Top 10 AI Tools for Cheating Leetcode & Technical Interviews in 2025

The landscape of tech hiring is constantly evolving, and 2025 marks a significant shift with artificial intelligence tools playing an increasingly prominent role in technical assessments. Coding interviews, particularly those following the Leetcode style, have become a focal point in this technological arms race between candidates seeking positions and companies evaluating talent.

This article delves into the most discussed AI tools that candidates are exploring for technical interviews, examines the high-profile case of Chungin "Roy" Lee, and discusses the broader implications for the future of hiring.

The Rise of AI in Technical Interview Preparation

For years, the technical interview process at many major tech firms has faced scrutiny. Critics argue that the heavy emphasis on algorithm puzzles and data structure challenges doesn't always reflect the practical coding skills needed for daily software development tasks. This perceived disconnect has inadvertently fueled a market for AI tools designed to assist candidates in navigating or even circumventing these traditional hurdles. With the typical software engineering interview process being lengthy and demanding, the pressure is high, leading some candidates to seek unconventional methods.

The Roy Lee Case: A Catalyst for Discussion

In early 2025, Chungin "Roy" Lee, a computer science student at Columbia University, garnered significant attention. He developed an AI tool named "Interview Coder" reportedly capable of solving technical coding problems discreetly during interviews. Lee publicized a video purportedly showing him using the tool during an Amazon internship interview, claiming it contributed to him receiving an offer.

Reports from Business Insider and NBC News described Lee's tool as operating by capturing screenshots of coding problems undetected by standard browser monitoring. These images were then processed by AI to generate real-time solutions. Lee stated he received offers from several prominent tech companies using this method.

Lee framed his actions as a protest against the "miserable" experience of preparing for Leetcode-style interviews. Despite being a high-ranking Leetcode user, he felt the extensive preparation time was unproductive for real-world coding scenarios.

The repercussions for Lee included a one-year suspension from Columbia University, though reports indicate the suspension was related to publishing unauthorized recordings and photos, not solely for creating the cheating tool itself. Following the suspension, Lee announced his relocation to San Francisco to focus on his AI startup, which he claims is experiencing substantial growth.

Prominent AI Tools Discussed for Technical Interviews in 2025

While the ethical implications are widely debated, several AI tools are frequently mentioned in discussions around technical interview preparation and assistance. It's important to note that the use of unauthorized tools in interviews is against company policies and academic integrity.

Here are some of the tools discussed in this context:

1. Interview Coder by Roy Lee

• Key Features: The tool central to the recent controversy, designed to take screenshots of coding problems undetected and generate solutions in real-time using AI models. Aimed to be "invisible" to monitoring systems.

• Reported Price: Mentioned at $60/month in some reports.

2. Leetcode Wizard

• Key Features: Described as providing real-time solutions to common interview problems across various platforms. Often positioned as an AI-powered assistant.

• Reported Price: Subscription-based with varying tiers.

3. CodeWhisperer Pro

• Key Features: Positions itself as an "interview assistant" offering subtle hints rather than complete solutions, potentially making detection more challenging during supervised settings.

• Reported Price: Typically offered via monthly subscription with free trials.

4. AlgoSolver AI

• Key Features: Focuses on algorithmic problems, sometimes including visualization tools to help users understand the solution process for better explanation during interviews.

• Reported Price: Paid subscription models.

5. InterviewGPT

• Key Features: Aims to be a comprehensive tool combining coding assistance with broader interview preparation, including guidance on articulating problem-solving approaches.

• Reported Price: Tiered subscription plans, often with academic discounts.

6. Shadow Helper

• Key Features: Described as running in the background, potentially triggered by specific commands, designed for minimal detectability in remote interview settings.

• Reported Price: Often a premium subscription requiring verification.

7. LeetPilot

• Key Features: Reportedly focuses on providing optimized solutions for frequently asked problems by major tech companies.

• Reported Price: Available via monthly or annual subscriptions.

8. CodeCraft AI

• Key Features: May offer multiple solution methods for a single problem, allowing users to select an approach that aligns with their perceived skill level.

• Reported Price: Tiered pricing structures.

9. TechInterview Assistant

• Key Features: Sometimes presented as a browser extension with discreet functionality to assist with coding challenges during interviews.

• Reported Price: Often has a free basic version with paid premium features.

10. AlgoBuddy

• Key Features: May offer specialized help for different types of technical problems, including system design, algorithms, and database queries.

• Reported Price: Subscription-based, potentially with academic pricing.

The Ethical and Practical Implications

The availability of these AI tools sparks significant ethical debates. For job seekers, using unauthorized assistance can lead to serious consequences if discovered, potentially impacting their reputation and future career prospects. Beyond detection, a candidate hired based on misrepresented skills may struggle to perform effectively in the role.

For companies, the rise of these tools challenges the integrity and reliability of traditional technical interviews. If standard assessments can be easily bypassed, employers need to find alternative methods to accurately evaluate a candidate's genuine abilities. Some tool developers argue that the existence of these tools highlights flaws in the current interview process itself, suggesting it doesn't accurately reflect real-world development practices.

Tech companies are responding by emphasizing that while candidates may discuss their experience with AI tools relevant to the role, the use of unauthorized tools during the interview or assessment process is strictly prohibited.

Detection and Countermeasures in Technical Interviews

Companies are continuously refining their interview processes to mitigate the risk of candidates using unauthorized AI assistance. Common strategies include:

• Real-time Explanation: Requiring candidates to articulate their thought process and reasoning throughout the coding exercise makes it harder to rely solely on automated solutions without understanding.

• Custom Problems: Designing unique coding challenges that are not readily available in public datasets used to train AI models.

• Multi-modal Assessments: Incorporating verbal reasoning, system design discussions, behavioral questions, and pair programming exercises that are more difficult for current AI tools to handle effectively.

• Enhanced Proctoring: Utilizing advanced browser monitoring, screen sharing requirements, and secure interview environments.

• Post-Interview Verification: Conducting follow-up assessments or practical exercises to confirm the skills demonstrated during the initial interview.

The Future of Technical Interviews

The Roy Lee case and the broader discussion around AI tools signal a potential turning point for technical interviews. As AI capabilities advance, relying solely on traditional coding challenges becomes less effective.

Forward-thinking companies are already exploring alternative assessment methods. These include shifting towards collaborative pair programming sessions, project-based evaluations where candidates work on a realistic task, and in-depth technical discussions that assess problem-solving methodology rather than just the final answer.

Lee himself stated that he hoped his actions would prompt tech companies to reconsider and modify their interview formats, suggesting that the use of such tools might be more widespread than publicly acknowledged among serious computer science students.

Conclusion

The emergence and discussion surrounding AI tools for technical interviews present a significant challenge to established assessment practices. The case of Chungin "Roy" Lee, while controversial, highlights the growing tension between traditional hiring methods and technological advancements.

As we move further into 2025, companies must adapt their strategies for evaluating technical talent. Simultaneously, job candidates face increasingly complex ethical considerations regarding the use of AI assistance during the application process. In this evolving landscape, the very definition of technical competence may need to broaden to include how individuals leverage tools, including AI, in their development workflows, while still maintaining the integrity of the hiring process.

Understanding the existence and capabilities of these discussed AI tools is crucial for both employers and job seekers, not to endorse their unauthorized use, but to recognize and navigate the rapidly changing environment of technical recruitment in an AI-accelerated world.

SEO FAQ

What are AI tools for Leetcode interviews?

These are software applications or scripts that claim to assist candidates during technical coding interviews, often by providing solutions or hints to algorithmic problems presented during the assessment.

Is it ethical to use AI tools to cheat on technical interviews?

The use of unauthorized tools to misrepresent one's skills during an interview is generally considered unethical and violates company policies and academic integrity standards.

How do companies detect candidates using AI tools during interviews?

Companies employ various methods, including requiring real-time explanations of thought processes, using custom coding problems, incorporating multi-modal assessments (beyond just coding), advanced proctoring technology, and sometimes post-interview verification.

Will AI tools make traditional coding interviews obsolete?

The rise of AI tools is prompting companies to reconsider traditional interview formats. While coding challenges may not disappear entirely, there is a growing shift towards more practical, discussion-based, and project-oriented assessments to better evaluate genuine skills.

What was the significance of the Roy Lee case?

The case brought significant public attention to the existence and use of AI tools in technical interviews and highlighted the ethical debates and challenges these tools pose to the current hiring ecosystem.