Let’s face it—LinkedIn Premium has been on your radar for a while now. You’ve probably seen that little “Try Premium Free for 1 Month” banner more times than you can count. Whether you’re actively job hunting, networking, hiring, or trying to grow your business, the temptation to click it is real. But the big question still remains:
Is LinkedIn Premium worth it for you?
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what LinkedIn Premium offers, who it’s best for, and whether it’s actually worth your money. Expect real-world anecdotes, clear explanations, and a step-by-step breakdown to help you decide.
What is LinkedIn Premium, Anyway?
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s understand what LinkedIn Premium actually is.
LinkedIn Premium is the paid version of LinkedIn that offers additional tools and features beyond the free account. These features are designed to help with things like: job searching, networking, business development, sales prospecting, and hiring.
There are four main LinkedIn Premium plans:
- Premium Career – for job seekers
- Premium Business – for professionals and small business owners
- Sales Navigator – for salespeople
- Recruiter Lite – for recruiters
Each one is tailored to different use cases, but they all unlock features like: InMail messages (send messages to people you’re not connected with), Who viewed your profile, Advanced search filters, Access to premium learning courses (LinkedIn Learning), Applicant insights (for job applications), and Job and salary insights.
The Features You Get with LinkedIn Premium
Let’s explore each of the main features you get when you upgrade to LinkedIn Premium.
1. InMail Messages
InMail allows you to message anyone on LinkedIn, even if you’re not connected.
Use case: You’re trying to reach out to a recruiter at your dream company. Without Premium, you can’t contact them unless you’re in their network. With InMail, you can send a personalized message straight to their inbox.
Anecdote: A friend of mine, Lisa, was job hunting in tech. She couldn’t break into the right networks, but after using InMail to contact a hiring manager directly, she landed an interview and eventually the job. That one message made all the difference.
2. Who Viewed Your Profile
This one might seem like a gimmick at first, but it’s actually incredibly useful. With Premium, you can see everyone who’s viewed your profile in the last 90 days. With the free version, LinkedIn only shows you a few.
Why it matters: If recruiters are checking out your profile, that’s a sign you’re showing up in searches. You can also use this info to reach out and start a conversation.
3. LinkedIn Learning Courses
Think of it as Netflix for professional development. LinkedIn Learning gives you unlimited access to thousands of expert-led courses on: Leadership, Marketing, Software development, Communication, Time management, and much more.
If you’re someone who loves learning or wants to upskill fast, this is a huge value add.
4. Job and Salary Insights
When applying for jobs, LinkedIn Premium shows: how you stack up against other applicants, if you’re a top candidate, and estimated salary ranges (even if the company doesn’t post them). This can help you tailor your resume, improve your application, and avoid wasting time on jobs that don’t match your profile.
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It for Job Seekers?
Short answer: It depends. If you’re actively job hunting, especially in competitive fields like tech, marketing, or finance, LinkedIn Premium Career can be a serious advantage. Let’s break it down.
When It Is Worth It:
- You want to directly contact recruiters or hiring managers
- You want to appear more professional (Premium badge can help)
- You apply to jobs frequently and want insight into your competition
- You’re switching industries and need to build new connections fast
- You need a confidence boost seeing who viewed your profile
When It’s Not Worth It:
- You’re casually browsing job openings, not seriously applying yet
- You already have a strong network and get regular messages
- You’re not taking advantage of LinkedIn Learning
Anecdote: During a career pivot in 2023, I upgraded to Premium for three months. Using the “top applicant” insight, I tailored my resume to better fit roles. I also sent 15 InMails—8 of them led to interviews. In my case, LinkedIn Premium paid off.
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It for Professionals or Entrepreneurs?
Let’s say you’re not job hunting, but you use LinkedIn to build your brand, grow your business, or find clients. In that case, LinkedIn Premium Business might be more your style.
You’ll get: advanced search filters, unlimited people browsing, InMail credits, company insights, and business analytics. If you rely on networking, generating leads, or creating content, Premium can help you scale faster.
When It Is Worth It:
- You’re a freelancer or consultant looking for clients
- You’re building a personal brand and want profile visibility
- You need to research people or companies regularly
When It’s Not Worth It:
- You rarely use LinkedIn for business networking
- You don’t send messages to people outside your network
- You’re not leveraging LinkedIn as a lead generation platform
Step-by-Step: How to Decide If LinkedIn Premium Is Worth It
Let’s walk through a simple 5-step decision guide to help you figure out whether it makes sense for you.
Step 1: Define Your Goal
Ask yourself: “Why am I considering LinkedIn Premium?”
- Job searching?
- Networking?
- Lead generation?
- Career growth?
If you don’t have a clear purpose, hold off for now.
Step 2: Try the Free Trial
LinkedIn offers a 1-month free trial for most Premium plans.
- Set a reminder to cancel before billing if you’re unsure
- Use the month to explore every feature
- Send InMails, check who’s viewing your profile, take courses
Pro tip: Be active. The more you engage during the trial, the more value you’ll see.
Step 3: Track Results
During your trial, ask:
- Did I get more replies to job applications?
- Did InMails help me connect with valuable people?
- Did LinkedIn Learning boost my skills?
- Did I find client leads or new connections?
If you’re seeing clear benefits, that’s a sign it’s worth it.
Step 4: Compare the Cost
As of 2025, prices (subject to change) are:
- Premium Career – ~$39.99/month
- Premium Business – ~$59.99/month
- Sales Navigator – ~$99.99/month
- Recruiter Lite – ~$140/month
If even one opportunity or lead comes through, it could easily pay for itself. But if you’re not using the features regularly, it might just be a fancy subscription.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives
Don’t forget, LinkedIn’s free version is still powerful.
Free features include:
- Connecting with people
- Joining groups
- Job searching
- Posting content
- Commenting and engaging
If you’re just getting started, the free version might be enough.
Let’s Recap: Pros and Cons of LinkedIn Premium
Pros:
- Direct access to recruiters and decision-makers
- Personalized insights into job applications
- Unlocks full visibility into who’s viewing your profile
- Excellent learning platform for upskilling
- Helps with business lead generation and networking
Cons:
- Can get pricey if underutilized
- Not all InMails lead to responses
- Some features overlap with the free version
- Can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure how to use it
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It for Most People?
Here’s a quick decision chart:
| User Type | Worth It? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Active Job Seeker | ✅ Yes | Best ROI for most users |
| Casual Job Browser | ❌ Not Really | Stick with free version |
| Recruiter | ✅ Yes | Helps with talent outreach |
| Freelancer/Consultant | ✅ Yes | Great for client prospecting |
| Corporate Professional | 🔄 Maybe | Depends on usage |
| Student/Graduate | ❌ Not Yet | Wait until you’re job searching |
Final Verdict: Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?
Yes, but only if you actively use its features. The real value of LinkedIn Premium depends on how much time you spend on LinkedIn and how clearly you define your goals.
If you’re serious about your career or business, Premium can be a smart investment—like a gym membership for your professional life. But just like the gym, you need to show up and use it.
