The author is a frequent LinkedIn user and, like many others, has often considered upgrading to the Premium version. After conducting a thorough comparison, he’s here to share his insights

LinkedIn Premium has long promised enhanced features for professionals, but is it worth the price? With tiers ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk14,000 per month, the service is a considerable investment. While some users find value in Premium’s tools for networking, job searching, or recruiting, many professionals discover similar benefits through free LinkedIn features and external tools.

Benefits of LinkedIn Premium

LinkedIn Premium offers advantages like unlimited profile viewing, access to who’s viewed your profile, InMails, and salary insights. These features can be valuable if you’re intensively job-hunting, expanding a client network, or seeking specialized candidates. Premium plans are tailored for job seekers, recruiters, and salespeople, providing flexibility based on needs.

Free Alternatives to LinkedIn Premium

For those hesitant to commit financially, free alternatives exist. Connecting with personalized messages can replicate the networking function of InMails. For job searches, LinkedIn’s free trial or Amazon Prime Student’s six-month offer can help users experience Premium risk-free. Furthermore, Google searches (e.g., site:linkedin.com “job title” location) extend the scope of LinkedIn searches without limits.

Is the Investment Justified?

While LinkedIn claims Premium boosts hiring chances, it may primarily reflect that paid users are more motivated to land jobs. Given the considerable cost, free tools often offer enough networking and search capacity to achieve similar results. For most users, skipping LinkedIn Premium in favor of free alternatives may be a cost-effective strategy.