I’m on LinkedIn day-after-day.
As one of many main networking instruments, it’s my go-to platform for connecting with the suitable individuals, discovering thrilling new job alternatives, and staying within the loop on the most recent trade developments. It is a useful a part of any critical skilled’s profession toolkit. Actually, I landed my present job two years in the past, due to LinkedIn Premium.
However right here’s the query I maintain coming again to: ought to I improve to LinkedIn Premium? I first tried it throughout a job hunt with the one-month free trial and not too long ago subscribed once more to construct my private model.
LinkedIn Premium actually guarantees lots – an AI assistant, limitless profile views, superior networking instruments, and unique job insights. It feels 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 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 opinions from professionals who’ve examined each free and premium variations.
Observe: All opinions shared under are from verified G2 customers. For extra particulars on our course of to confirm reviewers and approve opinions, please discuss with G2’s assessment moderation pointers.
LinkedIn Premium vs. Free: What does LinkedIn Premium supply?
Over one billion individuals 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 affords superior options tailor-made to particular skilled wants.
- Premium Profession: Targeted on job seekers and professionals aiming to develop their private model.
- Premium Enterprise: Designed for small companies trying to broaden their networks, visitors, and prospects and entry deeper insights for his or her enterprise web page.
Aside from these, LinkedIn additionally affords 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 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 considered your profile |
Restricted to five most up-to-date viewers within the final 90 days. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now 12 months. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now 12 months. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now 12 months. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now 12 months. |
InMail Credit |
None. Can solely message current 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 |
Non-public looking |
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 suitable job postings |
Superior search filters with limitless looking |
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 give attention to the LinkedIn Premium Profession plan on this article, as they’re essentially the most related for job seekers and professionals.
In case you’re trying to generate leads, construct shopper relationships, or streamline candidate searches, you would possibly discover Gross sales Navigator or Recruiter Lite plans higher suited to your wants.
LinkedIn Premium value
Right here’s a breakdown of LinkedIn Premium prices for various plans:
Plan |
Month-to-month plan value |
Annual plan value |
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 affords 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 opinions, listed here are the important thing options that stand out and their advantages in your skilled profession.
1. InMail for enhanced networking
Considered one of LinkedIn Premium’s most useful options is InMail messaging. It permits you to join with anybody, even when they’re outdoors your community – a major improve from the free model, the place you possibly can solely message current 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 electronic mail recruiters. The outcomes? have been spectacular: nearly 3 out of 5 responded to my messages and gave me extra details about function expectations, firm, and development alternatives. This direct line of communication usually gave me an edge over different candidates.
Now, as a advertising and marketing skilled, I proceed to make use of InMail to succeed in out to trade specialists, fellow entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in my subject. These conversations have led to collaborations, knowledgeable insights for my tasks, and even mentorship relationships which were invaluable for my profession development.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I like the power to ship InMail to recruiters and the truth that recruiters discover you and can join with you at a better price than with a free model. It is also nice to see who checked out your profile.”
–LinkedIn Premium Overview, Diego R.
In case you’re a job seeker, freelancer, or skilled in networking-heavy fields like gross sales and advertising and marketing, InMail is a strong device for networking, lead technology, 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 impression on the platform by means of detailed profile insights.
With Premium, you possibly can view a whole record 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 establish 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 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 Overview, 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 possibly can 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 impression.
Content material Analytics on LinkedIn Premium
3. Applicant insights for smarter job purposes
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 have 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’re lacking. It performs an enormous function in tailoring your profile and resume accordingly.
- Candidate comparability metrics: Perceive the way you evaluate towards different candidates by way of expertise, schooling, and ability match.
- Actual-time software information: Monitor your place within the applicant queue and the overall variety of purposes.
- Firm perception: Entry detailed details about firm development and hiring developments 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 towards different candidates and adjusted my strategy to job purposes. For instance, once I found I used to be lacking a essential ability 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 instantly for a quicker response.
Applicant insights with LinkedIn premium
These insights provide help to prioritize which roles to pursue and when to take a position additional effort.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The very best half (of LinkedIn Premium) is earlier than you apply for a job, you possibly can establish the place you stand and what number of candidates utilized for the job. Additionally, you possibly can match your abilities as per job necessities and different candidates.”
– LinkedIn Premium Overview, 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 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 targets and even observe a structured studying path tailor-made to a selected function – no matter fits your type.
Finishing LinkedIn Studying programs enhances your resume and provides your profile knowledgeable enhance when shared immediately along with your community. It’s good for each job seekers trying to strengthen their {qualifications} and professionals aiming to remain forward of their fields.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The very best factor about LinkedIn Premium for me was studying from an enormous library of programs. It helped me achieve new abilities and enhance those I already had.”
– LinkedIn Premium Overview, Mohammed Naieem B.
5. AI assistants for productiveness
A serious 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 purposes. You may even use the AI device to spruce up the profile introduction part.
AI assistant on LinkedIn Premium
I frequently use LinkedIn’s AI assistant to draft my posts and personalize InMail messages and connection requests. The little perk? It saves me priceless 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 have a look at my profile and recommend adjustments can be very helpful.”
– LinkedIn Premium Overview, Jordan C.
6. Superior seek for focused connections
The ultimate and most sensible characteristic of the Premium plan most customers respect is the sturdy search filters for locating job alternatives, individuals, and firms.
In contrast to the fundamental search accessible 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 individuals. You may specify connections, places, firms, key phrases, job titles, previous firms, colleges, industries, and companies. You may even discover individuals 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 and marketing, 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 with the ability to search each firm and individual 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 factor unlocks extra profiles and data which we’re in a position to make use of to ‘heat’ chilly gross sales approaches and calls.”
– LinkedIn Premium Overview, Harry C.
Different LinkedIn Premium options you shouldn’t overlook:
- Limitless individuals looking: View limitless profiles past your community to broaden your connections.
- Open profile: Let anybody message you at no cost, even outdoors your community, rising your probabilities of significant connections.
- Non-public looking: In contrast to free accounts, which permit restricted personal looking, Premium permits you to keep fully discreet whereas permitting you to see who considered your profile.
- Interview preparation device: Apply 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} development.
LinkedIn Premium cons: What G2 customers dislike
Let’s steadiness the scales right here – whereas Premium affords many helpful options, there are some legitimate frustrations. Listed below 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 frequently. 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 downside of LinkedIn Premium might be the associated fee related to the subscription, particularly for people who could not make the most of all of the premium options frequently. 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 Overview, Gie Marie G.
2. Restricted InMail credit
Though InMail messaging is certainly one 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 incessantly 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 Overview, 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 count on a cleaner, extra targeted expertise as Premium members, however the presence of irrelevant updates and promotional materials usually detracts from LinkedIn’s skilled attraction.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I do approach too many hides of spammy materials within the normal replace part. I believe as a premium consumer, it could be higher that we aren’t spammed by promoting.”
– LinkedIn Premium Overview, 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, corresponding to job affords or significant connections. This may be irritating for customers who count on a better return on their funding.
It’s essential to acknowledge that these instruments are facilitators, however success finally relies on elements like how you utilize them and exterior circumstances, corresponding to market competitors or recipient engagement.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Even when I do know who considered my profile web page and despatched Inmails, all this does not cease ghosting.”
– LinkedIn Premium Overview, Amit C.
Setting life like expectations is essential to taking advantage of LinkedIn Premium. It’s a platform that opens doorways however doesn’t stroll you thru them.
Prime 5 LinkedIn options:
Listed below are the highest LinkedIn Premium options instructed 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 inventive methods.
Continuously requested questions (FAQs) about LinkedIn Premium plans
Q. Learn how to get LinkedIn Premium at no cost?
LinkedIn affords 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 worthwhile to present your bank card particulars however be charged if canceled earlier than the trial interval ends. Remember that the free trial can solely be used as soon as each 12 months.
Q. How a lot does LinkedIn Premium value?
The price of LinkedIn Premium varies based mostly on the plan you select. The most affordable and most fitted 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 incessantly supply reductions, however it can save you considerably by choosing an annual subscription, which reduces the month-to-month value 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, sometimes situated in your LinkedIn homepage or profile. Choose the one which aligns along with your skilled wants.
- Begin a free trial: LinkedIn affords a 30-day free trial for brand 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 if you happen to cancel earlier than the trial interval ends.
In case you resolve to not proceed with the subscription, keep in mind to cancel earlier than the trial interval ends to keep away from any expenses.
Q. Learn how 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 swap between LinkedIn Premium plans?
Sure, you possibly can swap between Premium plans at any time. Go to your Settings & Privateness, choose Subscriptions & Funds, and select the plan you need to swap 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 move?
Based mostly on my expertise and insights from G2 opinions, 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 priceless if you happen to actively interact with the platform.
That stated, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The subscription value 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 speedy.
In case you’re actively job looking, constructing a powerful skilled model, or aiming to develop your community strategically, Premium generally is a worthwhile funding. However, if you happen to solely use LinkedIn sometimes or don’t want its superior options, the free model could be sufficient in your wants.
Nonetheless undecided? Bear in mind, you possibly can at all times strive LinkedIn Premium at no cost. In the long run, LinkedIn Premium is a device that works greatest when paired with a transparent technique and constant effort. Weigh the advantages towards your targets to resolve if it’s the suitable match for you.
Trying to make use of LinkedIn for what you are promoting? Study the way to create your LinkedIn Enterprise Web page in 4 simple steps.