Originally published on LeetCopilot Blog
Two platforms dominate the "should I pay for interview prep?" conversation: LeetCode and AlgoExpert.
LeetCode is the industry standard—the actual platform many companies use for screening, with thousands of problems and a massive community. AlgoExpert is the polished alternative—curated explanations, high-quality videos, and a structured approach designed to save you time.
They solve the same problem differently. This guide breaks down exactly what each platform offers, how they compare on price and content, and which one makes sense for your specific situation in 2025.
TL;DR
- LeetCode (Free + Premium $35/month or $159/year): Best for maximum problem variety, company-specific prep, and authentic interview environment. Self-directed; requires you to find your own path.
- AlgoExpert ($199/year): Best for curated explanations, video learning, and structured preparation. Annual subscription; smaller problem set.
- Choose LeetCode if: You want access to thousands of problems, need company-specific data, or prefer learning through doing.
- Choose AlgoExpert if: You want high-quality video explanations, structured learning, or prefer a curated approach.
- Best value: LeetCode Premium for company-targeted prep; AlgoExpert for structured video learning.
What Each Platform Offers
LeetCode — The Industry Standard
LeetCode is the original coding interview preparation platform and remains the most widely used.
Core features:
- 2000+ problems across all difficulty levels
- Online judge that tests your code against hidden test cases
- Discussion forums for each problem with community solutions
- Weekly contests for competitive practice
- Code execution environment matching real interviews
Premium adds ($159/year):
- Company-tagged questions (which problems Apple, Google, Meta ask)
- Frequency data (how often each question appears)
- ~300 premium-only problems
- Official solutions with detailed explanations
- Advanced filtering and sorting
Learning philosophy: Practice makes perfect. Solve enough problems, and you'll recognize patterns naturally.
AlgoExpert — The Curated Alternative
AlgoExpert positions itself as "LeetCode, but better organized."
Core features:
- 160 curated problems covering essential interview patterns
- Video explanations for every problem (detailed, high-quality)
- Written solutions with multiple approaches
- Code in 9 languages with explanations for each
- Space-time complexity analysis for every solution
Bundle options:
- AlgoExpert alone: $199/year
- All-access bundle (SystemsExpert, MLExpert, etc.): higher tier pricing
Learning philosophy: Quality over quantity. Master 160 well-chosen problems with deep understanding rather than superficially grinding 1000.
Pricing Comparison
LeetCode Pricing (2025)
| Tier | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Most users, general practice |
| Premium Monthly | $35/month | Short-term prep |
| Premium Annual | $159/year | Serious candidates |
Sales frequently drop annual pricing during major events.
AlgoExpert Pricing (2025)
| Product | Price | Model |
|---|---|---|
| AlgoExpert | $199/year | Annual subscription |
| SystemsExpert | $199/year | Annual subscription |
| All-Access Bundle | Higher tier | Annual (all products) |
Cost-Per-Resource Analysis
LeetCode Premium Annual ($159):
- ~2000 problems = ~$0.08 per problem
- Company data for 100+ companies
- Subscription model (ongoing cost)
AlgoExpert ($199/year):
- 160 problems = ~$1.24 per problem
- But includes professional video for each
- Annual subscription model
Key insight: LeetCode is cheaper per-problem. AlgoExpert includes video explanations but at higher per-problem cost. Both are subscription-based.
Content Quality & Depth
Problem Diversity
LeetCode:
- 2000+ problems means every pattern, every variation
- New problems added weekly
- Contest problems push into competitive programming territory
- Coverage of obscure topics (segment trees, tries, advanced DP)
AlgoExpert:
- 160 problems carefully selected for interview relevance
- Covers core patterns: arrays, strings, trees, graphs, DP, etc.
- Missing some advanced/niche topics
- Focus on "what actually gets asked"
Winner: LeetCode for variety, AlgoExpert for curation.
If you want to see every possible interview question variation, LeetCode wins. If you want someone to tell you "learn these 160 and you're covered," AlgoExpert wins.
Explanation Depth
LeetCode:
- Official solutions (Premium only) are text-based, often excellent
- Community solutions vary wildly in quality
- Multiple approaches often shown
- No video content
AlgoExpert:
- Every problem has professional video walkthrough
- Consistent teaching quality throughout
- Visual diagrams and step-by-step code building
- Written solution mirrors video content
Winner: AlgoExpert for explanation quality.
AlgoExpert's videos are genuinely well-produced. Clement (the creator) explains both the intuition and implementation clearly. If you learn through watching, AlgoExpert has a clear edge.
Video vs Text Learning
This is a learning style preference:
Video advantages (AlgoExpert):
- See thought process in real-time
- Visual diagrams for algorithms
- Pacing helps understanding
- Good for visual learners
Text advantages (LeetCode):
- Faster to skim and reference
- Easy to copy code snippets
- Search within solutions
- Good for readers
Neither is objectively better—it depends on how you learn.
Learning Experience
Guided Learning (AlgoExpert)
AlgoExpert structures your prep:
- Problems organized by category (Arrays, Strings, Trees, etc.)
- Difficulty progression within categories (Easy → Hard)
- Video explanations before you attempt problems
- Consistent format throughout
Strengths:
- Clear path from start to finish
- Low decision fatigue
- Predictable learning experience
Weaknesses:
- Limited flexibility (one curated path)
- May not match your specific gaps
- Can't explore outside the 160 problems
Open Exploration (LeetCode)
LeetCode gives you freedom:
- Browse 2000+ problems any way you want
- Filter by company, topic, difficulty
- Create custom lists and study plans
- Follow community roadmaps (Blind 75, etc.)
Strengths:
- Maximum flexibility
- Target specific companies
- Explore as deep as you want
Weaknesses:
- Easy to waste time on wrong problems
- No inherent structure
- Requires self-direction
Preparation Speed & Effectiveness
Which Platform Is Faster for Beginners?
AlgoExpert is faster for true beginners because:
- Curated 160 problems = no time wasted deciding what to study
- Video explanations accelerate understanding
- Clear progression prevents going in circles
Beginners on LeetCode often spend weeks just figuring out what to practice before meaningfully practicing.
Which Is Better for Advanced Candidates?
LeetCode is better for advanced candidates because:
- Company-specific questions target your actual interviews
- Larger problem bank reveals pattern variations
- Contests build speed and pressure tolerance
- Premium data shows question frequency
Advanced users already know patterns—they need volume and company targeting, both LeetCode strengths.
Time-to-Readiness Comparison
| Starting Point | AlgoExpert Path | LeetCode Path |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | 3-4 months | 4-6 months |
| Some DSA knowledge | 2-3 months | 2-4 months |
| Interview-ready, need polish | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
AlgoExpert's structure typically accelerates beginners. By intermediate/advanced, the difference shrinks.
Which Should You Choose?
If You Learn Best with Videos
Choose AlgoExpert.
AlgoExpert's video explanations are its core differentiator. If watching explanations helps concepts click for you, this is significant value LeetCode can't match.
If You Prefer Practicing Problems
Choose LeetCode.
LeetCode's strength is the practice environment itself. If you learn by doing rather than watching, LeetCode's massive problem bank gives you more material.
If You're Preparing for Big Tech
Use both, or prioritize LeetCode Premium.
For FAANG/MANGA company targeting:
- AlgoExpert provides strong foundations
- LeetCode Premium's company tags are irreplaceable
The combination is powerful: AlgoExpert for learning, LeetCode for company-specific practice.
If picking one: LeetCode Premium for company data.
If You're Budget Conscious
LeetCode Premium is cheaper.
$159/year vs. $199/year for AlgoExpert. LeetCode's free tier is also robust—2000 problems, community solutions, contests.
For best value: Free LeetCode + NeetCode Pro ($119/year or $297 lifetime) gives curated videos plus unlimited practice.
Complementing Either Platform with AI Tools
Both platforms teach you what the solution is. But when you're stuck during practice, neither platform helps you figure it out yourself without spoiling the answer.
This is where AI-assisted tools add value. LeetCopilot can provide contextual hints while you're solving—helping you get unstuck without revealing the full solution. This works alongside either platform, preserving the struggle that builds real problem-solving skill.
Final Recommendation for 2025
Best for Beginners: AlgoExpert
Start with AlgoExpert if you're new to coding interviews:
- Structured path eliminates confusion
- Video explanations teach thinking, not just solutions
- One-time cost is predictable
- 160 problems is enough to build solid foundations
Transition to LeetCode (free or Premium) once you've exhausted AlgoExpert's content.
Best for Intermediate: LeetCode (Free or Premium)
At intermediate level, you know the patterns. You need:
- More problem variations (LeetCode has 2000+)
- Speed practice (LeetCode contests)
- Company targeting (LeetCode Premium)
AlgoExpert's structure adds less value when you're self-directed.
Best for Power Users: LeetCode Premium
If you're seriously targeting specific companies:
- Premium company tags are essential
- Frequency data optimizes study time
- Large problem bank supports deep practice
AlgoExpert's 160 problems may feel limiting at this level.
The Power Combo
Many successful candidates use both:
- AlgoExpert for initial learning and pattern understanding
- LeetCode for volume practice and company targeting
- LeetCode Premium in the final weeks before interviews
Total cost: ~$199 + $159 = $358/year for a complete preparation stack. Worth it for career-changing interviews.
FAQ
Can I succeed with just free resources?
Yes. Free LeetCode + YouTube explanations (NeetCode, etc.) can get you through most interviews. Paid resources accelerate learning but aren't required.
Is AlgoExpert's price for annual access?
Yes, $199/year subscription. This gives you access to updates and new content throughout the year.
Which has better support for my programming language?
LeetCode supports 20+ languages. AlgoExpert supports 9 languages with explanations. Both cover major interview languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript).
Do I need both? That seems expensive.
You don't need both. Many people succeed with just one. The combination is powerful but optional. Start with one based on our recommendations, add the other only if you feel gaps.
How does AlgoExpert compare to NeetCode?
Both are curated, video-based. NeetCode Pro has more problems (~300 vs 160) and costs $119/year or $297 lifetime. AlgoExpert costs $199/year. Similar philosophy, NeetCode offers better value with the lifetime option.
Conclusion
LeetCode and AlgoExpert serve different needs within the same market.
Choose AlgoExpert when you want:
- Curated, high-quality video explanations
- Structured learning path with clear progression
- One-time payment with lifetime access
- Focused preparation covering essential patterns
Choose LeetCode when you want:
- Maximum problem variety and exploration
- Company-specific question data
- Contest participation and speed practice
- The authentic interview environment
For most people in 2025, the best approach is:
- Start with AlgoExpert (or NeetCode) for structured learning
- Transition to LeetCode for volume and company targeting
- Add LeetCode Premium when approaching specific interviews
Both platforms work. The best platform is the one that matches your learning style and that you'll actually use consistently. Pick one, commit to it, and trust the process.
Your interview success depends more on consistent practice than which platform you choose. Either investment, used seriously, will move you closer to the job you want.
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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