LinkedIn is no longer just a professional networking site — it’s a powerful platform for job searching, hiring, B2B sales, personal branding, and lead generation.
With 1+ billion users worldwide and 9,000+ job applications submitted every minute, and 65 million people searching for jobs every week, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for career opportunities. But many users quickly discover that basic (free) accounts come with limitations.
That’s where LinkedIn Premium comes in.
If you’re asking “How much is LinkedIn Premium?”, this guide breaks down the latest prices, features, and cost comparison for both the United States and India, so you can decide which plan is worth your money.
What Is LinkedIn Premium?
LinkedIn Premium is a paid subscription service that unlocks advanced features like:
- Direct messaging (InMail)
- Seeing who viewed your profile
- Advanced search filters
- Job insights & applicant comparisons
- LinkedIn Learning courses
- Sales and recruiting tools
Instead of just browsing LinkedIn, Premium helps you connect faster, get noticed by recruiters, and generate opportunities.
LinkedIn Premium Plans Explained
LinkedIn offers four main subscription tiers. Each one is designed for different goals: job hunting, business networking, sales, or recruitment.
| Plan | Best For | Starting Price (US) | Starting Price (India) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Career | Job seekers | $39.99/month | ₹1,599–₹1,999/month |
| Premium Business | Professionals | $59.99/month | ₹2,500–₹3,000/month |
| Sales Navigator | Sales teams | $99.99/month | ₹5,000–₹6,000/month |
| Recruiter Lite | Recruiters | $170+/month | ₹10,000+/month |
LinkedIn Premium Career Plan
The Career plan is the most popular option, especially among students and professionals looking for new roles.
Pricing
- United States: $39.99/month
- India: ₹1,599–₹1,999/month
- Annual plans offer ~20–25% savings
Key Features
- 5 InMail credits per month
- See who viewed your profile
- Applicant ranking insights
- Salary comparisons
- Access to 20,000+ LinkedIn Learning courses
- “Top Applicant” badge on job applications
Who should choose it?
If you’re actively applying for jobs, this plan gives you 2–3x more visibility compared to free users. It’s often worth it during your job search phase.
LinkedIn Premium Business
The Business plan is ideal for professionals who want to grow their network or explore partnerships.
Pricing
- United States: $59.99/month
- India: ₹2,500–₹3,000/month
Key Features
- 15 InMail credits
- Unlimited profile browsing
- Advanced search filters
- Business insights & company data
- Learning courses
Who should choose it?
Perfect for:
- Founders
- Consultants
- Marketers
- Freelancers
It helps you connect with decision-makers faster.
Also, Read – How to Create LinkedIn Company Page for Business
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Sales Navigator is built specifically for B2B prospecting and client acquisition.
Pricing
- United States: $99.99–$149.99/month
- India: ₹5,000–₹6,000/month
Key Features
- Advanced lead filters
- CRM integration
- Real-time buyer alerts
- 50 InMail messages
- Lead recommendations
Who should choose it?
Great for:
- SaaS companies
- Agencies
- B2B sales teams
- Lead generation specialists
If LinkedIn is your main sales channel, this tool can dramatically increase conversions.
LinkedIn Recruiter Lite
Recruiter Lite is designed for companies that frequently hire talent.
Pricing
- United States: $170–$180/month
- India: ₹10,000+/month
Key Features
- Advanced candidate filters
- 30 InMail credits
- Talent pipelines
- Smart hiring recommendations
Who should choose it?
Best for HR teams, startups, and recruitment agencies.
LinkedIn Premium Stats You Should Know
Here’s why many professionals upgrade:
- 1B+ LinkedIn users worldwide
- 9,000+ job applications submitted every minute
- Premium users receive up to 3x more recruiter responses
- 67% of B2B leads come from LinkedIn
- Recruiters fill roles 40% faster using LinkedIn tools
Also, Read – LinkedIn Marketing Strategy for Small Business
LinkedIn Free vs Premium: What’s the Difference?
LinkedIn Free (Basic Account)
Most users start here — it’s 100% free.
What you get:
- Create profile
- Search and connect with people
- Basic job search & apply
- View limited profiles
- Receive messages from connections
Limitations:
- No InMail (you must be connected to message)
- Cannot see all profile viewers
- No salary insights
- No applicant ranking
- Limited search filters
- No LinkedIn Learning access
Good for casual browsing and basic networking.
LinkedIn Premium (Paid Subscription)
Premium unlocks advanced tools you can’t access with a free account.
What you get that Free doesn’t:
- Send InMail to anyone
- Unlimited profile views
- See everyone who viewed your profile
- Applicant insights & competition data
- Advanced search filters
- Access to LinkedIn Learning
- Exclusive job insights (who’s hiring, salary data)
Additional perks by plan:
- Sales Navigator: Lead generation tools & CRM sync
- Recruiter Lite: Advanced candidate searches
Great for job seekers, sales pros, and recruiters.
| Feature | Free Account | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Create profile | ✅ | ✅ |
| Connect with people | ✅ | ✅ |
| Send messages | Only connections | Anyone (InMail) |
| See profile viewers | Limited | Full list |
| Advanced search filters | ❌ | ✅ |
| LinkedIn Learning | ❌ | ✅ |
| Salary insights | ❌ | ✅ |
| Applicant ranking | ❌ | ✅ |
| Sales/recruiting tools | ❌ | ✅ |
When LinkedIn Free Acocunt is enough
- Casual networking
- Browsing jobs occasionally
- Limited messaging needs
When Linkedin Premium Account is better
- Active job searching
- Cold outreach or prospecting
- Generating B2B leads
- Hiring frequently
- Serious career growth
Think of Free as basic access and Premium as a productivity accelerator.
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?
Yes, if you:
- Apply to multiple jobs weekly
- Need recruiter visibility
- Send cold messages
- Work in sales or recruiting
- Use LinkedIn daily
No, if you:
- Rarely log in
- Don’t message outside your network
- Only browse casually
Many professionals subscribe only during job search or hiring seasons, then cancel linkedin premium later to save money.
How to Purchase LinkedIn Premium (Step-by-Step)
Whether you use LinkedIn on desktop or mobile, upgrading to Premium is easy.
Here’s exactly how:
1. Log Into Your LinkedIn Account
Open LinkedIn on your web browser or app.
2. Click “Try Premium for Free”
You’ll usually see this button in your profile banner or navigation menu.
It may say:
➡ “Try Premium free for 30 days”
➡ “Upgrade My Account”
3. Choose Your Premium Plan
LinkedIn will show different options like:
- Premium Career
- Premium Business
- Sales Navigator
- Recruiter Lite
Select the one that fits your goals.
💡 Tip: Career for job hunting, Business for networking, Sales Navigator for lead gen, Recruiter Lite for hiring.
4. Enter Payment Details
You’ll need a valid credit/debit card or PayPal info.
LinkedIn will mention:
- Monthly vs Annual pricing
- Savings if billed yearly
- Renewal terms
5. Start Your Free Trial
Click Confirm and LinkedIn will activate Premium.
📌 Note: Most plans offer a 30-day free trial — you won’t be charged until the trial ends.
6. Cancel Before Renewal (If You Change Your Mind)
Go to: Me → Settings & Privacy → Account → Subscription
Then cancel to avoid charges if you decide not to continue.
Pro Tip: Start with the free trial, test the features, and upgrade only if it helps you reach your goals faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is LinkedIn Premium Cost per month?
Starts at $39.99 in the US and ₹1,599 in India for Career plan.
Is LinkedIn Premium free?
You get a 30-day free trial, then paid subscription.
Which LinkedIn Premium is best for jobs?
Premium Career.
Which LinkedIn plan is best for sales?
Sales Navigator.
Can I cancel LinkedIn Premium anytime?
Yes, anytime before the billing cycle ends.
