Exercism vs freeCodeCamp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Exercism and freeCodeCamp comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Exercism
Free code practice
Best for you if:
- • You need learning & training features specifically
- • You need free code practice
- • You want a completely free tool
freeCodeCamp
Learn to code for free and get a developer job.
Best for you if:
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Offers a free, self-paced online curriculum for learning to code.
- • Provides certifications in various programming and development fields.
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Learning & Training | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Exercism | freeCodeCamp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 135 | 0 |
| Categories | Learning & TrainingIDE & Code Editors | Online Course PlatformsLMS |
Understanding the Differences
Both Exercism and freeCodeCamp solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Exercism positions itself as "free code practice" while freeCodeCampfocuses on "learn to code for free and get a developer job.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Exercism
Exercism makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Exercism lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Exercism
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. freeCodeCamp is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: freeCodeCamp
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Exercism
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Exercism is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Exercism higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Exercism more (135 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Exercism Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider freeCodeCamp If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Exercism. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Exercism scores higher in our analysis, but freeCodeCamp might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exercism or freeCodeCamp better?
Based on our analysis, Exercism scores higher with high/100. Exercism isfree while freeCodeCamp is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Exercism to freeCodeCamp easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Exercism and freeCodeCamp offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Exercism is completely free.freeCodeCamp is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.