I Tried 30+ Data Structures and Algorithms Courses: Here are My Top 5 Recommendations for 2026

My favorite Data Structures and Algorithms Courses and Platforms for Coding Interview prep

Hello guys, if you’re preparing for coding interviews in 2026, mastering Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) is absolutely non-negotiable.

Whether you’re aiming for FAANG, top startups, or just want to become a stronger problem-solver, your understanding of DSA can determine your success.

Over the years, I’ve tried 30+ DSA courses across multiple platforms — from Udemy and Coursera to Educative, AlgoMonster, and DesignGurus as well as many books.

Some were great, some were repetitive, and a few stood out as truly exceptional.

That’s why I’m sharing my top 5 recommendations below — each offering a different learning style and strength, so you can pick the one that fits your learning goals best.

I’ve also added some extra resources and a bonus book recommendation for those who prefer reading or need additional practice.

How I Chose These DSA Courses

When it comes to learning Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), not every course is created equal. The right one should balance clarity, structure, and problem-solving depth — without overwhelming you. Here’s the process I followed to select the courses I recommend:

Instructor Expertise — I focused on courses taught by experienced engineers and educators — often from FAANG or top tech companies — who have real-world experience with interview preparation and algorithmic problem-solving. For example, Algomonster is created by ex Google engineers.
Curriculum Depth — Each course covers the fundamentals like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees, but also includes advanced algorithms (graphs, dynamic programming, and recursion patterns) essential for cracking coding interviews.
Practical Problem Coverage — I prioritized platforms and instructors who emphasize problem-solving patterns rather than rote memorization. Courses that help you think like an interviewer — by teaching frameworks to approach unseen problems — stood out.
Hands-on Learning — Interactive coding environments and guided exercises (like those offered by Educative, LeetCode, and ByteByteGo) were major plus points. They let you learn by doing, not just watching.
Student Feedback and Ratings — I carefully looked at reviews, learner ratings, and community feedback to ensure the courses have consistently helped others succeed in real interviews.
Value for Money — Many of the courses provide lifetime access or bundle multiple interview topics (System Design + DSA + LLD) under one subscription. I favored options that give learners maximum long-term value.

Now, let’s see the courses which can be great resource for anyone preparing for coding interviews or just want to master DSA.

Top 5 Data Structures and Algorithms Courses and Platforms

Without any further ado, here are the top 5 platforms, books, and courses I recommend software engineers and developers to learn and master Data structures and algorithms in 2026

1. AlgoMonster.com

AlgoMonster is one of the most structured and efficient places to learn DSA for interviews. Created by ex-Google engineers, this platform takes a pattern-based approach to problem solving — an essential skill for tackling LeetCode-style problems confidently.

Instead of random problem solving, AlgoMonster focuses on core patterns such as sliding window, binary search, recursion, and dynamic programming — so you learn to recognize what pattern fits each problem type.

The interactive flow charts and AI-powered explanations make complex topics digestible and actionable.

Here is the link to join this program — Subscribe to AlgoMonster

By the way, they are also offering 50% discount now on their lifetime plan, if you are serious about FAANG or FAANG+ companies, I think this would be a great investment. I also recommend to take the lifetime plan instead of annual because you would always need this resource whenever you look for change.

2. Udemy: Data Structures and Algorithms — Deep Dive Using Java

If you prefer a video-based course with hands-on implementation, Tim Buchalka’s DSA course on Udemy is a perfect choice.

It dives deep into both fundamental and advanced data structures like arrays, linked lists, trees, heaps, hash tables, and graphs — with detailed examples in Java.

This course also covers essential sorting and searching algorithms, tree traversal techniques, and problem-solving exercises to strengthen your coding foundation.

It’s particularly great for those preparing for interviews at companies like Amazon or Google where Java is widely used.

Here is the link to join this course — Udemy: Data Structures and Algorithms — Deep Dive Using Java

By the way, Udemy also have many great DSA courses which are worth checking out, like the one from Andrei Negaoie and Abdul Bari.

And, if you want to join multiple course on Udemy, its may be worth getting a Udemy Personal Plan, which will give instant access of more than 11,000 top quality Udemy courses for just $30 a month.

If you got a lot of time and want to save money, Udemy Personal Plan will be perfect for you.

3. Educative: Grokking the Coding Interview

Educative.io is known for its interactive, text-based learning experience — perfect for developers who like to learn by reading and coding in-browser without setup hassle.

Their Grokking the Coding Interview course is a timeless resource. It organizes DSA problems into key patterns like sliding window, two pointers, fast and slow pointers, cyclic sort, k-way merge, BFS, and DFS — helping you solve hundreds of LeetCode problems more systematically.

Here is the link to join this course — Grokking the Coding Interview (Educative.io)

Btw, you would need an Educative subscription to join this course, which not only provide access to this course but more than 1200+ courses to learn essential tech skills, prepare for coding interview and improve yourself as a Developer.

If you want to invest yourself and upgrade your tech skill, this is one subscription you definitely need. They are also offering 60% discount now.

Educative Unlimited: Excel with AI-Powered Learning

4. Design Gurus: Grokking Data Structures & Algorithms for Coding Interviews

DesignGurus.io — famous for their Grokking the System Design Interview — also offers an excellent DSA course focused on both conceptual understanding and interview-level problem solving.

The Grokking Data Structures & Algorithms for Coding Interviews course teaches implementation, time and space analysis, and trade-offs between different data structures.

You’ll also get interview-focused challenges for each data structure.

Here is the link to join this DSA course — Grokking Data Structures & Algorithms for Coding Interviews

By the way, you can also access all Grokking courses (including System Design, LLD, and Dynamic Programming) at a big discount using their All Courses Bundle — use code GURU for 30% off.

All Courses

5. Coursera: Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization

This Coursera specialization from the University of California, San Diego, offers a formal and in-depth path to master DSA.

It includes practical assignments and real-world applications, making it ideal for developers who prefer academic rigor and hands-on problem solving.

It’s one of the most complete free-to-audit DSA courses online, and its projects push you to think algorithmically — not just memorize patterns.

Here is the link to join this course — Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization

By the way, If you are planning to join multiple specializations, then consider taking a Coursera Plus subscription which provides you unlimited access to their most popular courses, specialization, professional certificate, and guided projects.

Bonus: ZTM Academy — Master the Coding Interview: Big Tech (FAANG) Interview

If your goal is to get into FAANG/MAANG companies, this course by Andrei Neagoie offers real coding interview practice and step-by-step solutions for common DSA problems.

It’s hands-on, practical, and focuses on applying DSA concepts directly in coding interviews.

Here is the link to join this course — Master the Coding Interview: Big Tech (FAANG) Interview

Bonus Book: Grokking Algorithms by Aditya Bhargava

This is hands-down the best beginner-friendly DSA book. It’s fully illustrated, intuitive, and explains each algorithm visually with Python examples.

If you struggle with abstract concepts like recursion, trees, or graph traversal — this book makes them click instantly.

Here is the link to get this book — Grokking Algorithms

Final Thoughts

That’s all about the top 5 DSA resource I recommend to anyone preparing for Coding interviews. If you’re serious about cracking coding interviews in 2026, pick any of the courses above and start today.

Want structure and AI-powered prep? Go with AlgoMonster.
Prefer interactive learning? Try Educative.io.
Like academic rigor? Choose Coursera.
Need a visual and practical base? Start with Grokking Algorithms.

Whichever you choose, consistency matters more than the platform. Dedicate daily time to solving problems, analyzing patterns, and revisiting your weak areas — that’s what truly builds confidence.

Pro Tip

If you’re preparing for coding or system design interviews, don’t just stop at learning Data Structures and Algorithms — learn how to design scalable systems and tackle complex design questions.

I highly recommend checking out ByteByteGo by Alex Xu — it’s a complete platform for mastering System Design, Low-Level Design, and Coding Interview Patterns.

You can also explore their best-selling resources:

System Design Interview — An Insider’s Guide (Vol. 1 & 2)
Coding Interview Patterns: Nail Your Next Coding Interview
The ByteByteGo System Design Course — which is currently offering up to 50% off their Lifetime Plan.

Together, these form one of the best all-in-one packages for serious interview prep — used by many engineers preparing for FAANG and top-tier startups.

System Design · Coding · Behavioral · Machine Learning Interviews

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P. S. — If you have a coding interview coming up then , go join ByteByteGo and start learning System Design and Coding Interview concepts, you will thank me later. The FAANG dream job you always wanted is not far anymore.