Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It? The Ultimate 2025 Guide

The modern job market is tough, and having a robust online presence is no longer optional if you want to reach your full potential - it's essential!

While the basic LinkedIn account offers a wealth of features, many professionals find themselves mulling over the value of upgrading to LinkedIn Premium. If you're looking to upgrade the experience you’re getting out of LinkedIn, then you’ve probably already asked yourself: is it worth paying for LinkedIn Premium? 

In this guide, we’ll go through the various features of LinkedIn Premium, explore its benefits in detail, and help you determine if it aligns with your unique professional goals.

What is LinkedIn Premium?

LinkedIn Premium is a suite of subscription-based services designed to amplify your capabilities on LinkedIn, offering exclusive tools and enhanced access beyond the standard free account.

These premium features are segmented into different plans, each catering to specific professional needs, such as job seeking, business development, sales, or recruitment. Understanding what each feature does when is crucial in answering the question “is LinkedIn Premium worth it?”.

Some of the key benefits you can access with a LinkedIn Premium subscription include:

• More InMail credits: LinkedIn Premium lets you send direct messages (known as InMails) to LinkedIn members you’re not connected to.
• "Who's Viewed Your Profile" insights: with a free LinkedIn account, you can see when other users have viewed your account, but not who they are. LinkedIn Premium unlocks a more extensive history of who’s been looking at your profile, and allows you to look back over a longer period of time.
• Advanced search filters: LinkedIn Premium allows you to refine your searches based on criteria such as years of experience, specific skills, job function, seniority level, company size, and even whether a member is "open to work." 
• Comprehensive job insights and analytics: with LinkedIn Premium, you can see how many other applicants have applied for a particular role, gain information on the top skills listed by the hiring manager, and even understand how your qualifications stack up against the profiles marked as "top applicants." This data is great to tailor your application and highlight relevant skills more effectively on your LinkedIn resume.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning: Premium subscribers gain unlimited access to a huge library of video courses, letting you continuously upskill and stay competitive in your field. 
• "Open Profile" feature: certain Premium plans include the "Open Profile" feature, which allows any LinkedIn member, even those outside your direct network, to send you messages for free. This can significantly increase your visibility and make you more accessible to potential employers, recruiters, or leads who may want to solicit your help.
• Distinctive Premium badges: Premium subscribers receive a unique badge displayed next to their name, and in search results. This visual can help you stand out, and show that you’re invested in your professional development and networking efforts.

Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It for Job Seekers?

If you’re actively searching for your next position, then you probably consider a LinkedIn Premium subscription more often than most. Short answer: the enhanced features that come with LinkedIn Premium can certainly give you a competitive edge. However, this value is contingent on your engagement and the specifics of your job search.

Let's have a closer look at the variables you should consider when answering the question “is LinkedIn Premium career worth it?”:

The Intensity and Urgency of Your Job Search

If you’re in the middle of an active and urgent job search, the benefits of LinkedIn Premium are definitely going to be more obvious.

• The ability to directly contact recruiters and hiring managers through InMail can bypass traditional application processes and put you directly on their radar (as long as you’re not spamming them!)
• The detailed "who viewed my profile" insights can reveal companies and individuals who are potentially interested in people with your background, which opens the door for more proactive outreach and to optimize your LinkedIn profile.
• Also, the “job insights” feature gives you crucial data on applicant competition and required skills, letting you tailor every application more effectively.

The Specifics of Your Target Industry and Role

The value of LinkedIn Premium can also vary depending on your industry and the type of role you’re looking for. 

In highly competitive niches or for specialized positions where getting to know the hiring manager is crucial, Premium features like advanced search filters and InMail can be particularly advantageous. If you’re targeting executive-level roles, the ability to discreetly explore opportunities and connect with executive recruiters can also be very valuable.

On the other hand, if you’re in a less competitive industry or seeking an entry-level position with high application volumes, the benefits may not be as noticeable.

The Strength and Reach of Your Existing Professional Network

While a strong existing network is always useful, LinkedIn Premium can seriously expand your reach beyond your immediate connections.

If you’re looking to break into a new industry or connect with professionals at companies you admire, InMail provides a powerful tool to get those conversations started. Even with a solid network, Premium's advanced search filters can help you identify and connect with individuals who possess specific skills or hold key positions in the organisations you’re targeting.

Your Commitment to Skill Development and Continuous Learning

Having LinkedIn Learning in many Premium plans offers tons of value if you’re looking to enhance your skill set and make yourself more attractive to potential employers. If you’re proactive in utilizing these courses to acquire relevant skills, then highlighting these skills on your profile can boost your candidacy.

Your Strategy for Proactive Engagement on the Platform

Simply subscribing to LinkedIn Premium is not a guarantee of job search success. To truly realize its value, you need to:

• Post valuable content often so people notice you
• Actively engage with your peers on the platform
• Proactively reach out to relevant connections

Remember that in all of this, the profiles that get the most value out of LinkedIn aren’t the ones that do the most profile-to-profile outreach, but those that build a personal brand through consistent, high-quality content on their profile pages. 

For more support with this, make sure to check out our LinkedIn scheduler, our free AI LinkedIn post generator, and our free LinkedIn Text Formatter.

LinkedIn Premium Pricing

Understanding the cost associated with LinkedIn Premium is a critical part of deciding if it's the right investment for you. As of April 2025, LinkedIn offers a tiered structure for its Premium subscriptions, each with a specific focus and price point.

Here's an overview of the Premium plans currently available (all prices in USD):

LinkedIn Premium Career - $29.99/month

This plan is specifically designed for job seekers. It typically includes features such as:

• 5 monthly InMail credits for direct outreach to recruiters and hiring managers,
• enhanced visibility into who has viewed your profil,
• detailed job insights (e.g., applicant numbers, top skills)

LinkedIn Premium Business - $59.99/month

Geared towards professionals looking to expand their network, generate leads, and gain business insights, this plan offers:

• 15 monthly InMail credits compared to the Career plan’s 5
• advanced search filters to identify potential business connections
• expanded profile views
• additional business-focused LinkedIn Learning content

LinkedIn Sales Navigator Core - $99.99/month

This plan is tailored for sales professionals and focuses on lead generation and sales intelligence. As such, the Navigator Core plan offers:

• advanced search capabilities specifically designed for finding and targeting potential customers
• lead recommendations
• real-time updates on your saved leads and accounts

LinkedIn Recruiter Lite - $170/month (per license)

Designed for individual recruiters and small businesses, this plan provides enhanced talent search capabilities, allowing you to find and connect with potential candidates more efficiently. Features often include:

• advanced search filters for candidate profiles
• filters to see candidates who are open to new opportunities
• 30 monthly InMail credits, which can be very useful for headhunting

How to Sign Up for LinkedIn Premium

Upgrading to LinkedIn Premium is a simple and intuitive process that can be completed in just a few steps:

1. While logged in, click on your profile picture or the "Me" icon, which you’ll find in the top navigation bar on the desktop version or in the bottom menu on the mobile app. This will take you to your LinkedIn profile page.

2. On your profile page, look for a button or link that indicates an option to "Try Premium" or "Upgrade to Premium." This can be displayed in a few different places, but always stands out prominently thanks to its bright orange colouring.

3. Complete a short questionnaire to reach an overview of the different LinkedIn Premium plans available and a summary of their key features and benefits. Take the time to carefully review each plan and figure out which one aligns best with your professional goals and needs.

4. Once you know which Premium plan you want to subscribe to, click on the relevant "Learn more" button. Many Premium plans offer a free trial period for new subscribers, allowing you to experience the benefits before committing to a paid subscription.

5. You’ll likely be offered a discount to try it out and then be prompted to enter your payment info (even if you’re new to LinkedIn Premium and you’re eligible for a month’s free trial).
6. After entering your payment information, click on the "Start Free Trial" or "Subscribe" button to finalize your LinkedIn Premium subscription.

Remember to keep track of your free trial period if you opted for one. If you decide that LinkedIn Premium is not the right fit for you, be sure to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends to avoid being charged. You can manage your subscriptions through your LinkedIn account settings.

LinkedIn Premium FAQs

If you’re on the fence about getting LinkedIn Premium for your job search, business development, or anything else, we hope this introduction has given you a better idea of whether LinkedIn Premium is worth it for you.

We’ll wrap up with some quick-fire FAQs we often hear from our customers about the value of LinkedIn Premium. For more support, check Typefully for LinkedIn.

Is Premium LinkedIn worth it?

It depends on your professional goals. If you’re actively job hunting or looking to generate leads, the added features like InMail credits, job insights, and advanced search filters can give you a major advantage. If you’re not engaging with LinkedIn regularly, however, the standard version of LinkedIn may be enough for your needs.

Does LinkedIn Premium help with job searching?

Premium Career gives you direct messaging capabilities with recruiters, deeper insights into job postings, and enhanced profile visibility. If you’re applying for multiple roles and want to optimize your chances, having access to these features can be a game-changer.

Can I cancel LinkedIn Premium anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription at any time. Just go to your account settings, navigate to "Manage Premium," and follow the cancellation steps. If you cancel during a free trial, be sure to do so before it ends to avoid any additional charges.

What’s the difference between LinkedIn Premium Career and LinkedIn Premium Business?

While LinkedIn Premium Career is designed for job seekers, offering insights into job applications and recruiter activity, Premium Business is more geared toward professionals looking to grow their network and generate business leads, with features like more InMail credits and enhanced profile visibility.

Does LinkedIn Premium include LinkedIn Learning?

Yes! Most LinkedIn Premium plans include full access to LinkedIn Learning, which has thousands of courses on business, tech, and soft skills. If professional development is a priority for you, this may be one of the biggest reasons to upgrade.

How much does LinkedIn Premium cost?

At the time of writing, LinkedIn Premium tiers are priced as follows:

• Premium Career: $29.99/month
• Premium Business: $59.99/month
• Sales Navigator Core: $99.99/month
• Recruiter Lite: $170/month per license

How does LinkedIn Premium help with networking?

Premium offers InMail credits, allowing you to message people outside your network. You also get advanced search filters, deeper insights into who viewed your profile, and an "Open Profile" feature, making it easier to connect with key professionals.

Is there a free trial for LinkedIn Premium?

Yes, LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial for new Premium users. This lets you test out the features and decide whether or not you want to commit to a paid subscription.

Can LinkedIn Premium help me generate leads?

Yes! If you’re in sales or business development, Sales Navigator Core is designed specifically for prospecting and has features for collating lead recommendations, detailed search filters, and real-time updates on potential clients or customers.