Choosing the right coding interview platform can make or break your technical hiring process. This guide compares the best options in 2026 across three categories: live coding, automated assessments, and practice platforms.
01 Platform Categories
Live Coding
Real-time collaborative coding during interviews
Assessments
Automated tests sent to candidates asynchronously
Practice
Platforms for interview preparation and mock interviews
02 Quick Comparison
| Platform | Category | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Best ValuePlayCode | Live Coding | $5/mo | Web dev interviews |
| CoderPad | Live Coding | $70-375/mo | Enterprise teams |
| HackerRank | Assessments | Enterprise | High-volume screening |
| CodeSignal | Assessments | Enterprise | Standardized testing |
| LeetCode | Practice | Free / $35 | Algorithm prep |
| Codility | Assessments | Enterprise | Plagiarism detection |
03 Platform Reviews
Pros
- No candidate signup required
- Real JavaScript/TypeScript/React runtime
- 2M+ npm packages
- AI coding assistant
- Instant sharing via URL
- Affordable at $5/month
Cons
- Web languages only (JS, TS, React, Vue)
- No built-in video chat
- No ATS integrations
04 How to Choose
For Live Interviews
If you want to watch candidates code in real-time, choose PlayCode (affordable, web-focused) or CoderPad (enterprise, multi-language).
For Automated Screening
If you're screening 100+ candidates, use HackerRank or CodeSignal for automated assessments with scoring.
On a Budget
PlayCode at $5/month or VS Code Live Share (free) are the most affordable options for small teams.
Multiple Languages
If you interview for Go, Rust, C++, Java, use CoderPad (30+ languages) or HackerRank.
05 FAQ
What is the best coding interview platform?
It depends on your needs. PlayCode is best for web development interviews with affordable pricing. CoderPad is best for enterprise teams needing 30+ languages. HackerRank is best for automated assessments at scale.
How much do coding interview platforms cost?
Prices range from free to enterprise. PlayCode starts at $5/month. CoderPad starts at $70/month. HackerRank and CodeSignal offer enterprise pricing only. LeetCode is free for basic use with a $35/month premium option.
Do candidates need accounts?
It varies. PlayCode does not require candidate signup - just share a link and they can start coding. Most other platforms like CoderPad, HackerRank, and CodeSignal require candidates to create accounts.
Live coding vs automated assessments?
Live coding (PlayCode, CoderPad) lets you observe problem-solving in real-time and ask follow-up questions. Automated assessments (HackerRank, CodeSignal) scale better but feel impersonal. Many teams use both: assessments for initial screening, live coding for final rounds.
Try PlayCode for Your Next Interview
Share a link, candidate codes instantly. No signup required.
Start Free InterviewFree tier available. $5/month Pro.