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If you've ever asked yourself, "should you buy LinkedIn Premium?", you're not alone. Many professionals wonder if upgrading to LinkedIn's paid subscription is worth the cost. LinkedIn Premium promises advanced networking tools, insights, and learning resources beyond the free version. But will those features really benefit you, or can you get by with a free account? In this guide, we'll break down exactly what LinkedIn Premium offers, its pros and cons, and help you decide should you buy LinkedIn Premium?
What Is LinkedIn Premium?
LinkedIn Premium is a paid subscription service for the popular professional networking platform LinkedIn. While a basic LinkedIn account is free, Premium gives you access to enhanced features that can help you grow your network, search for jobs more effectively, and gain insights you wouldn't get otherwise. There are a few different Premium plans tailored to various needs, including Premium Career (geared toward job seekers and professionals) and Premium Business (aimed at business owners and sales professionals). LinkedIn also offers more specialized subscriptions like Sales Navigator and Recruiter Lite, but those are more advanced tools for heavy sales and recruiting use. For most people considering buying LinkedIn Premium, the choice is typically between staying free or upgrading to Premium Career (or Business).
How much does it cost? LinkedIn Premium Career is the entry-level plan at about $29.99 per month (or around $239 annually if paid upfront). Premium Business costs more (about $59.99 per month) and includes all Career features plus additional perks for sales prospecting. Prices can vary slightly by region, but they are a significant monthly expense, so it's important to make an informed decision.
LinkedIn Free vs Premium: Key Differences
To understand whether you should buy LinkedIn Premium, it's helpful to know what you're getting compared to a free account. The table below highlights some key differences between LinkedIn Basic (Free) and LinkedIn Premiumfeatures:
| Feature | LinkedIn Free | LinkedIn Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Viewers Visibility | Limited (see only the last 5 viewers) | Full list of who viewed you (last 90 days for Career; up to 365 days for Business) |
| InMail Messages | Not available (can only message contacts) | Yes – Send direct messages to anyone (e.g. 5/month with Career, 15 with Business) |
| Job Applicant Insights | Basic (few details on job postings) | Yes – See how you compare to other applicants, applicant rankings, company insights |
| "Featured Applicant" Status | No | Yes – Your job applications get a “Featured” tag to stand out to recruiters |
| LinkedIn Learning Courses | Not included (paid separately) | Yes – Unlimited access to 16,000+ online courses (LinkedIn Learning) |
| Advanced Search Filters | Basic filters; subject to search limits | Expanded filters; no search limit on people browsing (for Premium Business) |
| Profile Badge | Standard profile only | Premium badge on profile (optional display of a gold “In” icon) |
| Private Browsing | Yes (but then you can’t see who viewed you) | Yes – Can browse profiles privately and still see who viewed your profile |
As shown above, upgrading unlocks a range of useful tools. A free LinkedIn account lets you build a profile, connect with others, and send messages to your first-degree connections, but it has significant limitations. For example, free users cannot see most people who viewed their profile, and they cannot message someone they're not connected to (except via connection requests). There are also limits on advanced search results with a free account – heavy users often hit a “commercial use limit” that restricts searching. Premium lifts many of these barriers.
Key Benefits of LinkedIn Premium
So, why do people buy LinkedIn Premium? Here are some of the standout benefits and features you get with a Premium subscription:
