You don't need to pay $70-500/month for live coding interviews. Here are 5 free or affordable tools that let you conduct technical interviews without breaking the budget.
01 Quick Comparison
| Tool | Free Features | Paid Option | Candidate Signup |
|---|---|---|---|
BestPlayCode | Basic interviews | $5/mo Pro | Not required |
| VS Code Live Share | Unlimited, all features | Free forever | Install needed |
| CoderPad Free | 2 interviews/month | $70/mo+ | Required |
| Replit | Basic collaboration | $25/mo | Required |
| CodeSandbox | Public sandboxes | $12/mo | Required |
02 Tool Reviews
Pros
- No candidate signup required
- Real JavaScript/TypeScript/React runtime
- Instant sharing via URL
- 2M+ npm packages
- Generous free tier
Cons
- AI features require Pro
- Web languages only
- No built-in video
03 Our Recommendation
For Most Teams: PlayCode
If you're interviewing for JavaScript, TypeScript, or React roles, PlayCode offers the best balance of features and simplicity. The free tier handles basic interviews, and Pro at $5/month is far cheaper than alternatives.
Key advantage: No candidate signup required. Share a link, they code instantly.
For Zero Budget: VS Code Live Share
If you need completely free with no limits and both parties use VS Code, Live Share is excellent. Just be prepared for some setup friction with candidates who don't have VS Code installed.
04 FAQ
Is there a completely free coding interview tool?
Yes. VS Code Live Share is 100% free with no limits. PlayCode and CoderPad offer free tiers with some limitations. For most small teams, free tiers are sufficient for occasional interviews.
What's the best free alternative to CoderPad?
PlayCode offers a free tier and a $5/month Pro plan that matches most CoderPad features for web development interviews. VS Code Live Share is completely free but requires both parties to install VS Code.
Can I use Google Docs for coding interviews?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Google Docs lacks syntax highlighting, code execution, and feels unprofessional. Free tools like PlayCode or VS Code Live Share are much better options.
Try PlayCode Free
Start interviewing in seconds. No signup required for candidates.
Start Free InterviewFree tier available. $5/month Pro.