I’m on LinkedIn day-after-day.
As one of many main networking instruments, it’s my go-to platform for connecting with the appropriate folks, discovering thrilling new job alternatives, and staying within the loop on the newest trade tendencies. 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 maintain coming again to: Is LinkedIn Premium actually value it? I first tried it throughout a job hunt with the one-month free trial and 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 seems 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 truthful to ask – is LinkedIn Premium value 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 confer with G2’s evaluation moderation tips.
LinkedIn Premium vs. Free: What does LinkedIn Premium provide?
Over one billion folks use LinkedIn right now. We use it to showcase our expertise, join with friends, and discover job alternatives. Whereas the free model supplies the important instruments for these functions, LinkedIn Premium provides 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 develop their networks, site visitors, and prospects and entry deeper insights for his or her enterprise web page.
Other than these, LinkedIn additionally provides two different subscription plans tailor-made for gross sales professionals and recruiters.
- Gross sales Navigator: Constructed for salespeople searching for to generate leads and construct consumer 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 one year. |
All viewers and associated insights previously one year. |
All viewers and associated insights previously one year. |
All viewers and associated insights previously one year. |
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 examine profiles of different LinkedIn members |
Superior search filters to search out the appropriate job postings |
Superior search filters with limitless searching |
Superior search filters with 50+ attributes |
Superior search filters tailor-made for recruiters |
*Contains particulars on the fundamental plan of Gross sales Navigator and Recruiter Lite.
Let’s give attention to the LinkedIn Premium Profession plan on this article, as they’re probably the most related for job seekers and professionals.
When you’re trying to generate leads, construct consumer relationships, or streamline candidate searches, you would possibly 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 provides a 30-day free trial for its Premium plans. You’ll want to supply fee 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 in your skilled profession.
1. InMail for enhanced networking
Certainly one of LinkedIn Premium’s most respected options is InMail messaging. It means that you can join with anybody, even when they’re exterior your community – a major improve from the free model, the place you may solely message present connections. This makes it simpler to attain out to recruiters, trade leaders, or potential collaborators.
InMail credit on LinkedIn Premium plan
Throughout my job search, I used InMail strategically to attach with hiring managers and e 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 achieve out to trade specialists, fellow entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in my subject. 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 charge than with a free model. It is also nice to see who checked out your profile.”
–LinkedIn Premium Evaluate, Diego R.
When you’re a job seeker, freelancer, or skilled in networking-heavy fields like gross sales and advertising, InMail is a strong device for networking, lead era, and profession development.
2. Profile insights for higher visibility
Most LinkedIn Premium customers worth the numerous edge it supplies over the free model in boosting visibility and affect on the platform via detailed profile insights.
With Premium, you may 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 significantly invaluable throughout my job search section. It allowed me to establish corporations and hiring managers who confirmed curiosity in my profile, a profit most different job boards don’t provide.
What are G2 customers saying:
“LinkedIn Premium supplies nice insights into who has seen my profile. This helps to establish the recognition of my account. Additionally, the Premium search to search out anybody is superior.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluate, Subhendu Kumar S.
Moreover, superior analytics on content material efficiency, engagement, and impressions may also help you refine your LinkedIn content material technique. By understanding viewers engagement, you may 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 alter my content material for max affect.
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 expertise evaluation: See precisely which expertise 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 utility information: Monitor your place within the applicant queue and the full variety of functions.
- Firm perception: Entry detailed details about firm progress and hiring tendencies to make knowledgeable choices.
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 vital talent that high 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 assist you prioritize which roles to pursue and when to take a position further effort.
What are G2 customers saying:
“One of the best half (of LinkedIn Premium) is earlier than you apply for a job, you may establish the place you stand and what number of candidates utilized for the job. Additionally, you may match your expertise as per job necessities and different candidates.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluate, Ankit J.
4. LinkedIn Studying for upskilling
LinkedIn Studying is likely one of 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 subjects and expertise throughout industries.
Programs on LinkedIn Studying
The self-paced studying format makes it straightforward to upskill by yourself schedule. You’ll be able to select particular person programs primarily based in your pursuits or profession targets and even observe a structured studying path tailor-made to a particular function – no matter fits your fashion.
Finishing LinkedIn Studying programs enhances your resume and provides your profile an expert enhance when shared immediately along 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 expertise and enhance those I already had.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluate, Mohammed Naieem B.
5. AI assistants for productiveness
A significant benefit that comes with the Premium plans is the generative AI-powered instruments. These sensible assistants support with nearly every little thing – from drafting outreach messages to fine-tuning your LinkedIn profile and your job functions. You’ll be able to even use the AI device 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 precious time and nonetheless maintains an expert 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 Evaluate, Jordan C.
6. Superior seek for focused connections
The ultimate and most sensible characteristic of the Premium plan most customers recognize is the strong search filters for locating job alternatives, folks, and corporations.
Not like the fundamental search accessible within the free model, Premium’s superior filters allow you to slim down your search with exact standards. Take, for instance, the filters to search out folks. You’ll be able to specify connections, areas, corporations, key phrases, job titles, previous corporations, colleges, industries, and providers. You’ll be able to even discover folks primarily based on who they observe and connect with.
Superior search with LinkedIn Premium
For job seekers, this implies pinpointing roles at particular corporations and even figuring out key decision-makers to achieve out to. Professionals targeted on networking, like gross sales and advertising, discover it significantly 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 with the ability to search each firm and particular person on vertical alignment eases our search. The superior search permits us to go that degree deeper and discover extra prospects in every account. The premium aspect unlocks extra profiles and knowledge which we’re ready to make use of to ‘heat’ chilly gross sales approaches and calls.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluate, Harry C.
Different LinkedIn Premium options you shouldn’t overlook:
- Limitless folks searching: View limitless profiles past your community to develop your connections.
- Open profile: Let anybody message you at no cost, even exterior your community, rising your probabilities of significant connections.
- Personal searching: Not like free accounts, which permit restricted personal searching, Premium enables you to keep fully discreet whereas permitting you to see who seen your profile.
- Interview preparation device: Observe with generally requested interview questions and pattern solutions supplied by trade 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 provides many helpful options, there are some legitimate frustrations. Listed here are the most typical 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 looking, networking, or upskilling, the worth could not justify the value for rare customers. College students and freshers coming 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 could possibly be the fee 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 would possibly discover the platform’s interface a bit cluttered or overwhelming in comparison with the fundamental model.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluate, Gie Marie G.
2. Restricted InMail credit
Though InMail messaging is one in all Premium’s signature options, the month-to-month credit score restrict of 5 InMails for the Premium Profession plan is restrictive for customers who continuously depend on it for outreach. This is likely one of the most typical 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 Evaluate, Kritarth M.
3. Spammy messages and commercials
One other recurring grievance from LinkedIn Premium customers is the presence of commercials and spam-like content material of their feeds. Many customers count on a cleaner, extra targeted expertise as Premium members, however the presence of irrelevant updates and promotional materials typically detracts from LinkedIn’s skilled attraction.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I do manner too many hides of spammy materials within the basic replace part. I believe as a premium person, it will be higher that we aren’t spammed by promoting.”
– LinkedIn Premium Evaluate, Mark D.
4. No assured outcomes
Whereas LinkedIn Premium supplies instruments to boost visibility and networking, options like InMail and profile insights don’t at all times assure tangible outcomes, equivalent to job provides or significant connections. This may be irritating for customers who count on a better return on their funding.
It’s vital to acknowledge that these instruments are facilitators, however success in the end relies on elements like how you utilize them and exterior circumstances, equivalent 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 Evaluate, Amit C.
Setting practical expectations is vital to benefiting from LinkedIn Premium. It’s a platform that opens doorways however doesn’t stroll you thru them.
Prime 5 LinkedIn options:
Listed here are the highest LinkedIn Premium options urged by G2 customers:
Whereas these aren’t solely targeted on skilled networking, they supply areas for communities and discussions that assist with trade insights, model constructing, {and professional} connections in artistic methods.
Incessantly requested questions (FAQs) about LinkedIn Premium plans
Q. The right way to get LinkedIn Premium at no cost?
LinkedIn provides a 30-day free trial for all its Premium plans, permitting you to discover the options earlier than committing. To activate the trial, it’s essential to 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 primarily based on the plan you select. The most cost effective 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 continuously provide 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 maintain 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 “Strive Premium for Free” button, usually positioned in your LinkedIn homepage or profile. Choose the one which aligns along with your skilled wants.
- Begin a free trial: LinkedIn provides 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.
When you determine to not proceed with the subscription, bear in mind to cancel earlier than the trial interval ends to keep away from any costs.
Q. The right way to 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 may change between Premium plans at any time. Go to your Settings & Privateness, choose Subscriptions & Funds, and select the plan you need to change to. Your billing will alter accordingly.
Q. How does LinkedIn Premium differ from Gross sales Navigator?
LinkedIn Premium and Gross sales Navigator cater to completely 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 move?
Primarily based on my expertise and insights from G2 evaluations, LinkedIn Premium undoubtedly elevates your job search, networking, and private branding efforts. Options like InMail, Applicant Insights, LinkedIn Studying, and superior profile analytics are undeniably precious for those who actively have interaction with the platform.
That stated, it’s not a one-size-fits-all resolution. 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 depart some feeling the return on funding isn’t at all times quick.
When you’re actively job looking, 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 sometimes or don’t want its superior options, the free model is likely to be sufficient in your wants.
Nonetheless undecided? Keep in mind, you may at all times attempt LinkedIn Premium at no cost. Ultimately, LinkedIn Premium is a device that works greatest when paired with a transparent technique and constant effort. Weigh the advantages in opposition to your targets to determine if it’s the appropriate match for you.
Wanting to make use of LinkedIn for what you are promoting? Study find out how to create your LinkedIn Enterprise Web page in 4 straightforward steps.