If you are starting your coding journey, you have probably heard of LeetCode — one of the top platforms for coding interview preparation. It offers thousands of problems, mock interview tools, and company-specific question sets.

Beginners often face a common question: should you stick with the free plan or pay for LeetCode Premium? While the free plan helps you build a foundation, Premium can speed up your preparation for high-profile tech interviews.

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1. LeetCode Free Plan: Pros and Cons

The LeetCode Free Plan is an excellent starting point for beginners because it allows access to a broad range of coding problems without any cost.

Pros of the Free Plan:

1. Access to a Large Number of Problems:
   The free plan includes hundreds of coding problems ranging from easy to hard levels. Topics such as arrays, strings, linked lists, recursion, and basic dynamic programming are covered extensively. This gives beginners the opportunity to practice fundamental concepts and improve problem-solving skills gradually.
2. No Cost Involved:
   For students and beginners on a budget, the free plan is highly beneficial. You can practice consistently without worrying about subscription fees.
3. Community Solutions and Discussions:
   LeetCode’s discussion forums are very active. Beginners can see different approaches to a problem, learn optimal solutions, and clarify doubts. This community support is invaluable, especially when you are stuck on a difficult problem.
4. Good for Learning Fundamentals:
   The free plan is sufficient for beginners who want to build a strong foundation in data structures and algorithms (DSA). Regular practice on the free plan helps in developing problem-solving strategies, time management skills, and logical thinking — all crucial for technical interviews.

Cons of the Free Plan:

1. Limited Company-Specific Questions:
   The free plan does not provide access to problems asked by top companies like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft. This means beginners may not get targeted practice for specific tech interviews.
2. Fewer Mock Interview Options:
   Unlike the premium plan, the free version does not include structured mock interviews or simulation tools to replicate real interview environments.
3. Limited Access to Premium Explanations:
   Some complex problems may lack detailed explanations in the free plan, making it harder to understand the optimal approach without external resources.

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2. LeetCode Premium Plan: Pros and Cons

The LeetCode Premium Plan is designed for learners who want structured guidance, company-specific problem practice, and faster preparation for technical interviews.

Pros of the Premium Plan:

1. Company-Specific Questions:
   Premium subscribers can filter problems based on the company, allowing targeted practice for interviews at top tech firms. This is especially helpful for students preparing for FAANG or product-based companies.
2. Mock Interviews and Interview Simulations:
   Premium provides tools to simulate real coding interviews, helping candidates understand time management, problem selection, and coding under pressure.
3. Detailed Solutions and Explanations:
   Complex problems often include step-by-step explanations, algorithm analysis, and multiple solution approaches. This saves time and accelerates learning.
4. Advanced Filters and Problem Sorting:
   Premium users can sort problems by difficulty, frequency, and topics, allowing a more structured and efficient preparation plan.

Cons of the Premium Plan:

1. Cost Factor:
   LeetCode Premium costs around $35 per month or $159 per year. For beginners on a tight budget, this may feel like a significant investment.
2. Focus Mainly on Algorithms and DSA:
   Premium is heavily focused on algorithmic problem-solving. It covers less of other technical domains like databases, SQL, AI, or system design.
3. Overwhelming for Beginners:
   The premium plan has a large number of problems. Beginners may feel overwhelmed without proper guidance or a structured roadmap.

Comparison: LeetCode vs HackerRank

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3. Recommendations for Beginners

• Start with the Free Plan:
  Build a strong foundation in problem-solving and understand basic DSA concepts. Daily practice on the free plan is enough to prepare for many coding interviews.
• Use External Resources:
  Complement free plan practice with YouTube tutorials, blogs, and community discussions to understand complex problems.
• Upgrade to Premium Strategically:
  Consider investing in Premium when you are comfortable with basic problems and want to focus on company-specific questions, mock interviews, and high-level problem-solving.
• Consistency is Key:
  Regular practice matters more than the plan you choose. Even with free resources, daily coding can significantly improve your chances in technical interviews.

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Both LeetCode Free and Premium plans have their advantages and limitations. For beginners, the free plan is a cost-effective and powerful tool to build foundational problem-solving skills. Premium becomes valuable when you are preparing for high-stakes interviews, need company-specific practice, or want structured mock interviews.

Ultimately, the key to success is consistent practice, smart problem selection, and strategic use of resources, regardless of the plan you choose.

For more guides and tips visit Japture Plus.