Algoexpert vs Interview Cake: Which is Better?
If you’re preparing for technical interviews at FAANG or other top tech companies, you’ve probably come across AlgoExpert and Interview Cake. Both platforms are designed to help you master data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving, but they have different teaching styles and learning approaches.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between AlgoExpert and Interview Cake, covering:
✅ Problem-Solving Approach
✅ Course Content & Depth
✅ Pricing & Value for Money
✅ Best for Beginners vs. Advanced Learners
📌 TL;DR: Quick Comparison
| Feature | AlgoExpert | Interview Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Structured learning with video explanations | Understanding problem-solving techniques |
| Problem Count | 190+ curated questions | 50+ deep-dive problems |
| Difficulty Levels | Beginner to Advanced | Beginner to Advanced |
| Languages Supported | 9+ languages | Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, Swift |
| Explanations | Video + Text | Text-based deep-dive explanations |
| Mock Interviews | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| System Design Content | ✅ Yes (SystemExpert) | ❌ No |
| Best for Beginners? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best for Advanced Users? | ❌ No (Limited problems) | ✅ Yes (Deep-dive explanations) |
| Pricing | $119/year | $90 one-time payment |
💡 Verdict:
- If you prefer structured learning with video explanations → Go for AlgoExpert.
- If you want deep conceptual understanding and text-based breakdowns → Go for Interview Cake.
1️⃣ Overview: What Are AlgoExpert & Interview Cake?
🔹 AlgoExpert
AlgoExpert is a coding interview prep platform created by Clément Mihailescu (ex-Google, co-founder of Structy). It offers:
✔ 190 hand-picked coding problems categorized by topic & difficulty.
✔ Step-by-step video explanations for every problem.
✔ Data Structures, Algorithms, and System Design courses.
✔ Mock interviews with a built-in coding environment.
✔ Multiple programming languages supported.
💡 Best for structured learning with guided explanations.
🔹 Interview Cake
Interview Cake focuses on teaching problem-solving strategies and coding techniques. Instead of just listing problems, it breaks down problems step-by-step and explains the reasoning behind the solution.
✔ 50+ in-depth problem breakdowns.
✔ Focuses on interview strategies, tricks, and problem-solving mindset.
✔ Text-based explanations with interactive hints.
✔ Teaches you to think like an interviewer.
💡 Best for developing deep problem-solving intuition.
2️⃣ Learning Approach & Problem-Solving Style
🔹 AlgoExpert’s Approach
✅ Problem-first learning: You get a coding problem, try to solve it, and then watch a video explanation that breaks it down.
✅ Great for step-by-step structured learning.
✅ Video solutions are clear, but explanations focus more on implementation than deep intuition.
🔹 Interview Cake’s Approach
✅ Concept-first learning: Instead of just solving problems, Interview Cake teaches you how to approach and break down problems effectively.
✅ Problems are deeply explained using step-by-step hints and breakdowns.
✅ Less focused on coding practice, more on problem-solving intuition.
💡 Verdict:
- If you want to practice coding problems → AlgoExpert.
- If you want to develop a strong problem-solving mindset → Interview Cake.
3️⃣ Problem Count & Depth of Explanations
| Feature | AlgoExpert | Interview Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Problems | 190+ | 50+ |
| Problem Depth | Moderate (Video + Code) | Deep-dive (Conceptual breakdown) |
| Step-by-step Hints | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Explanations Format | Video + Code | Text-based |
💡 Verdict:
- AlgoExpert offers more problems but focuses on implementation.
- Interview Cake offers fewer problems but explains each in extreme detail.
4️⃣ Pricing & Value for Money
| Feature | AlgoExpert | Interview Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Free Version? | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Pricing | $119/year | $90 one-time payment |
| Mock Interviews? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| System Design? | ✅ Yes (with SystemExpert) | ❌ No |
💰 AlgoExpert Pricing:
- $119 per year for all coding problems & videos.
- $60 extra for System Design Expert.
- $171 for full package (Algo + System + Database + Frontend Expert).
💰 Interview Cake Pricing:
- $90 one-time payment (Lifetime access).
- 30-day refund policy.
💡 Verdict:
- AlgoExpert is better if you want structured video lessons & mock interviews.
- Interview Cake is cheaper (one-time fee) and better for deep understanding.
5️⃣ Mock Interviews & Company-Specific Practice
| Feature | AlgoExpert | Interview Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Mock Interviews | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Company-Specific Questions | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Timed Practice | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
💡 Verdict:
- AlgoExpert wins here with timed mock interviews.
- Interview Cake doesn’t offer mock interviews but helps you think like an interviewer.
6️⃣ Best for Different Types of Learners
| Learner Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner in DSA & Algorithms | ✅ AlgoExpert |
| Need structured learning with video | ✅ AlgoExpert |
| Want deep problem-solving intuition | ✅ Interview Cake |
| Looking for a cheaper one-time purchase | ✅ Interview Cake |
| Want mock interviews & system design | ✅ AlgoExpert |
7️⃣ Pros & Cons of Each Platform
🔹 AlgoExpert Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Structured roadmap for DSA.
✔ Video explanations for every problem.
✔ Mock interviews & coding practice environment.
✔ Great for beginners.
❌ Cons:
- Less focus on deep problem-solving intuition.
- No company-specific questions.
- More expensive (subscription-based).
🔹 Interview Cake Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Step-by-step problem-solving breakdowns.
✔ Teaches you how to think like an interviewer.
✔ Lifetime access (one-time payment).
✔ Great for improving problem-solving intuition.
❌ Cons:
- Limited number of problems (~50).
- No video explanations.
- No mock interviews or real coding practice.
🎯 Final Verdict: Which One is the Winner?
| Best For | AlgoExpert | Interview Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Structured Learning | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Deep Problem-Solving Explanations | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Mock Interviews | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Best Price Value | ❌ No ($119/year) | ✅ Yes ($90 one-time) |
📌 Choose AlgoExpert If:
✔ You want structured learning with video explanations.
✔ You need mock interviews and system design content.
✔ You prefer coding-focused learning.
📌 Choose Interview Cake If:
✔ You want deep conceptual explanations of fewer problems.
✔ You need a cheaper, one-time payment option.
✔ You want to build strong problem-solving intuition.
🚀 Best Strategy? Start with Interview Cake for problem-solving intuition, then switch to AlgoExpert for structured practice!