If you’re preparing for coding interviews, LeetCode is probably already on your radar. But with a Premium subscription costing money, many students ask the same question —
Can you really crack interviews using just the free plan?
The short answer: Yes, you can — but with the right approach.
Let’s explore how far the LeetCode Free Plan can take you, what’s missing, and when upgrading to Premium actually makes sense.
1. What the LeetCode Free Plan Offers
The free version of LeetCode gives access to a strong foundation for your interview preparation:
- 300+ DSA problems across easy, medium, and hard levels
- Access to problem discussions and community solutions
- Basic problem tags (like arrays, strings, recursion, etc.)
- Ability to run and test code in multiple languages
- A growing community forum for explanations and guidance
This is more than enough for beginners and even intermediate learners to build problem-solving confidence.
2. What You Don’t Get in the Free Plan
While the free version is powerful, it misses out on some advanced preparation tools:
| Missing Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Company tags | Helps identify questions asked by Google, Amazon, etc. |
| Mock interviews | Simulates real test environments |
| Problem frequency | Shows which questions appear most often |
| Premium editorial solutions | Saves time in understanding complex problems |
These extras are valuable if you’re in the final stage of your preparation or applying to FAANG or product-based companies.
3. How to Crack Interviews Using Only the Free Plan
If you want to stick to free resources, here’s a smart strategy:
- Follow a topic roadmap (start from Arrays → Strings → Recursion → Trees → DP).
- Use LeetCode Explore (free modules) to learn structured problem-solving.
- Sort problems by Acceptance Rate — begin with those to build confidence.
- Watch free explanations on YouTube (NeetCode, Striver, or TLE Eliminators).
- Maintain a daily streak — 1-2 problems a day adds up quickly.
With consistency and good planning, you can easily reach 200–250 problems using the free version — enough to ace most technical rounds.
4. When to Consider Upgrading to Premium
You can stay on the free plan for a long time, but consider upgrading if:
- You’re targeting top tech companies.
- You’ve already solved 200+ problems and want to focus on company-specific sets.
- You’re preparing under tight timelines (1–2 months before interviews).
Premium gives access to high-yield problems and real-world company tags that help you study smarter, not harder.
5. Real Success Stories from Free Users
Many developers and college students have cracked top companies using only LeetCode Free.
You’ll find posts on Reddit and LinkedIn from people who:
- Solved 300–400 problems on the free plan.
- Practiced behavioral and system design questions separately.
- Used mock interviews from Pramp or Interviewing.io (both free).
The takeaway? LeetCode Free is more than enough — as long as you stay consistent and strategic.
The LeetCode Free Plan is powerful enough for most learners — especially if you’re just starting your coding journey.
It gives you a solid foundation in DSA, helps you build confidence, and keeps you motivated through real problems. Upgrade to Premium only when you’re ready for advanced topics or specific company practice.
Remember: success depends on practice and persistence, not just the plan you use.
Also read: LeetCode Student Discount 2025: Free Access Options.