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Table of Contents
Why Consider LinkedIn Alternatives?
Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s address the mammoth in the room – why would anyone want an alternative to the mega networking site that is LinkedIn?
Well, here are some reasons you may want to peek over the professional fence:
- LinkedIn is overloaded with spam, sales pitches
- Tired of endless notifications and cluttered feed
- Find the UI clunky or navigation overwhelming
- Want more niche networks for your industry
- Seeking more affordability and free options
- Dislike the social media-esque aspect, and want simple networking
We get it – LinkedIn isn’t for everyone. Luckily there are a growing number of professional networking platforms that offer features similar to LinkedIn without all the baggage.
13 Top LinkedIn Alternative Websites
Here are 13 leading LinkedIn alternatives for job searching, company research, recruiting, and business networking:
1. XING
XING tops the list as the largest European professional network with over 20 million members. Think of it as LinkedIn’s counterpart across the pond.
Key Features:
- Job ads – access thousands of openings across the DACH region
- Groups – join niche communities in your industry
- Event listings – find relevant conferences and seminars
- Company profiles and employee contacts
- Personal news feed and activity stream
Ideal For: Professionals in German-speaking countries
Downsides:
- German interface may create language barrier
- Far more limited reach than LinkedIn globally
| Members | 875M | 20M |
| Countries | 200+ | Primarily DACH |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free limited version Premium paid plans |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | German-speaking regions Niche communities |
Takeaway: If you’re looking for a professional network focused on German-speaking Europe, XING is LinkedIn’s main alternative in this region.
Also Read – LinkedIn Recruiter Lite: The Essential Talent Sourcing Tool for Recruiters
2. Viadeo
Viadeo comes next on our list with around 10 million members worldwide. It’s sometimes referred to as the “LinkedIn of France” given its strength in French-speaking countries.
Key Features:
- Job board – matching technology and AI recommendations
- Expert market – book 1-on-1 video calls with professionals
- Company intel – employee data, news, ratings
- Networking groups and events listings
- Premium features: profile branding, analytics
Ideal For: French-speaking markets and China
Downsides:
- French interface can deter English speakers
- Much smaller global scope than LinkedIn
| Viadeo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 10M |
| Countries | 200+ | Primarily France & China |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Premium paid plans Free basic access |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | French-speaking countries China market |
Takeaway: Viadeo dominates networking in France and China, making it a leading LinkedIn alternative in those regions.
Also Read – The Complete Guide to LinkedIn Newsletters
3. Xing (Different from XING)
Yes, Xing with one “G” is an entirely different platform from XING. This site was originally launched in China as Wealink before rebranding internationally as Xing.
Key Features:
- Job board – global listings from 150 countries
- Company pages – details, reviews, interviews
- Group forums and discussions
- AI to match resumes with openings
- Mobile app for messaging and notifications
Ideal For: Tech talent and Chinese-speaking regions
Downsides:
- Caters heavily to tech roles
- Language barriers in global use
| Members | 875M | 65M |
| Countries | 200+ | Mainly China, India |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free access Employer paid accounts |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Chinese market Tech recruiting |
Takeaway: Xing offers an interesting Eastern counterpart to LinkedIn with a specialized tech industry focus.
4. Glassdoor
While Glassdoor may not seem an obvious LinkedIn alternative at first glance, this popular job and company review site contains some overlapping networking features.
Key Features:
- Company reviews, ratings, salary data
- Job search engine and listings
- Interview questions from past applicants
- Option for anonymous profiles
- Employer profiles and engagement
Ideal For: Job seekers researching roles and companies
Downsides:
- Not a full-scale networking platform
- Anonymous profiles limit networking potential
| Glassdoor | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 59M |
| Countries | 200+ | 190+ countries |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free access Employer service plans |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Job/company research Salary comparison |
Takeaway: Glassdoor provides rich job search support plus some social elements, although true networking capacity remains limited.
5. GitHub
You may be wondering how the code-sharing platform GitHub made it onto a networking alternatives list. While focused on developers, GitHub contains powerful professional networking potential through its community options.
Key Features:
- Coder profiles – share experience, languages, projects
- Open source community – contribute to repositories
- Job board integrated into the platform
- Developer events and conferences
- Follow/get followed based on skills and interests
Ideal For: Developers and technologists
Downsides:
- Extremely tech-focused, not general professional networking
- Catered to coders, not all job functions
| GitHub | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 73M+ registered users |
| Countries | 200+ | Global, 200+ countries |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free public repositories Paid private repos |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Developer Community Tech Recruiting |
Takeaway: Developers can leverage GitHub’s huge coder community and tech job board to showcase skills and find opportunities.
6. AngelList
AngelList aims to connect startups with investors and job seekers. It’s an interesting hybrid of networking, career, and fundraising platform.
Key Features:
- Startup profiles – showcase new ventures
- Job board – search by role, skills, location
- “Talent” profiles – highlight experience
- Investor matching – get startup funding
- Global reach 100+ countries
Ideal For: Startup scene and tech roles
Downsides:
- Very niche audience, not a broad professional networking
- Heavily focused on tech/startups
| AngelList | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 12M+ |
| Countries | 200+ | 100+ countries |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free access Premium job posters and talent seekers |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Startup / tech community Raising funds |
Takeaway: AngelList provides networking and funding in the startup space – an interesting alternative angle to LinkedIn.
7. Spotify for Artists
You may be very confused to see a music streaming platform on this list…but Spotify offers some useful, if niche, professional networking functionality for artists through its Spotify for Artists app.
Key Features:
- Artist profiles – share albums, concert dates, merch
- Fan statistics – streams, demographics, top tracks
- Concert and event planning tools
- Follow artists and labels – get updates
- Question and answer forums
Ideal For: Musicians and industry pros
Downsides:
- Extremely niche audience
- Only relevant to music space
| Spotify for Artists | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 5M+ artists and bands |
| Countries | 200+ | 180+ markets |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free access |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Music industry connections Fan engagement |
Takeaway: For musicians and music pros, Spotify for Artists provides a unique way to network through artist profiles and fan interaction tools.
8. Dribbble
Dribbble focuses on showcasing designer portfolios and connecting creative talent with projects and jobs. Its visual feed sets it apart from standard networking platforms.
Key Features:
- Designer profiles – showcase portfolio pieces
- Project postings – bid on design gigs
- Job board – openings at creative companies
- Follow and comment on other creatives’ posts
- Spotlight – get work in front of brands
Ideal For: Designers, illustrators, creatives
Downsides:
- Very niche creative audience
- Images dominate over text content
| Dribbble | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 4M users |
| Countries | 200+ | Global reach |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Freemium model Free basic and Pro paid plans |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Designer portfolio visibility Brand connections |
Takeaway: Creatives can share visual portfolios and connect with design jobs and gigs through Dribbble’s niche audience.
9. Broadli
For freelancers and consultants across various fields, Broadli provides an appealing professional network and virtual workspace.
Key Features:
- Independent profiles – showcase services, experience
- Project collaborator search
- Discussion forums and groups
- Job board access through sister site Comatch
- Client brief matching algorithm
Ideal For: Consultants, freelancers, solopreneurs
Downsides:
- The freelance niche limits the audience
- Text and numbers are heavy
| Broadli | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 400K+ independent profiles |
| Countries | 200+ | Primarily Europe + N. America |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free Basic Premium Plus network |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Freelancer connections Project collaborators |
Takeaway: Consultants, freelancers, and independent workers can connect through Broadli’s network and tools tailored to “solopreneurs”.
10. F6S
F6S differentiates itself by specializing in matching startups, founders, developers, marketers, and other niche audiences. Think of it as “LinkedIn for startups”.
Key Features:
- Startup and founder profiles
- Post and find cofounder opportunities
- Apply for incubator programs
- Discover startup jobs, events, funding
- Network via forums and groups
Ideal For: Startup community
Downsides:
- Very niche startup focus
- Review quality varies greatly
| F6S | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 2.5M |
| Countries | 200+ | Global reach |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free Basic access Premium for extra tools |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Startup connections Cofounder matching |
Takeaway: Startups and founders should check out F6S’s niche tools for connecting with funding, cofounders, incubators, and development talent.
Also Read – LinkedIn Live: The Ultimate Guide
11. Textile Forum
Stay with us now, because a fashion industry forum offers some interesting professional networking features alongside online discussion groups.
Key Features:
- Industry discussion forums
- Fashion professional profiles
- Job board and talent search
- Listing of industry events
- Read niche content and blogs
Ideal For: Fashion professionals
Downsides:
- Forums interface outdated
- Niche fashion focus limits the scope
| Textile Forum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | 45K+ |
| Countries | 200+ | Primarily India |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Free access |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Fashion connections Community forums |
Takeaway: Textile Forum offers both industry discussions and networking elements – an unexpected mashup similar to LinkedIn for fashion pros.
12. Phorum
Phorum defines itself as an “alternative social network” focused on privacy, free speech, and transparency. It aims for quality over quantity in its groups and forums approach.
Key Features:
- Interest-based groups
- Anonymous networking potential
- Blockchain privacy protection
- Decentralized community model
- Forum creation and management
Ideal For: Those wanting anonymity and decentralization
Downsides:
- The mobile app still in Beta
- Unfamiliar blockchain model
| Phorum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | Smaller decentralized network |
| Countries | 200+ | Global reach |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Tiered subscription plans |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Anonymous networking Niche communities |
Takeaway: As an alternative social network, Phorum offers anonymity and decentralization for those wanting privacy over a traditional LinkedIn experience.
Also Read – How to Get Free LinkedIn Learning in 2024: The Ultimate Guide
13. Affimity
Affinity takes a different spin by blending professional networking with social accountability tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values.
Key Features:
- Values-based matching algorithm
- Anonymous demographic profiling
- Share pronouns and diversity factors
- DEI-focused job board integrated
- Messaging and forums
Ideal For: Promoting inclusive hiring
Downsides:
- Heavy focus beyond standard networking
- Strong moral branding controversial
| Affimity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members | 875M | Small specialized network |
| Countries | 200+ | Mainly USA |
| Pricing | Premium tiers Free version with restrictions | Tiered subscription plans |
| Best For | Global networking Employment visibility | Values-based connections Inclusive opportunities |
Takeaway: Affimity merges networking with diversity, equity and inclusion accountability for those passionate about social justice issues.
Choosing a LinkedIn Alternative by Use Case
With so many alternatives to choose from, which networking platform is right for your specific needs? Here is a breakdown of the best sites based on popular use cases:
If you are looking to find a job:
- Glassdoor – rich company reviews and salary data
- AngelList – startup and tech opportunities
- XING or Viadeo – openings in German or French regions
If you are looking to recruit or research talent:
- Xing – Chinese tech talent access
- GitHub – developer community
- Dribbble – creative applicants
If you are in the music industry:
- Spotify for Artists – showcase work and engage fans
If you are a consultant or freelancer:
- Broadli – independent worker tools and clients
If you are a fashion professional:
- Textile Forum – industry discussions and job board
If you want anonymity:
- Phorum – privacy focused groups and forums
If you care about inclusive hiring:
- Affimity – values-based networking and opportunities
The key is identifying which niche networks align both with your industry and intended use case. LinkedIn may reign supreme for general professional networking, but alternatives can better cater to specific interests and communities.
