CoderPad is the industry standard for live coding interviews, but its pricing starts at $70/month (Starter) and goes up to $375/month (Team). If you're a startup, small team, or individual interviewer, here are 7 alternatives worth considering.
01 Quick Verdict
PlayCode
Best for web development interviews
- No candidate signup
- Real JS/TS/React runtime
- AI coding assistant
CoderPad
Best for enterprise teams
- ATS integrations
- 30+ languages
- Built-in video chat
02 Full Comparison
| Platform | Price | Candidate Signup | Languages | AI | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best ValuePlayCode | $5/mo | Not required | JS, TS, React, Vue | Yes | Startups, SMBs |
| CoderPad | $70-375/mo | Required | 30+ languages | No | Enterprise |
| HackerRank | Enterprise | Required | Many | No | Large companies |
| CodeSignal | Enterprise | Required | Many | Limited | Assessments |
| LeetCode | Free / $35 | Required | Many | No | Practice |
| VS Code Live Share | Free | Install required | All | Copilot | DIY setup |
03 CoderPad Pricing (January 2026)
Before we dive into alternatives, here's what CoderPad actually costs:
Free
2 interviews/month
Good for trying out the platform
Starter
60 interviews/year
$840 billed annually
Team
360 interviews/year
$4,500 billed annually
Custom
Unlimited interviews
ATS integrations, SSO
For most startups and small teams, even the Starter plan at $840/year feels expensive for what is essentially a shared code editor. That's why alternatives like PlayCode (starting at $60/year) are gaining traction.
04 Platform Reviews
Pros
- Significantly more affordable than enterprise tools
- No candidate signup required
- Real JavaScript/TypeScript/React runtime
- 2M+ npm packages supported
- AI coding assistant included
- Works in any browser
Cons
- No built-in video (use Zoom/Meet)
- No ATS integrations
- Web-focused languages only
05 Why Teams Choose PlayCode
No Candidate Signup
Share a link. Candidate clicks. They're coding in 10 seconds. No account creation, no email verification, no friction.
Real JavaScript Runtime
Actually executes code. Import React, use npm packages, see the preview update live. Not just syntax checking.
AI Assistant
Only interview platform with AI. Generate hints, evaluate solutions, explain code. Makes you a better interviewer.
Affordable Pricing
$5/month vs $70-375/month. Same core interview features. Better value for startups and small teams.
06 When CoderPad is Worth It
To be fair, CoderPad is an excellent platform. Here's when you should consider paying the premium:
ATS Integration
Need Greenhouse, Lever, or other ATS integrations for your hiring pipeline.
Built-in Video
Want video chat integrated directly into the coding environment.
30+ Languages
Interview for Go, Rust, C++, Java, and other non-web languages.
Question Bank
Need pre-built coding questions with test cases and solutions.
If you primarily interview for JavaScript, TypeScript, or React roles and don't need ATS integration, PlayCode offers a more affordable solution.
07 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest CoderPad alternative?
PlayCode at $5/month (billed annually) is the most affordable full-featured alternative. It includes real-time collaboration, JavaScript/TypeScript/React support, npm packages, and AI assistance. CoderPad's Starter plan costs $70/month.
Is there a free CoderPad alternative?
Yes. CoderPad itself has a free tier (2 interviews/month). PlayCode has a free tier for basic use. VS Code Live Share is completely free. For regular interview use, PlayCode Pro at $5/mo offers the best value.
Does PlayCode require candidate signup?
No. Unlike CoderPad, PlayCode doesn't require candidates to create an account. Interviewers share a link, candidates click it and start coding immediately in their browser.
Can I use PlayCode for React/TypeScript interviews?
Yes. PlayCode supports JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Vue, Svelte, and 2M+ npm packages. Candidates can write real React components with hot reloading.
What languages does CoderPad support that PlayCode doesn't?
CoderPad supports 30+ languages including Go, Rust, C++, Java, Python, Ruby, and more. PlayCode focuses on web technologies: JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Vue, Svelte, HTML, and CSS.
Try PlayCode for Your Next Interview
See if it works for your team. Free tier available, no credit card required.
Start Free Interview$5/month Pro. Cancel anytime.