FrontendCheck vs Frontend Mentor: Which Is Right for You?
Both platforms help you build frontend projects, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Here's how to choose.
If you're looking to level up your frontend skills, you've probably come across both Frontend Mentor and FrontendCheck. Both platforms offer project-based learning, but they solve different problems and teach different skills.
The Core Difference
Frontend Mentor focuses on pixel-perfect implementation. You receive a design file (Figma or Sketch), and your goal is to recreate it as accurately as possible. It's excellent for practicing CSS, responsive design, and attention to detail.
FrontendCheck focuses on architecture and system design. You receive stakeholder requirements (like in a real job), and your goal is to build a scalable application. The design is up to you - we teach the engineering patterns underneath.
What Each Platform Teaches
| Skill | Frontend Mentor | FrontendCheck |
|---|---|---|
| CSS & Responsive Design | Primary focus | You decide |
| Pixel-Perfect Implementation | Primary focus | Not covered |
| Multi-Tenant Architecture | Not covered | Primary focus |
| Role-Based Permissions | Not covered | Primary focus |
| Dynamic Theming | Sometimes | Primary focus |
| Internationalization (i18n) | Not covered | Primary focus |
| Real-Time Collaboration | Not covered | Covered |
| Working with Designs | Primary focus | Not covered |
The Portfolio Question
With Frontend Mentor, your portfolio will contain implementations of their designs. This is great for showing CSS skills, but every Frontend Mentor user who completed the same challenge has a similar-looking project.
With FrontendCheck, you choose your domain and concept. Someone might build "ChoreQuest" (gamified household tasks) while another builds "Band Manager" (touring musician CRM). Same architectural patterns, completely unique portfolio pieces.
Choose Frontend Mentor If...
- You want to improve your CSS and responsive design skills
- You're learning to translate designs into code
- You want structured challenges with clear visual goals
- You're preparing for roles that emphasize UI implementation
Choose FrontendCheck If...
- You want to learn enterprise architecture patterns
- You're preparing for senior frontend roles
- You want a unique portfolio piece, not a tutorial clone
- You're interested in building (and potentially launching) a SaaS product
- You want to experience realistic stakeholder requirements
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. They're complementary. Frontend Mentor helps you nail the visual implementation. FrontendCheck helps you architect the system underneath. Many developers benefit from both - just at different stages of their learning journey.
If you're early in your career, Frontend Mentor's structured challenges might be a better starting point. Once you're comfortable building UIs, FrontendCheck will help you think about the bigger picture.
Ready to learn enterprise architecture?
The SaaS Pivot Challenge is completely free - 10 self-paced stakeholder emails teaching multi-tenant architecture, permissions, theming, and i18n.
Start Free Challenge