Professional Networking

Top Apps Compared

LinkedIn vs Alternatives · 2025
💼
LinkedIn
Microsoft Corporation
GET
4.8
★★★★★
Rating
1B+
Downloads
200+
Markets
17+
Age
What's New
Version 2025.0 · Updated frequently · Size: Massive
The #1 professional networking app. Identity profiles, job board (8 hires/min), Sales Navigator, InMail, LinkedIn Learning, content feed, company pages. Microsoft-owned since 2016. Revenue: $15B+. The most feature-complete app in this category.
In-App Purchases
Profiles & NetworkingFree
Job Board (8 hires/min)Free
Content Feed & LearningFree
Premium Career$29.99/mo
Sales Navigator$79.99/mo
Recruiter Lite$170.00/mo
Most Helpful Review★★★★☆
The essential app. Nothing else covers networking, jobs, content, and learning in one download. I use it daily. Docking one star because the feed is drowning in AI-generated posts and premium pricing keeps climbing. Still the foundation of any professional toolkit.
— ProUser2025 · Verified Download
Reported Issues
  • Feed increasingly polluted with AI-generated content
  • Algorithm favours power users over casual browsers
  • In-app purchase costs escalating ($29.99–$170+)
  • Organic reach declining for company pages
  • Data shared with Microsoft services
🔍
Indeed + Glassdoor
Recruit Holdings
GET
4.6
★★★★½
Rating
350M+
Monthly
60+
Markets
4+
Age
What's New
Version 2025.0 · Updated weekly · Size: Light
The fastest job search app. 350M+ monthly users. Aggregates listings from everywhere. Glassdoor companion adds employer reviews, salary data, and interview prep. Zero social features — pure employment. Completely free.
In-App Purchases
Job Search & AI MatchingFree
Resume UploadFree
Glassdoor: Salary + ReviewsFree
Interview IntelligenceFree
Sponsored VisibilityEmployer $
Most Helpful Review★★★★½
Found my job in 2 weeks. Glassdoor showed me the real salary range and interview questions before I walked in. No networking features — but that wasn't what I needed. The fastest job app I've ever used.
— QuickHire25 · Verified Download
Reported Issues
  • Zero networking or community features
  • Some Glassdoor reviews outdated or suspicious
  • Sponsored listings can crowd organic results
  • Not designed for passive career browsing
  • User data accessible to paying employers
🚀
Wellfound
Wellfound Inc. (ex-AngelList)
GET
4.5
★★★★½
Rating
8M+
Users
150K+
Startups
17+
Age
What's New
Version 2025.0 · Updated monthly · Size: Medium
The startup job app. 8M+ users, 150K+ startups. Every listing shows salary AND equity upfront — data the top app won't display. Direct messaging to founders. Remote-first filter. Startup positions only.
In-App Purchases
Startup Job SearchFree
Salary & Equity TransparencyFree
Founder Direct MessageFree
Investor AccessFree
Featured ListingVaries
Most Helpful Review★★★★☆
The only app that showed me equity compensation upfront. Game changer for startup job hunting. Messaged the founder directly and got an interview within a day. Doesn't work if you're looking for corporate roles — startup only.
— StartupSeeker · Verified Download
Reported Issues
  • Only useful for startup positions
  • Much smaller user base than top apps
  • Many listings from very early-stage companies
  • Not visible in mainstream app rankings
  • Networking features less polished
🤝
Meetup + Lunchclub
IRL Federation
GET
4.7
★★★★★
Rating
52M+
Users
190+
Markets
4+
Age
What's New
Version 2025.0 · Updated weekly · Size: Real Life
The only app that requires leaving your phone. 52M+ members, 190+ countries, 2M+ events/year. Lunchclub AI matches you 1:1. LinkedIn is the app — this is what happens when you put it down and walk into a room full of real people.
In-App Purchases
Browse & Attend EventsFree
AI 1:1 Matching (Lunchclub)Free
Local Community GroupsFree
Goal-Based NetworkingFree
Event Hosting (Organiser)$20+/mo
Most Helpful Review★★★★★
This app changed how I network. I've built more real relationships at three Meetup events than three years of LinkedIn scrolling. Lunchclub paired me with my now-business-partner. The irony? The best networking app is the one that gets you OFF your phone.
— RealConnect25 · Verified Attendee
Reported Issues
  • No job search or employment features
  • Requires physical attendance at events
  • Organiser hosting fees $20+/month
  • Lunchclub matching varies by location
  • Geographic availability limitations

Compare Apps

All four listings side by side

FeatureLIINWFMU
Downloads1B+350M8M+52M+
NetworkingFull—StartupIRL
Job SearchStrongFastestStartup—
Salary DataPartialGDAll—
ContentFull—Min—
IRLMin——Core
AIPartialJobs—LC
Rating4.84.64.54.7
LinkedIn
Free
IAP $29.99+
Indeed
Free
No IAP
Wellfound
Free
Featured $
Meetup
Free
Host $20+