I’m on LinkedIn on daily basis.
As one of many main networking instruments, it’s my go-to platform for connecting with the best folks, discovering thrilling new job alternatives, and staying within the loop on the most recent business traits. It is a useful a part of any critical skilled’s profession toolkit. In actual fact, I landed my present job two years in the past, because of LinkedIn Premium.
However right here’s the query I preserve coming again to: Is LinkedIn Premium actually price it? I first tried it throughout a job hunt with the one-month free trial and just lately subscribed once more to construct my private model.
LinkedIn Premium definitely guarantees so much – an AI assistant, limitless profile views, superior networking instruments, and unique job insights. It appears like a trump card for job seekers and professionals alike.
However does it ship on these guarantees? Beginning at about $30 per 30 days, it’s honest to ask – is LinkedIn Premium price it, or is it simply one other expense that provides up?
On this article, I’ll share my private expertise with LinkedIn Premium, together with insights from over 240 G2 evaluations from professionals who’ve examined each free and premium variations.
Notice: All evaluations shared under are from verified G2 customers. For extra particulars on our course of to confirm reviewers and approve evaluations, please discuss with G2’s evaluation moderation tips.
LinkedIn Premium vs. Free: What does LinkedIn Premium supply?
Over one billion folks use LinkedIn in the present day. We use it to showcase our expertise, join with friends, and discover job alternatives. Whereas the free model gives the important instruments for these functions, LinkedIn Premium presents superior options tailor-made to particular skilled wants.
- Premium Profession: Centered on job seekers and professionals aiming to develop their private model.
- Premium Enterprise: Designed for small companies trying to increase their networks, visitors, and prospects and entry deeper insights for his or her enterprise web page.
Other than these, LinkedIn additionally presents two different subscription plans tailor-made for gross sales professionals and recruiters.
- Gross sales Navigator: Constructed for salespeople in search of to generate leads and construct shopper relationships.
- Recruiter Lite: Tailor-made for recruiters and hiring managers to optimize candidate searches.
Check out this detailed comparability of the free model versus Premium plans:
Options |
LinkedIn Free |
Premium Profession |
Premium Enterprise |
Gross sales Navigator* |
Recruiter Lite* |
Who seen your profile |
Restricted to five most up-to-date viewers within the final 90 days. |
All viewers and associated insights previously twelve months. |
All viewers and associated insights previously twelve months. |
All viewers and associated insights previously twelve months. |
All viewers and associated insights previously twelve months. |
InMail Credit |
None. Can solely message present connections. |
5 InMails credit |
15 InMail credit |
50 InMail credit |
30 InMail credit |
LinkedIn Studying |
Entry solely to free programs |
Limitless entry |
Limitless entry |
Limitless entry |
Limitless entry |
Personal searching |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Applicant and firm insights |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
AI assistants |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Best choice job |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Not relevant |
Not relevant |
Search |
Restricted choice to seek for and look at profiles of different LinkedIn members |
Superior search filters to search out the best job postings |
Superior search filters with limitless searching |
Superior search filters with 50+ attributes |
Superior search filters tailor-made for recruiters |
*Consists of particulars on the fundamental plan of Gross sales Navigator and Recruiter Lite.
Let’s concentrate on the LinkedIn Premium Profession plan on this article, as they’re probably the most related for job seekers and professionals.
In the event you’re trying to generate leads, construct shopper relationships, or streamline candidate searches, you may discover Gross sales Navigator or Recruiter Lite plans higher suited to your wants.
LinkedIn Premium price
Right here’s a breakdown of LinkedIn Premium prices for various plans:
Plan |
Month-to-month plan price |
Annual plan price |
LinkedIn Premium Profession |
$29.99 |
$239.88 ($19.99 per 30 days) |
LinkedIn Premium Enterprise |
$59.99 |
$539.88 ($44.99 per 30 days) |
LinkedIn Gross sales Navigator |
Begins at $99.99 |
Begins at $959.88 |
LinkedIn Recruiter Lite |
Begins at $170 |
Begins at $1680 |
LinkedIn presents a 30-day free trial for its Premium plans. You’ll want to supply cost particulars to activate the trial.
LinkedIn Premium advantages: What G2 customers like
After utilizing LinkedIn Premium extensively and analyzing suggestions from 240+ G2 evaluations, listed here are the important thing options that stand out and their advantages to your skilled profession.
1. InMail for enhanced networking
One in all LinkedIn Premium’s most dear options is InMail messaging. It lets you join with anybody, even when they’re exterior your community – a major improve from the free model, the place you’ll be able to solely message present connections. This makes it simpler to attain out to recruiters, business leaders, or potential collaborators.
InMail credit on LinkedIn Premium plan
Throughout my job search, I used InMail strategically to attach with hiring managers and electronic mail recruiters. The consequence? Virtually 3 out of 5 responded to my messages and gave me extra details about function expectations, firm, and progress alternatives. This direct line of communication typically gave me an edge over different candidates.
Now, as a advertising skilled, I proceed to make use of InMail to succeed in out to business specialists, fellow entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in my area. These conversations have led to collaborations, professional insights for my tasks, and even mentorship relationships which were invaluable for my profession progress.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I like the flexibility to ship InMail to recruiters and the truth that recruiters discover you and can join with you at a better fee than with a free model. It is also nice to see who checked out your profile.”
–LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Diego R.
In the event you’re a job seeker, freelancer, or skilled in networking-heavy fields like gross sales and advertising, InMail is a strong software for networking, lead technology, and profession development.
2. Profile insights for higher visibility
Most LinkedIn Premium customers worth the numerous edge it gives over the free model in boosting visibility and influence on the platform by detailed profile insights.
With Premium, you’ll be able to view an entire listing of who has seen your profile over the previous 90 days, together with insights on how they discovered you.
LinkedIn Premium profile insights
This characteristic was notably invaluable throughout my job search section. It allowed me to determine firms and hiring managers who confirmed curiosity in my profile, a profit most different job boards don’t supply.
What are G2 customers saying:
“LinkedIn Premium gives nice insights into who has seen my profile. This helps to determine the recognition of my account. Additionally, the Premium search to search out anybody is superior.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Subhendu Kumar S.
Moreover, superior analytics on content material efficiency, engagement, and impressions will help you refine your LinkedIn content material technique. By understanding viewers engagement, you’ll be able to tailor your posts to construct a stronger private model and thought management. Personally, I’ve used this characteristic to pinpoint which posts resonate with my viewers and modify my content material for max influence.
Content material Analytics on LinkedIn Premium
3. Applicant insights for smarter job functions
Amongst all of the Premium options, Applicant Insights is a favourite of mine when making use of for positions. With this, for each job posting you take a look at, you get to see:
- In-demand abilities evaluation: See precisely which abilities recruiters are prioritizing, how your profile stacks up, and what you might be lacking. It performs an enormous function in tailoring your profile and resume accordingly.
- Candidate comparability metrics: Perceive the way you examine in opposition to different candidates by way of expertise, schooling, and talent match.
- Actual-time software knowledge: Monitor your place within the applicant queue and the full variety of functions.
- Firm perception: Entry detailed details about firm progress and hiring traits to make knowledgeable selections.
I used this characteristic extensively whereas making use of for positions because it gave me essential visibility into the place I stood in opposition to different candidates and altered my strategy to job functions. For instance, after I found I used to be lacking a important talent that prime candidates had for a place, I paused to upskill earlier than making use of.
Applicant insights with LinkedIn premium
In one other case, the place I noticed a whole lot of candidates had already utilized, I used InMail to contact the hiring supervisor immediately for a quicker response.
Applicant insights with LinkedIn premium
These insights show you how to prioritize which roles to pursue and when to speculate further effort.
What are G2 customers saying:
“One of the best half (of LinkedIn Premium) is earlier than you apply for a job, you’ll be able to determine the place you stand and what number of candidates utilized for the job. Additionally, you’ll be able to match your abilities as per job necessities and different candidates.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Ankit J.
4. LinkedIn Studying for upskilling
LinkedIn Studying is among the favourite options amongst many Premium customers, together with me. The platform has over 22,000 expert-led programs, with new ones added each week. They cowl a variety of matters and abilities throughout industries.
Programs on LinkedIn Studying
The self-paced studying format makes it simple to upskill by yourself schedule. You may select particular person programs based mostly in your pursuits or profession objectives and even observe a structured studying path tailor-made to a particular function – no matter fits your model.
Finishing LinkedIn Studying programs enhances your resume and provides your profile knowledgeable enhance when shared immediately together with your community. It’s excellent for each job seekers trying to strengthen their {qualifications} and professionals aiming to remain forward of their fields.
What are G2 customers saying:
“One of the best factor about LinkedIn Premium for me was studying from an enormous library of programs. It helped me acquire new abilities and enhance those I already had.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Mohammed Naieem B.
5. AI assistants for productiveness
A significant benefit that comes with the Premium plans is the generative AI-powered instruments. These good assistants assist with nearly every part – from drafting outreach messages to fine-tuning your LinkedIn profile and your job functions. You may even use the AI software to spruce up the profile introduction part.
AI assistant on LinkedIn Premium
I commonly use LinkedIn’s AI assistant to draft my posts and personalize InMail messages and connection requests. The little perk? It saves me helpful time and nonetheless maintains knowledgeable contact.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I like the truth that I can see the analytics of LinkedIn, and the instruments are very helpful. Having an AI take a look at my profile and counsel adjustments can be very helpful.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Jordan C.
6. Superior seek for focused connections
The ultimate and most sensible characteristic of the Premium plan most customers admire is the sturdy search filters for locating job alternatives, folks, and corporations.
Not like the fundamental search obtainable within the free model, Premium’s superior filters allow you to slender down your search with exact standards. Take, for instance, the filters to search out folks. You may specify connections, places, firms, key phrases, job titles, previous firms, colleges, industries, and providers. You may even discover folks based mostly on who they observe and connect with.
Superior search with LinkedIn Premium
For job seekers, this implies pinpointing roles at particular firms and even figuring out key decision-makers to succeed in out to. Professionals targeted on networking, like gross sales and advertising, discover it notably helpful for figuring out prospects and warming up chilly outreach.
What are G2 customers saying:
“LinkedIn has helped optimize our search functionality. We’re a vertically aligned gross sales unit, so having the ability to search each firm and particular person on vertical alignment eases our search. The superior search permits us to go that stage deeper and discover extra prospects in every account. The premium ingredient unlocks extra profiles and knowledge which we’re ready to make use of to ‘heat’ chilly gross sales approaches and calls.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Harry C.
Different LinkedIn Premium options you shouldn’t overlook:
- Limitless folks searching: View limitless profiles past your community to increase your connections.
- Open profile: Let anybody message you free of charge, even exterior your community, growing your probabilities of significant connections.
- Personal searching: Not like free accounts, which permit restricted non-public searching, Premium permits you to keep utterly discreet whereas permitting you to see who seen your profile.
- Interview preparation software: Follow with generally requested interview questions and pattern solutions supplied by business professionals.
- LinkedIn Premium badge: Show the gold Premium badge in your profile, signaling to others that you just’re critical about networking {and professional} progress.
LinkedIn Premium cons: What G2 customers dislike
Let’s stability the scales right here – whereas Premium presents many helpful options, there are some legitimate frustrations. Listed here are the commonest ache factors:
1. Pricing
At about $30 a month, LinkedIn Premium subscription is seen as costly by some customers, particularly those that don’t make the most of all of the options commonly. Whereas its options can present clear benefits for customers actively job searching, networking, or upskilling, the worth could not justify the value for rare customers. College students and freshers getting into the job market additionally discover the value burdensome, given their restricted budgets and early profession priorities.
What are G2 customers saying:
“One disadvantage of LinkedIn Premium may very well be the price related to the subscription, particularly for people who could not make the most of all of the premium options commonly. Moreover, whereas the improved options are useful, some customers may discover the platform’s interface a bit cluttered or overwhelming in comparison with the fundamental model.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Gie Marie G.
2. Restricted InMail credit
Though InMail messaging is one in every of Premium’s signature options, the month-to-month credit score restrict of 5 InMails for the Premium Profession plan is restrictive for customers who regularly depend on it for outreach. This is among the commonest gripes amongst customers, be they job seekers or professionals.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The variety of in-mail credit supplied is way much less given the value of the LinkedIn premium.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Kritarth M.
3. Spammy messages and commercials
One other recurring criticism from LinkedIn Premium customers is the presence of commercials and spam-like content material of their feeds. Many customers anticipate a cleaner, extra targeted expertise as Premium members, however the presence of irrelevant updates and promotional materials typically detracts from LinkedIn’s skilled enchantment.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I do method too many hides of spammy materials within the basic replace part. I feel as a premium consumer, it could be higher that we’re not spammed by promoting.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Mark D.
4. No assured outcomes
Whereas LinkedIn Premium gives instruments to boost visibility and networking, options like InMail and profile insights don’t all the time assure tangible outcomes, corresponding to job presents or significant connections. This may be irritating for customers who anticipate a better return on their funding.
It’s vital to acknowledge that these instruments are facilitators, however success in the end is dependent upon elements like how you utilize them and exterior situations, corresponding to market competitors or recipient engagement.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Even when I do know who seen my profile web page and despatched Inmails, all this does not cease ghosting.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluation, Amit C.
Setting reasonable expectations is vital to profiting from LinkedIn Premium. It’s a platform that opens doorways however doesn’t stroll you thru them.
Prime 5 LinkedIn alternate options:
Listed here are the highest LinkedIn Premium alternate options prompt by G2 customers:
Whereas these aren’t solely targeted on skilled networking, they supply areas for communities and discussions that assist with business insights, model constructing, {and professional} connections in artistic methods.
Steadily requested questions (FAQs) about LinkedIn Premium plans
Q. How one can get LinkedIn Premium free of charge?
LinkedIn presents a 30-day free trial for all its Premium plans, permitting you to discover the options earlier than committing. To activate the trial, you must present your bank card particulars however be charged if canceled earlier than the trial interval ends. Understand that the free trial can solely be used as soon as each 12 months.
Q. How a lot does LinkedIn Premium price?
The price of LinkedIn Premium varies based mostly on the plan you select. The most affordable and best suited plan for professionals and job seekers is the LinkedIn Premium Profession. It prices $29.99 for a month-to-month plan or $239.88 ($19.99 per 30 days) for an annual plan.
Q. Is there a LinkedIn Premium low cost?
LinkedIn doesn’t regularly supply reductions, however it can save you considerably by choosing an annual subscription, which reduces the month-to-month price by 20–25% in comparison with the month-to-month plan. Sometimes, LinkedIn could run promotional campaigns, so preserve a watch out for these.
Q. How to join LinkedIn Premium?
To enroll in LinkedIn Premium, observe these steps:
- Log in to your LinkedIn account: Entry your LinkedIn profile utilizing your credentials.
- Navigate to Premium: Click on on the “Attempt Premium for Free” button, sometimes positioned in your LinkedIn homepage or profile. Choose the one which aligns together with your skilled wants.
- Begin a free trial: LinkedIn presents a 30-day free trial for brand spanking new Premium customers. Click on on “Begin my free month” to provoke the trial. Present your credit score or debit card particulars to activate the trial. You will not be charged for those who cancel earlier than the trial interval ends.
In the event you determine to not proceed with the subscription, bear in mind to cancel earlier than the trial interval ends to keep away from any expenses.
Q. How one can cancel LinkedIn Premium?
To cancel LinkedIn Premium:
- Go to Settings & Privateness in your LinkedIn profile.
- Navigate to Subscriptions & Funds.
- Choose Handle Premium Subscription and select Cancel Subscription.
You’ll retain entry to Premium options till the tip of your billing cycle, even after cancellation.
Q. Does LinkedIn Premium take away advertisements?
No, LinkedIn Premium doesn’t take away advertisements from the platform. Customers, together with Premium subscribers, nonetheless see sponsored content material and commercials of their feeds.
Q. Can I change between LinkedIn Premium plans?
Sure, you’ll be able to change between Premium plans at any time. Go to your Settings & Privateness, choose Subscriptions & Funds, and select the plan you wish to change to. Your billing will modify accordingly.
Q. How does LinkedIn Premium differ from Gross sales Navigator?
LinkedIn Premium and Gross sales Navigator cater to totally different skilled wants: LinkedIn Premium and Gross sales Navigator serve distinct functions:
- LinkedIn Premium aids job seekers, professionals, and networkers with instruments like InMail, Applicant Insights, and LinkedIn Studying.
- Gross sales Navigator helps gross sales professionals with superior lead filters, CRM integration, and prospect monitoring instruments.
The ultimate verdict: Premium or cross?
Based mostly on my expertise and insights from G2 evaluations, LinkedIn Premium positively elevates your job search, networking, and private branding efforts. Options like InMail, Applicant Insights, LinkedIn Studying, and superior profile analytics are undeniably helpful for those who actively have interaction with the platform.
That stated, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The subscription price makes it much less interesting for some customers. InMail messaging and profile insights require effort and technique to yield tangible outcomes, which can go away some feeling the return on funding isn’t all the time fast.
In the event you’re actively job searching, constructing a robust skilled model, or aiming to develop your community strategically, Premium generally is a worthwhile funding. However, for those who solely use LinkedIn often or don’t want its superior options, the free model could be sufficient to your wants.
Nonetheless undecided? Keep in mind, you’ll be able to all the time attempt LinkedIn Premium free of charge. In the long run, LinkedIn Premium is a software that works finest when paired with a transparent technique and constant effort. Weigh the advantages in opposition to your objectives to determine if it’s the best match for you.
Wanting to make use of LinkedIn for your corporation? Study easy methods to create your LinkedIn Enterprise Web page in 4 simple steps.