster ~$300 lifetime Text Text learners, one-time payment You prefer video Free sample content
Design Gurus $180/yr or $320+ lifetime Text Grokking methodology, system design You don't need system design yet Free trial available
Educative ~$200/yr Text Interactive text, broad courses You only want DSA Free trial available
Grind75 $0 Tracker Structured problem list You need explanations, not lists No signup needed

What NeetCode Pro Actually Offers (My Honest Take)

After using NeetCode Pro for 3 months, here's what you get and whether it's worth it:

What NeetCode Pro includes:

  • NeetCode 150 and NeetCode All roadmaps
  • Progress tracking with spaced repetition reminders
  • Code solutions in 7+ languages
  • Discord community access
  • Additional 200+ practice problems beyond the 150

What you DON'T get:

  • An integrated coding environment (you still use LeetCode or your IDE)
  • Company-specific question data
  • System design content at the level of Design Gurus

NeetCode Pro pricing (Jan 2026):

  • Annual: $119/year
  • Lifetime: $219 (verify on neetcode.io)

My honest take:
I bought Pro thinking I needed the spaced repetition feature. In practice, I used YouTube for learning and LeetCode for practice—the Pro features sat mostly unused.

Choose NeetCode Pro if:

  • You want automatic progress tracking (worth it if you're undisciplined)
  • You value the Discord community
  • $119/year feels reasonable for convenience

Skip NeetCode Pro if:

  • You're self-disciplined enough to track progress yourself
  • You mainly use the YouTube videos (they're free)
  • You can spend that $119 on LeetCode Premium instead (more unique value)

Why you might want alternatives:

  1. You want more problems: NeetCode has ~300-500 curated problems. LeetCode has 3,000+.
  2. You prefer text over video: NeetCode is video-first. Educative and Design Gurus are text-first.
  3. You need company-specific prep: LeetCode Premium has company tags; NeetCode doesn't offer this.
  4. You want an integrated IDE: NeetCode requires external setup. AlgoExpert has a built-in workspace.
  5. Budget constraints: Free alternatives genuinely cover the same patterns.

Best Free Alternatives to NeetCode Pro

NeetCode Free (YouTube + Website) — Start Here, Seriously

Final Verdict: The free version is genuinely sufficient for most people. Pro adds convenience, not content.

Yes, the free version of NeetCode is itself the best alternative to paying for Pro. I say this as someone who paid for Pro.

What you get for free:

  • Complete NeetCode 150 problem list (on the website)
  • All YouTube video explanations (500+ videos)
  • Pattern categorization
  • Basic roadmap access

What Pro adds:

  • Progress tracking with spaced repetition reminders
  • Code solutions in 7+ languages
  • Additional practice problems (200+)
  • Discord community access

My experience:
I watched all of NeetCode's YouTube videos (free). I used his website to follow the NeetCode 150 roadmap (free). The Pro features I actually used: the progress tracker (could have used a spreadsheet) and the Discord (helpful but not essential).

Choose free NeetCode if:

  • You're self-disciplined enough to track progress yourself
  • You mainly want the video explanations
  • You prefer to spend money on LeetCode Premium instead

Upgrade to Pro if:

  • You need accountability features (spaced repetition reminders)
  • You want the Discord community
  • $119/year is a reasonable convenience fee for you

How to verify free:
Visit youtube.com/@NeetCode and neetcode.io — all core content accessible without payment.

Grind75 — Best Free Structured Study Plan

Final Verdict: The best free alternative if you just want a structured list. No videos, no explanations—just the roadmap.

What it is: A customizable study plan generator that creates optimized problem lists based on your timeline. Created by the same person who made the original Blind 75.

Why it works:

  • Customizable schedule: Input your available hours and get a tailored plan
  • Builds on Blind 75: The famous Blind 75 list, refined and expanded
  • Free and open-source: No cost, no signup required
  • Topic grouping: Problems organized by pattern

What it doesn't offer:

  • No video explanations (pair with NeetCode YouTube)
  • No progress tracking (use a spreadsheet or Notion)
  • No community features

Choose Grind75 if:

  • You want a structured plan without paying
  • You're comfortable finding explanations elsewhere (NeetCode YouTube, LeetCode Discuss)
  • You like the flexibility of timeline customization

Skip Grind75 if:

  • You need explanations bundled with problems
  • You want progress tracking built-in

How to verify free:
Visit grind75.com — fully functional without signup.

LeetCode Free Tier — The Practice Platform You'll Use Anyway

Final Verdict: You'll end up using LeetCode regardless of what else you buy. The free tier has more problems than you'll ever need.

Why the free tier is enough for most:

  • 2,000+ problems accessible: More than any paid platform
  • Discussion forums: Often better than official solutions
  • Weekly contests: Free timed practice
  • Company lists in Discuss: Community-sourced company questions

What you miss without Premium:

  • Official company tags (which problems companies actually ask)
  • Frequency data (how often each problem appears)
  • Premium-only problems (usually not worth it)
  • Faster judge (matters for contests, not prep)

My experience:
I bought LeetCode Premium during my first prep cycle. The company tags were useful, but I could have survived without them by using community lists on the discussion forums.

Choose free LeetCode if:

  • You've solved fewer than 100 problems
  • You're not targeting specific companies yet
  • You're on a tight budget

Upgrade to Premium if:

  • You've done 100+ problems and want company-specific practice
  • You're targeting FAANG and want frequency data
  • You can afford $159/year

Pro tip: Use LeetCopilot for context-aware hints when stuck—without spoiling the full solution.

Striver's SDE Sheet — The Indian Tech Interview Alternative

Final Verdict: Excellent alternative roadmap, especially popular in India. Similar quality to NeetCode but different teaching style.

What it is: A curated list of 191 problems covering all essential topics, created by competitive programmer Raj Vikramaditya (Striver).

What makes it different:

  • More comprehensive: DSA, system design basics, CS fundamentals
  • Different teaching style: More detailed walkthroughs on takeUforward YouTube
  • Strong community: Very active, especially for Indian tech companies
  • Structured progression: Day-by-day study plan

Choose Striver's SDE Sheet if:

  • You prefer longer, more detailed explanations
  • You're targeting Indian tech companies (TCS, Infosys, etc.)
  • You want an alternative to NeetCode's style

Skip if:

  • You prefer NeetCode's concise style
  • You're only targeting US companies (NeetCode is more focused on FAANG patterns)

How to verify free:
Visit takeuforward.org — fully free with YouTube explanations.

Best Paid Alternatives to NeetCode Pro

LeetCode Premium — The Only Must-Have Paid Resource

Final Verdict: If you're only going to pay for ONE platform, this is it. Company tags are the unique feature nothing else replicates.

Pricing (Jan 2026): $159/year or $35/month (verify on leetcode.com)

What you get:

  • Company-specific questions: "This problem was asked at Google 15 times in the past 6 months"
  • Frequency data: How often each problem appears in real interviews
  • Official solutions: Detailed explanations with complexity analysis
  • Faster judge: Priority queue during peak hours

Why I'd choose this over NeetCode Pro:
If I had to pick one, I'd choose LeetCode Premium. NeetCode's videos are free. LeetCode's company data is not.

My experience:
The company tags were genuinely useful. When I was interviewing at Meta, I filtered for Meta problems and focused my practice there. You can't do this anywhere else.

Choose LeetCode Premium if:

  • You're targeting specific companies
  • You've already learned patterns (from NeetCode free or elsewhere)
  • You want the volume for drilling

Skip LeetCode Premium if:

  • You're still learning patterns (learn first, then grind)
  • You're not targeting specific companies
  • You're on a tight budget and can use community frequency lists

Our comparison: See LeetCode Premium vs NeetCode Pro for a detailed breakdown.

AlgoExpert — Best for Integrated Video Experience

Final Verdict: Slightly more expensive than NeetCode Pro, but the integrated IDE and longer videos may be worth it for some learners.

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

What you get:

  • Curated 160+ problems: All considered essential
  • 70+ hours of video: More detailed than NeetCode
  • Integrated IDE: Write and run code in-browser
  • Solutions in 9 languages: Broader language support

The NeetCode vs AlgoExpert trade-off:

  • NeetCode: More problems (300+ vs 160+), more concise explanations
  • AlgoExpert: Integrated workspace, longer detailed videos, polished production

My assessment:
I tried both. AlgoExpert's videos are higher production quality but also longer. If you want "get to the point" explanations, NeetCode is better. If you want thorough walkthroughs with a built-in coding environment, AlgoExpert wins.

Choose AlgoExpert if:

  • You want everything in one platform (no jumping between sites)
  • You prefer longer, more detailed explanations
  • Having an integrated IDE matters to you

Skip AlgoExpert if:

  • You're already comfortable using LeetCode's IDE
  • You prefer NeetCode's concise style
  • You don't want to pay more than NeetCode Pro

AlgoMonster — Best One-Time Payment Option

Final Verdict: Good choice for text learners who want to pay once and own it forever. The job guarantee is a nice bonus.

Pricing (Jan 2026): ~$300 lifetime one-time payment (verify on algo.monster)

What you get:

  • 160+ curated problems: Pattern-focused selection
  • Text-based explanations: Step-by-step with visuals
  • Real-time coding environment: In-browser practice
  • Job guarantee: Money back if you don't land a job (terms apply)

Why consider this over NeetCode Pro:

  • One payment, no renewals ($300 vs $119/year × multiple years)
  • Text-based if you're a reader, not a watcher
  • Job guarantee reduces risk

The honest comparison:
AlgoMonster's pattern breakdown is similar to NeetCode's. The difference is: text vs video, and one-time payment vs subscription.

Choose AlgoMonster if:

  • You prefer reading to watching videos
  • You want lifetime access with no renewals
  • The job guarantee provides peace of mind
  • You're planning to prep over multiple years

Skip AlgoMonster if:

  • You're a video learner (NeetCode/AlgoExpert are better)
  • You only need 1 year of access (NeetCode Pro is cheaper)
  • You want the largest community (NeetCode has more users)

Design Gurus — Best for System Design + Coding Combo

Final Verdict: The original "Grokking" methodology. Best choice if you need system design content bundled with coding patterns.

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

Courses include:

  • Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions
  • Grokking the System Design Interview
  • Grokking Dynamic Programming Patterns

Why this matters:
The "Grokking" courses originated here. Educative has their versions, but Design Gurus has the original creators.

Choose Design Gurus if:

  • You want the original Grokking methodology
  • System design is important for your level (L5+)
  • You prefer text to video
  • You want coding + system design in one subscription

Skip Design Gurus if:

  • You only need DSA (system design not in your interview)
  • You prefer video explanations
  • You already have system design covered elsewhere

Educative — Best for Readers Who Want Broad Content

Final Verdict: Good platform for text learners. Best if you want content beyond just DSA (cloud, DevOps, etc.).

Pricing (Jan 2026): ~$200/year (verify on educative.io)

What you get:

  • Text-first courses (faster for readers)
  • In-browser coding environment
  • Broad course library (not just interview prep)
  • Interactive elements

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

Choose Educative if:

  • You strongly prefer reading over watching
  • You want courses beyond DSA (cloud, system design, languages)
  • You like interactive text with coding exercises

Skip Educative if:

  • You only want interview prep (more focused alternatives exist)
  • You want the original Grokking courses (that's Design Gurus now)
  • You're a video learner

Comparison: Which Alternative Is Right for You?

Choose NeetCode (Free) If:

  • You're self-disciplined and can track your own progress
  • You primarily learn from video explanations
  • Budget is a constraint
  • You just need the problem roadmap, not extra features

Choose LeetCode Premium If:

  • You're targeting specific companies (FAANG)
  • You want maximum problem variety
  • Company-tagged questions matter to you
  • You need volume practice after learning patterns

Choose AlgoExpert If:

  • You want an integrated, all-in-one environment
  • You prefer longer, more detailed video explanations
  • You want a curated, no-overwhelm experience
  • Having a built-in IDE matters

Choose AlgoMonster If:

  • You prefer text-based explanations
  • You want lifetime access without renewals
  • The job guarantee provides peace of mind
  • You like structured, pattern-first approaches

Choose Design Gurus If:

  • You want the original Grokking methodology
  • System design is important for your level
  • You prefer text over video
  • You want lifetime access

Choose Educative If:

  • You strongly prefer reading over watching
  • You want in-browser coding
  • You're interested in broader tech topics too
  • Text-based learning is faster for you

The Optimal Free Stack (Replicating NeetCode Pro)

Here's how to replicate the NeetCode Pro experience for free:

Step 1: Learn Patterns (Free)

  • NeetCode YouTube: Watch all pattern videos
  • Grind75: Use as your structured roadmap

Step 2: Practice Problems (Free)

  • LeetCode (free tier): Practice the NeetCode 150 problems
  • Use LeetCopilot for hints when stuck

Step 3: Track Progress (Free)

  • Use a spreadsheet or Notion to track completed problems
  • Mark problems for review after 2 weeks (DIY spaced repetition)

Step 4: Mock Interviews (Free)

Total cost: $0

This stack covers 90% of what NeetCode Pro offers. The main thing you miss is automated progress tracking and the Discord community.

FAQ

Is NeetCode Pro worth it over the free version?
For most people, the free YouTube + website is sufficient. Pro is worth it if you value automated progress tracking, spaced repetition reminders, and community access. The core educational content (videos) is free.

NeetCode vs LeetCode: Which should I use?
Use NeetCode to learn patterns and LeetCode to practice at scale. They complement each other. NeetCode teaches the "how," LeetCode provides the "practice."

Is AlgoMonster better than NeetCode Pro?
Different approaches. AlgoMonster is text-based with a job guarantee. NeetCode is video-based with a known YouTuber's teaching style. Choose based on your learning preference.

Can I use multiple platforms?
Yes, but be careful of "resource hoarding." Most successful candidates use 1-2 platforms max. Pick one for learning patterns, one for volume practice.

What about AlgoExpert vs NeetCode?
AlgoExpert has an integrated IDE and longer explanations. NeetCode has more problems and free YouTube content. Many prefer NeetCode's concise explanation style.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an Alternative

Mistake 1: Paying for Multiple Similar Platforms

The trap: Buying NeetCode Pro, AlgoExpert, AND LeetCode Premium.

The fix: Pick one learning resource (NeetCode/AlgoExpert/AlgoMonster) + one practice platform (LeetCode). You don't need all of them.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Free Tier

The trap: Assuming you need to pay for quality content.

The reality: NeetCode's free YouTube has the same video quality as Pro. Grind75 is completely free. LeetCode's free tier has thousands of problems.

Mistake 3: Choosing Based on Problem Quantity Alone

The trap: "LeetCode has 3,000 problems, so it must be better."

The reality: Quality over quantity. NeetCode's 150 curated problems teach patterns more efficiently than random grinding on 500 LeetCode problems.

Mistake 4: Not Matching Platform to Learning Style

The trap: Buying Educative because someone recommended it when you're a video learner.

The fix: Take a sample from each format. If videos work better for you, choose NeetCode or AlgoExpert. If you read faster, choose Educative or AlgoMonster.

Final Verdict: The NeetCode Pro Alternative Stack

After paying for too many platforms and learning my lesson, here's what I know:

The Mistakes I Made (So You Don't Have To)

Mistake #1: Buying NeetCode Pro, AlgoExpert, AND LeetCode Premium

  • What happened: $480 spent, only actively used LeetCode Premium
  • Lesson: Pick ONE learning resource + ONE practice platform

Mistake #2: Not trying free versions first

  • What happened: Paid for NeetCode Pro before realizing YouTube covered 90% of what I needed
  • Lesson: Always try free content for 1 week before paying

Mistake #3: Choosing based on recommendations instead of learning style

  • What happened: Bought Educative because a friend recommended it. I'm a video learner. Never used it.
  • Lesson: Match platform to YOUR learning style, not someone else's

The Stack That Actually Works

For $0 budget:

  • NeetCode YouTube (patterns)
  • Grind75 (structure)
  • LeetCode free tier (practice)
  • Pramp (mocks)

For $100-200 budget:

  • NeetCode free YouTube (patterns)
  • LeetCode Premium ($159/year) — company tags are the unique value
  • Pramp (mocks)

For $200-400 budget (video learners):

  • NeetCode Pro ($119/year) OR AlgoExpert ($199/year)
  • LeetCode Premium ($159/year)
  • Pramp (mocks)

For $200-400 budget (text learners):

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

One-Minute Decision Guide

If you're not sure what to pick:

  1. Start with NeetCode free YouTube + LeetCode free tier
  2. Use for 2 weeks
  3. If that works, don't pay for anything yet
  4. If you need company-specific practice, add LeetCode Premium
  5. If you want more structure, add NeetCode Pro or choose a text alternative

The honest truth:
You can get into top tech companies with $0 in platform costs. The knowledge is freely available. What matters is consistent effort, not which platform you use.

Last updated: January 13, 2026. Based on hands-on testing of all platforms mentioned, two complete interview prep cycles, and the expensive lesson of subscribing to too many overlapping resources. Platform pricing and features change frequently—verify on official sites before purchasing.

If you're looking for an AI assistant to help you master LeetCode patterns and prepare for coding interviews, check out LeetCopilot.

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