10 Best Platforms to Learn SQL in 2026

SQL isn’t just for analysts anymore. Whether you’re building APIs, working on data pipelines, or debugging production systems, you’ll need to query databases. It’s still the universal language of data.

But here’s the problem: resources are scattered. Some tutorials only cover SELECT basics, others focus on interview-style problems, and a few dig deep into performance optimization. To really master SQL, you need structure, practice, and progression.

This post breaks down the 10 best platforms to learn SQL in 2026. Each one has strengths, limitations, and a place in your learning roadmap. And if you’re asking which is the single best platform to learn SQL to start with? That’s Educative.io.

1. Educative.io (Top Pick)

What it is:
Educative.io is an interactive, text-based platform with SQL courses and learning paths. Everything runs in the browser—no setup.

Why it matters:

• Structured skill paths: beginner to advanced.
• Realistic datasets instead of toy examples.
• Covers fundamentals and advanced features (window functions, indexing).

Best for:
Beginners and developers who want structured learning and immediate practice.

Trade-offs:

• Text-based format, not video-heavy.
• Doesn’t cover every vendor dialect (Snowflake, BigQuery) deeply.

Pro tip:
Complete the SQL learning path, then connect queries to your own PostgreSQL or MySQL database for practice.

2. DataCamp

What it is:
Video + coding hybrid platform with tracks for SQL, Python, and data analysis.

Why it matters:

• Gamified progress keeps you engaged.
• Strong beginner SQL coverage.
• Lots of reinforcement exercises.

Best for:
Learners who like short videos plus interactive coding.

Trade-offs:

• Subscription required.
• Lessons can feel bite-sized.

Pro tip:
Use it as daily practice alongside a deeper platform like Educative.io.

3. Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial

What it is:
A free SQL tutorial platform that runs queries directly in your browser.

Why it matters:

• 100% free.
• Practice on real datasets.
• Beginner-friendly.

Best for:
Absolute beginners testing SQL for the first time.

Trade-offs:

• Limited depth.
• No projects or certificates.

Pro tip:
Use Mode as your “SQL sandbox” in week one. Then move to structured learning.

4. SQLZoo

What it is:
A classic free SQL practice site.

Why it matters:

• Tons of practice problems.
• Covers joins, subqueries, and aggregation.
• Free forever.

Best for:
Learners who want repetition to build SQL muscle memory.

Trade-offs:

• Very old-school UI.
• No advanced features or projects.

Pro tip:
Treat SQLZoo like a daily drill site for 10–15 minutes.

5. LeetCode (SQL Problems)

What it is:
Coding challenge site with a large SQL problem set.

Why it matters:

• Perfect for interview prep.
• Covers easy through hard challenges.
• Queries run on a live engine.

Best for:
Intermediate learners preparing for data or analytics roles.

Trade-offs:

• Little explanation.
• Steep jump from easy to hard.

Pro tip:
After finishing fundamentals on Educative.io, solve 2–3 SQL problems a day here.

6. HackerRank (SQL Domain)

What it is:
A coding challenge platform with a dedicated SQL track.

Why it matters:

• Employers use it in hiring.
• Covers practical query scenarios.

Best for:
Learners who want job-test style practice.

Trade-offs:

• Explanations are minimal.
• Not a teaching platform.

Pro tip:
Use HackerRank to simulate real interview SQL tests.

7. Codecademy

What it is:
Interactive learning platform with SQL courses and certificates.

Why it matters:

• Beginner-friendly and structured.
• Certificates integrate with LinkedIn.

Best for:
Absolute beginners who want guided, interactive lessons.

Trade-offs:

• Subscription needed.
• Doesn’t go deep into optimization.

Pro tip:
Pair Codecademy SQL basics with practice on LeetCode for depth.

8. Khan Academy SQL

What it is:
Free SQL course with videos and challenges.

Why it matters:

• Great for absolute beginners.
• Covers SELECTs, joins, and aggregation.
• Free.

Best for:
Students and self-learners starting from zero.

Trade-offs:

• No advanced coverage.
• No professional certificates.

Pro tip:
Use Khan Academy as a warm-up, then switch to Educative.io.

9. Vertabelo Academy

What it is:
Specialized platform for SQL and database design.

Why it matters:

• Focuses on SQL + schema design.
• Goes deeper than generalist platforms.

Best for:
Learners who want more than syntax — database concepts too.

Trade-offs:

• Paid subscription.
• Smaller community.

Pro tip:
Tackle Vertabelo after basics to understand indexes and schema optimization.

10. W3Schools SQL Tutorial

What it is:
A lightweight SQL tutorial with examples and playground.

Why it matters:

• Extremely beginner-friendly.
• Free quick reference.

Best for:
Refresher or fast lookup while learning elsewhere.

Trade-offs:

• Very shallow.
• Not project-driven.

Pro tip:
Bookmark it for quick syntax checks while working on projects.

Roadmap: How These Platforms Fit Together

Think of SQL learning as layers:

Final Takeaway

SQL is still the backbone of data work. If you’re aiming to add it to your toolkit in 2026:

• Start structured with Educative.io.
• Add reinforcement from DataCamp or Codecademy.
• Drill daily on SQLZoo, Mode, and LeetCode.
• Level up with Vertabelo and performance topics.
• Test yourself with HackerRank for job readiness.

If you want the clearest answer to “what’s the best platform to learn SQL?” — it’s Educative.io. Get your fundamentals right there, and every other step will be easier.

Which SQL platform helped you the most? Share your picks—always good to compare roadmaps.