LeetCode is one of the most popular platforms for coding interview preparation. It is especially useful for high-paying tech jobs at FAANG companies — Facebook (Meta), Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google (Alphabet). Many beginners and intermediate coders wonder whether the free plan is sufficient or if LeetCode Premium is necessary to succeed in FAANG-level interviews.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of LeetCode Free and Paid plans, explain what FAANG is, and provide guidance on when Premium is truly helpful for interview prep. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for preparing efficiently.
1. What is FAANG and Why It Matters
FAANG refers to five of the most prestigious tech companies in the world: Facebook (Meta), Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google (Alphabet). These companies are renowned for their high compensation, cutting-edge technology, and challenging work environments.
Why FAANG is so sought after:
- High Compensation: FAANG engineers receive some of the highest salaries, bonuses, and stock options globally.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Employees work on large-scale, innovative products impacting millions of users.
- Career Growth: FAANG emphasizes mentorship, learning opportunities, and exposure to complex technical challenges.
- Global Recognition: Experience at FAANG significantly strengthens your resume.
- Rigorous Interview Process: Interviews test data structures, algorithms, problem-solving, system design, and behavioral skills.
For these reasons, preparation on platforms like LeetCode is critical, especially if you aim to succeed in coding rounds and land a FAANG job.
2. LeetCode Free Plan: Pros and Cons
The free plan is ideal for beginners. It provides access to hundreds of coding problems in categories such as arrays, strings, linked lists, recursion, and basic dynamic programming.
Advantages of Free Plan:
- Foundational Practice: Helps build strong problem-solving and algorithmic skills.
- No Cost: Perfect for students and beginners on a tight budget.
- Community Support: Discussions and shared solutions help learners understand different approaches.
Limitations for FAANG Prep:
- No Company-Specific Questions: Cannot filter problems for Google, Amazon, or Microsoft.
- Limited Mock Interviews: Less structured practice for timed coding rounds.
- Hard-Level Problems Are Limited: Some complex problems frequently asked in FAANG interviews may not be available.
3. LeetCode Premium Plan: Key Benefits
LeetCode Premium offers advanced features for structured FAANG preparation.
Pros:
- Company-Specific Questions: Practice problems previously asked at FAANG companies.
- Mock Interviews & Timed Practice: Simulate real coding interviews to improve speed and accuracy.
- Detailed Solutions: Step-by-step explanations help understand advanced algorithms.
- Advanced Filters: Sort problems by difficulty, frequency, or topic to focus on high-yield questions.
Cons:
- Cost: $35/month or $159/year, which may be expensive for beginners. (Check pricing here)
- Overwhelming Content: A large number of problems can confuse learners without a roadmap.
4. When Premium is Worth It
LeetCode Premium becomes valuable if:
- You want company-specific problems for FAANG interviews.
- You need mock interviews to practice under timed conditions.
- You require detailed solutions for complex hard-level problems.
For serious FAANG aspirants, Premium provides a focused and efficient preparation path, saving time and increasing success chances.
5. How to Use LeetCode Efficiently for FAANG Prep
- Start with the Free Plan: Build your coding foundation and solve easy-to-medium problems.
- Track Weak Areas: Identify topics like dynamic programming, trees, and graphs that need extra practice.
- Upgrade Strategically: Use Premium for company-specific questions and mock interviews once ready.
- Complement with External Resources: Tutorials, blogs, and forums fill gaps in understanding.
Consistency is more important than which plan you choose. Daily practice ensures steady improvement, whether you stick to Free or switch to Premium.
For FAANG aspirants, LeetCode Premium can be a worthwhile investment. Beginners should start with the free plan to build a strong foundation. Premium is most beneficial for company-specific practice, mock interviews, and advanced problem-solving.
The key to success is consistent practice, focused preparation, and smart use of resources. Start with Free, upgrade wisely, and prepare strategically for FAANG interviews.
Read our guide on Can You Crack FAANG Interviews Without LeetCode Premium?