If you’ve ever wondered, is LinkedIn Premium worth it?, you’re not alone. Whether you’re job hunting, growing your business, or simply exploring more from LinkedIn, it’s easy to feel confused. This guide breaks down everything in plain, easy-to-understand language—no complicated words. Let’s find out if LinkedIn Premium is really worth your money.
What Is LinkedIn Premium, Really?
LinkedIn Premium is a paid version of LinkedIn that gives you more tools than the free version. Think of it like a “super account” that helps you do more on the platform—see more profiles, message more people, and get insights about jobs or your own profile.
There are actually different types of LinkedIn Premium depending on what you need. These include Premium Career, Premium Business, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter Lite. Each one offers different tools depending on whether you’re a job seeker, a business owner, or someone trying to grow their network.
What Do You Get With LinkedIn Premium?
You get a bunch of helpful features that free users don’t. Some of the most useful ones include:
- You can see who viewed your profile in the last 90 days.
- You get InMail credits, which let you send messages to people you’re not connected with.
- Premium users get access to more job insights and detailed analytics.
- You can view more profiles per search and use advanced search filters.
- Some plans even help you with online courses and learning paths on LinkedIn Learning.
If you use LinkedIn often, especially for job searching or business networking, these extra tools can save you time and open more doors.
See Who Looked at Your Profile
One of the most popular LinkedIn Premium features is seeing who viewed your profile. On the free version, you only see a few recent viewers—sometimes just one or two. But with Premium, you get a full list of everyone who looked at your profile in the past 90 days.

Why is this helpful? Because it tells you who might be interested in your work, your background, or your services. If a recruiter, hiring manager, or potential client visits your page, you’ll know—and you can reach out to them directly.
Send Messages Without Connecting First
Normally, you can only message people you’re connected with on LinkedIn. But with LinkedIn Premium, you get InMail credits, which let you message people you’re not connected to. This is super helpful when you want to talk to a recruiter, potential business lead, or someone at a company you admire.
You don’t have to wait for them to accept your request. You can send a message right away and introduce yourself professionally.
Extra Job Help and Insights
If you’re looking for a job, LinkedIn Premium gives you detailed information that free users don’t see. You’ll find out how you compare to other applicants, what skills are common for that job, and even how your profile ranks among others applying for the same role.
You also get alerts when new jobs are posted and access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can take courses to boost your skills. This is a great way to make your profile stand out and learn something new that makes you more hireable.
Is LinkedIn Premium Good for Finding a Job?
Yes—if you use it the right way. For job seekers, LinkedIn Premium can be a powerful tool. You get noticed more easily by recruiters, you can apply to jobs faster, and you can connect directly with people in your dream companies.
But here’s the truth: Premium doesn’t guarantee you’ll get hired. You still need a strong profile, good experience, and a thoughtful approach. However, the features can definitely give you an edge, especially in competitive fields.
What If You’re a Student or Just Starting Out?
If you’re a student or someone who just started your career, you might wonder if LinkedIn Premium is necessary. In many cases, the free version of LinkedIn is enough to build a solid profile and start connecting with people.
However, Premium can give you an extra boost. For example, students can use LinkedIn Learning to take online courses that help with resumes, interviews, and career planning. You also get to message recruiters directly, even if you’re not connected.
Still, it’s a good idea to try the free trial first before you decide to pay for it. That way, you’ll know if the features are actually useful for you.
Is It Helpful for Businesses and Freelancers?
Yes, especially if you rely on networking, sales, or brand building. LinkedIn Premium for Business users offers tools that help you find new clients, track leads, and analyze who’s viewing your company profile.

If you’re a freelancer, you can use Premium to reach out to potential clients directly, even if you’re not connected yet. This means you can pitch your services to companies or decision-makers without waiting for them to find you.
It also helps you build authority in your field. By posting content, interacting with others, and staying visible, you can grow your professional presence and attract new work opportunities.
Better Search Filters for Leads
One of the biggest differences between the free and paid version is the ability to search better. With LinkedIn Premium, you get advanced search filters that let you narrow down people by industry, seniority level, company size, and more.
This is especially helpful if you’re in sales or business development. You can target your searches and find the right people faster instead of scrolling through hundreds of profiles.
It saves time and makes outreach more effective, whether you’re selling services, offering partnerships, or trying to grow your network.
Grow Your Brand on LinkedIn
LinkedIn Premium also helps people grow their personal brand. When you post useful content, share your experiences, and interact with others, people notice. With Premium, you get insights about who’s viewing your posts and how well your content is performing.
This can help you improve what you share and build a stronger voice on the platform. Over time, this can lead to job offers, freelance gigs, or speaking opportunities. People trust those who are active and valuable in their field—and Premium makes that easier.
How Much Does LinkedIn Premium Cost?
The price depends on which version of LinkedIn Premium you choose:
- Premium Career: About $39.99/month
- Premium Business: About $59.99/month
- Sales Navigator: About $99.99/month
- Recruiter Lite: About $139.99/month
If you pay yearly, it’s usually cheaper per month. But remember—just because it costs money doesn’t mean it’s automatically worth it for everyone. Always think about your own needs and how you plan to use it.
Free Trial vs Paid Plan – Which Is Better?
The best way to find out if LinkedIn Premium is worth it for you is to use the free trial. LinkedIn offers a 1-month free trial, and you can cancel anytime before being charged.
Use that month wisely:
- Send InMail messages
- See who’s viewing your profile
- Take some LinkedIn Learning courses
- Compare yourself to other job applicants
If those tools help you, the paid plan may be worth it. But if you don’t use them often, the free version might be enough for now.
What Are Real People Saying About LinkedIn Premium?
User reviews are mixed—but honest. Many job seekers say it helped them land interviews faster and message recruiters directly. Freelancers say it helped them get leads. On the flip side, some users feel they didn’t use enough of the features to justify the cost.
What that tells us is simple: LinkedIn Premium is powerful—but only if you actually use it. If you’re just scrolling once in a while, it may not be worth it. But if you’re actively searching, networking, or selling, it can pay off fast.
The Bottom Line
So, is LinkedIn Premium worth it? The answer depends on your goals.
If you’re a job seeker who wants to connect with recruiters, see who’s viewing your profile, and stand out from other applicants, Premium might be a smart investment. If you’re a freelancer or business owner trying to find leads or build your brand, the advanced tools can give you an edge.
But if you’re not using LinkedIn regularly or don’t need those extra features, the free version might be enough for now.