Is LinkedIn Premium Worth $30/Month? What G2 users Think

I’m on LinkedIn every day. 

As one of the leading networking tools, it’s my go-to platform for connecting with the right people, discovering exciting new job opportunities, and staying in the loop on the latest industry trends. It's an invaluable part of any serious professional’s career toolkit.  In fact, I landed my current job two years ago, thanks to LinkedIn Premium. 

But here’s the question I keep coming back to: Is LinkedIn Premium really worth it? I first tried it during a job hunt with the one-month free trial and recently subscribed again to build my personal brand. 

LinkedIn Premium certainly promises a lot - an AI assistant, unlimited profile views, advanced networking tools, and exclusive job insights. It sounds like a trump card for job seekers and professionals alike.

But does it deliver on those promises? Starting at about $30 per month, it is fair to ask - is LinkedIn Premium worth it, or is it just another expense that adds up?

In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with LinkedIn Premium, along with insights from over 240 G2 reviews from professionals who’ve tested both free and premium versions.

Note: All reviews shared below are from verified G2 users. For more details on our process to verify reviewers and approve reviews, please refer to G2’s review moderation guidelines.

LinkedIn Premium vs. Free: What does LinkedIn Premium offer?

Over one billion people use LinkedIn today. We use it to showcase our experience, connect with peers, and explore job opportunities. While the free version provides the essential tools for these purposes, LinkedIn Premium offers advanced features tailored to specific professional needs. 

• Premium Career: Focused on job seekers and professionals aiming to grow their personal brand.
• Premium Business: Designed for small businesses looking to expand their networks, traffic, and prospects and access deeper insights for their business page.

Apart from these, LinkedIn also offers two other subscription plans tailored for sales professionals and recruiters. 

• Sales Navigator: Built for salespeople seeking to generate leads and build client relationships.
• Recruiter Lite: Tailored for recruiters and hiring managers to optimize candidate searches.

Take a look at this detailed comparison of the free version versus Premium plans:

*Includes details on the basic plan of Sales Navigator and Recruiter Lite.

Let’s focus on the LinkedIn Premium Career plan in this article, as they’re the most relevant for job seekers and professionals. 

 If you're looking to generate leads, build client relationships, or streamline candidate searches, you might find Sales Navigator or Recruiter Lite plans better suited to your needs.

LinkedIn Premium cost

Here’s a breakdown of LinkedIn Premium costs for different plans:

LinkedIn offers a 30-day free trial for its Premium plans. You’ll need to provide payment details to activate the trial. 

LinkedIn Premium benefits: What G2 users like

After using LinkedIn Premium extensively and analyzing feedback from 240+ G2 reviews, here are the key features that stand out and their benefits for your professional career.

1. InMail for enhanced networking

One of LinkedIn Premium’s most valuable features is InMail messaging. It allows you to connect with anyone, even if they’re outside your network - a significant upgrade from the free version, where you can only message existing connections. This makes it easier to reach out to recruiters, industry leaders, or potential collaborators.

InMail credits on LinkedIn Premium plan 

During my job search, I used InMail strategically to connect with hiring managers and email recruiters. The result? Almost 3 out of 5 responded to my messages and gave me more information about role expectations, company, and growth opportunities. This direct line of communication often gave me an edge over other candidates.

Now, as a marketing professional, I continue to use InMail to reach out to industry experts, fellow marketers, and thought leaders in my field. These conversations have led to collaborations, expert insights for my projects, and even mentorship relationships that have been invaluable for my career growth.

If you’re a job seeker, freelancer, or professional in networking-heavy fields like sales and marketing, InMail is a powerful tool for networking, lead generation, and career advancement.

2. Profile insights for better visibility

Most LinkedIn Premium users value the significant edge it provides over the free version in boosting visibility and impact on the platform through detailed profile insights. 

With Premium, you can view a complete list of who has seen your profile over the past 90 days, along with insights on how they found you. 

LinkedIn Premium profile insights

This feature was particularly invaluable during my job search phase. It allowed me to identify companies and hiring managers who showed interest in my profile, a benefit most other job boards don’t offer.

Additionally, advanced analytics on content performance, engagement, and impressions can help you refine your LinkedIn content strategy. By understanding audience engagement, you can tailor your posts to build a stronger personal brand and thought leadership. Personally, I’ve used this feature to pinpoint which posts resonate with my audience and adjust my content for maximum impact.

Content Analytics on LinkedIn Premium

3. Applicant insights for smarter job applications

Among all the Premium features, Applicant Insights is a favorite of mine when applying for positions. With this, for every job posting you look at, you get to see: 

• In-demand skills analysis: See exactly which skills recruiters are prioritizing, how your profile stacks up, and what you are missing. It plays a huge role in tailoring your profile and resume accordingly.
• Candidate comparison metrics: Understand how you compare against other applicants in terms of experience, education, and skill match.
• Real-time application data: Track your position in the applicant queue and the total number of applications.
• Company insight: Access detailed information about company growth and hiring trends to make informed decisions.

I used this feature extensively while applying for positions as it gave me crucial visibility into where I stood against other candidates and changed my approach to job applications. For example, when I discovered I was missing a critical skill that top candidates had for a position, I paused to upskill before applying.

Applicant insights with LinkedIn premium

In another case, where I saw hundreds of applicants had already applied, I used InMail to contact the hiring manager directly for a faster response. 

Applicant insights with LinkedIn premium

These insights help you prioritize which roles to pursue and when to invest extra effort. 

4. LinkedIn Learning for upskilling

LinkedIn Learning is one of the favorite features among many Premium users, including me. The platform has over 22,000 expert-led courses, with new ones added every week. They cover a wide range of topics and skills across industries. 

Courses on LinkedIn Learning

The self-paced learning format makes it easy to upskill on your own schedule. You can choose individual courses based on your interests or career goals or even follow a structured learning path tailored to a specific role – whatever suits your style.

Completing LinkedIn Learning courses enhances your resume and gives your profile a professional boost when shared instantly with your network. It’s perfect for both job seekers looking to strengthen their qualifications and professionals aiming to stay ahead in their fields.

5. AI assistants for productivity

A major advantage that comes with the Premium plans is the generative AI-powered tools. These smart assistants aid with just about everything – from drafting outreach messages to fine-tuning your LinkedIn profile and your job applications. You can even use the AI tool to spruce up the profile introduction section. 

AI assistant on LinkedIn Premium

I regularly use LinkedIn’s AI assistant to draft my posts and personalize InMail messages and connection requests. The little perk? It saves me valuable time and still maintains a professional touch.

6. Advanced search for targeted connections

The final and most practical feature of the Premium plan most users appreciate is the robust search filters for finding job opportunities, people, and companies. 

Unlike the basic search available in the free version, Premium’s advanced filters let you narrow down your search with precise criteria. Take, for example, the filters to find people. You can specify connections, locations, companies, keywords, job titles, past companies, schools, industries, and services. You can even find people based on who they follow and connect to. 

Advanced search with LinkedIn Premium

For job seekers, this means pinpointing roles at specific companies and even identifying key decision-makers to reach out to. Professionals focused on networking, like sales and marketing, find it particularly useful for identifying prospects and warming up cold outreach.

Other LinkedIn Premium features you should not overlook:

• Unlimited people browsing: View unlimited profiles beyond your network to expand your connections.
• Open profile: Let anyone message you for free, even outside your network, increasing your chances of meaningful connections.
• Private browsing: Unlike free accounts, which allow limited private browsing, Premium lets you stay completely discreet while allowing you to see who viewed your profile.
• Interview preparation tool: Practice with commonly asked interview questions and sample answers provided by industry professionals.
• LinkedIn Premium badge: Display the gold Premium badge on your profile, signaling to others that you’re serious about networking and professional growth.

LinkedIn Premium cons: What G2 users dislike

Let's balance the scales here - while Premium offers many useful features, there are some valid frustrations. Here are the most common pain points:

1. Pricing

At about $30 a month, LinkedIn Premium subscription is seen as expensive by some users, especially those who don’t utilize all the features regularly. While its features can provide clear advantages for users actively job hunting, networking, or upskilling, the value may not justify the price for infrequent users. Students and freshers entering the job market also find the price burdensome, given their limited budgets and early career priorities.

2. Limited InMail credits

Although InMail messaging is one of Premium’s signature features, the monthly credit limit of five InMails for the Premium Career plan is restrictive for users who frequently rely on it for outreach. This is one of the most common gripes among users, be they job seekers or professionals.

3. Spammy messages and advertisements

Another recurring complaint from LinkedIn Premium users is the presence of advertisements and spam-like content in their feeds. Many users expect a cleaner, more focused experience as Premium members, but the presence of irrelevant updates and promotional material often detracts from LinkedIn’s professional appeal.

4. No guaranteed results 

While LinkedIn Premium provides tools to enhance visibility and networking, features like InMail and profile insights don’t always guarantee tangible outcomes, such as job offers or meaningful connections. This can be frustrating for users who expect a higher return on their investment. 

It’s important to recognize that these tools are facilitators, but success ultimately depends on factors like how you use them and external conditions, such as market competition or recipient engagement.

Setting realistic expectations is key to making the most of LinkedIn Premium. It’s a platform that opens doors but doesn’t walk you through them.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about LinkedIn Premium plans

Q. How to get LinkedIn Premium for free?

LinkedIn offers a 30-day free trial for all its Premium plans, allowing you to explore the features before committing. To activate the trial, you need to provide your credit card details but be charged if canceled before the trial period ends. Keep in mind that the free trial can only be used once every 12 months.

Q. How much does LinkedIn Premium cost?

The cost of LinkedIn Premium varies based on the plan you choose. The cheapest and most suitable plan for professionals and job seekers is the LinkedIn Premium Career. It costs $29.99 for a monthly plan or $239.88 ($19.99 per month) for an annual plan.

Q. Is there a LinkedIn Premium discount?

LinkedIn doesn’t frequently offer discounts, but you can save significantly by opting for an annual subscription, which reduces the monthly cost by 20–25% compared to the monthly plan. Occasionally, LinkedIn may run promotional campaigns, so keep an eye out for those.

Q. How to sign up for LinkedIn Premium?

To sign up for LinkedIn Premium, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account: Access your LinkedIn profile using your credentials.
2. Navigate to Premium: Click on the "Try Premium for Free" button, typically located on your LinkedIn homepage or profile. Select the one that aligns with your professional needs.
3. Start a free trial: LinkedIn offers a 30-day free trial for new Premium users. Click on "Start my free month" to initiate the trial. Provide your credit or debit card details to activate the trial. You won't be charged if you cancel before the trial period ends.

If you decide not to continue with the subscription, remember to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid any charges.

Q. How to cancel LinkedIn Premium?

To cancel LinkedIn Premium:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy on your LinkedIn profile.
2. Navigate to Subscriptions & Payments.
3. Select Manage Premium Subscription and choose Cancel Subscription.

You’ll retain access to Premium features until the end of your billing cycle, even after cancellation.

Q. Does LinkedIn Premium remove ads?

No, LinkedIn Premium does not remove ads from the platform. Users, including Premium subscribers, still see sponsored content and advertisements in their feeds.

Q. Can I switch between LinkedIn Premium plans?

Yes, you can switch between Premium plans at any time. Go to your Settings & Privacy, select Subscriptions & Payments, and choose the plan you want to switch to. Your billing will adjust accordingly.

Q. How does LinkedIn Premium differ from Sales Navigator?

LinkedIn Premium and Sales Navigator cater to different professional needs: LinkedIn Premium and Sales Navigator serve distinct purposes:

• LinkedIn Premium aids job seekers, professionals, and networkers with tools like InMail, Applicant Insights, and LinkedIn Learning.
• Sales Navigator supports sales professionals with advanced lead filters, CRM integration, and prospect tracking tools.

The final verdict: Premium or pass?

Based on my experience and insights from G2 reviews, LinkedIn Premium definitely elevates your job search, networking, and personal branding efforts. Features like InMail, Applicant Insights, LinkedIn Learning, and advanced profile analytics are undeniably valuable if you actively engage with the platform.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The subscription cost makes it less appealing for some users. InMail messaging and profile insights require effort and strategy to yield tangible outcomes, which may leave some feeling the return on investment isn’t always immediate.

If you’re actively job hunting, building a strong professional brand, or aiming to grow your network strategically, Premium can be a worthwhile investment. But, if you only use LinkedIn occasionally or don’t need its advanced features, the free version might be enough for your needs.

Still undecided? Remember, you can always try LinkedIn Premium for free. In the end, LinkedIn Premium is a tool that works best when paired with a clear strategy and consistent effort. Weigh the benefits against your goals to decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Looking to use LinkedIn for your business? Learn how to create your LinkedIn Business Page in four easy steps.