Discover folk - the CRM for people-powered businesses
Tired of the LinkedIn echo chamber? The same stale posts, recruiter spam, and “thought leaders” regurgitating clichés? You’re not alone.
The rise of LinkedIn alternatives is shaking things up. Whether you’re craving fresh networking opportunities, niche communities, or smarter ways to connect, new platforms are rewriting the rules of professional networking.
In this guide, we’re diving into the best LinkedIn alternatives for 2025, so you can expand your network, find new opportunities, and escape the LinkedIn fatigue once and for all.
Top 10 Linkedin alternatives for 2025
Here's an overview of the best alternatives to LinkedIn.
1. folk: The all-in-one CRM for LinkedIn
Even though LinkedIn is a great platform, it lacks a CRM that can give you a quick overview of when you last interacted with someone and a place for you to keep all your notes on each contact you meet.
folk is an all-in-one CRM that can support multiple business functions alongside some powerful features built specifically to integrate your LinkedIn network seamlessly with its very own CRM. Expect features that let you import LinkedIn search lists in 1-click and turn your engagement into warm leads.
2. Eventbrite: Best for in-person and online events
Eventbrite is a popular platform that is a great place to look for professional events and ones to go to in your down time. There's something for everyone. You can use Eventbrite to find local or global events – and filter these based on your interests such as:
- Business to find networking events with like minded people
- Music
- Night life
- Performing and visual arts
- Holidays and more.
You can also use Eventbrite to host your own in-person event. You can set up your event page to accept payments via Stripe and set the ticket price. You'll be able to choose between free or set a custom price for each ticket.
3. Luma: Best for in-person and online events in tech
If you're looking for networking events specifically in the tech industry, than Luma is for you. There are niche events tailored for investors, startups, founders and more depending on your area of interest.
In Luma, you can find events based on your current location, or if you're planning an upcoming business trip – you can check out some events in featured cities across Europe, America and South East Asia. You can also host your own virtual or in-person event. Luma also gives you the option to subscribe to calendars by event organizers so you'll always know if there's a particular event going on.
4. The Dots: Best for creatives
The Dots is a great LinkedIn alternative for creatives. You can use the platform to find new job opportunities and network. They have job postings for everyone including freelancers, remote jobs or full time job seekers. There's a space in your profile on The Dots specifically for your portfolio, making it a great way for people to get to know your aesthetic.
5. Angel List: Best for investors and startups who are fundraising
Angel List was built specifically for investors, startups and fund managers. You can use the platform to network, invest and raise funds. If you're a startup, you can create a page where you can manage your fundraising, cap table and more.
If you're an investor, you can use Angel List to invest in deals alongside VCs. For fund managers, it provides an option to fundraise publicly, accept new capital and start investing.
6. ExitFive: Best for B2B marketers
ExitFive is a membership platform designed to help B2B marketers network and learn. It's a great platform where you can get career advice, feedback on live projects and be part of a close knit community. With your membership you get access to exclusive content and can choose to ask the community some questions anonymously.
They also have their own job listings with openings curated for B2B professionals in the Exit Five community. You can use their job search filter to look for specific job openings such as remote roles and choose which countries and salary band you're after.
7. Facebook groups: Best for niche communities
Facebook groups are an underrated resource for job listings and finding a community – especially if you work remotely, are in a niche space, are after some advice or want to meet local professionals in your area. A lot of groups are still active and can provide a safe space if you want to ask questions anonymously. Watch out for ones that do not have any community rules and often have self-advertising posts.
8. Xing: Best for European Professionals
Xing is a professional networking platform widely used in Germany and other European countries. It offers a space for professionals to connect, share career updates, and discover job opportunities.
With its strong presence in the European market, Xing provides an alternative to LinkedIn for those looking to engage with businesses and professionals in this region. If you're targeting European markets or looking for job opportunities outside the US, Xing is a valuable platform to explore.
9. Meetup: Best for networking events and meetups
Meetup is more than just a social platform, it's a place where professionals can organize and attend networking events based on specific interests or industries.
Whether you're looking for local meetups, industry-specific discussions, or casual networking opportunities, Meetup provides a low-barrier way to connect with like-minded individuals. It’s ideal for those who prefer face-to-face interactions or are seeking to expand their professional network through events and community engagement.
10. Behance: Best for creatives and art industry
Behance is a go-to platform for creatives in fields like graphic design, illustration, photography, and web design. It’s a powerful tool for building a portfolio, showcasing your work, and connecting with potential clients or collaborators.
Unlike LinkedIn, which serves a broader professional audience, Behance is focused on the creative industry, making it a top alternative for freelancers and artists looking to gain visibility and find new opportunities in their field.
Best platforms for thought leadership and content-driven networking
For professionals looking to establish authority through content, these platforms enable networking through writing and engagement:
• Medium – A long-form content platform where industry leaders share insights.
• Substack – Professionals can publish newsletters and build an engaged audience.
• LinkedIn Articles – While still within LinkedIn, writing long-form content can boost professional connections. Consider starting your own LinkedIn newsletter.
3 benefits of LinkedIn in 2025
While LinkedIn remains one of the largest professional networking platforms, it may not be the best fit for everyone in 2025. Here are some key benefits it still offers:
- Connect with Key Decision-Makers: LinkedIn allows you to reach out to executives, business owners, and key players within various industries, making it a valuable tool for B2B networking and sales.
- Expand Your Professional Network: Whether inside your industry or outside of it, LinkedIn offers endless opportunities to meet professionals and expand your connections globally.
- Build and Promote Your Personal Brand: LinkedIn is still a solid platform for professionals to establish their expertise, share insights, and elevate their personal brand within their field.
That said, if you’re seeking something more tailored to your specific needs, there are numerous LinkedIn alternatives worth exploring. These platforms can offer niche networking opportunities, industry-specific connections, or even provide new ways to interact and grow professionally.
Whether you’re focused on local networking, specialized job opportunities, or building a personal brand outside the LinkedIn ecosystem, these alternatives could be the perfect fit for you.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn remains a popular networking tool, the rise of LinkedIn alternatives offers professionals more specialized options for building connections. The platforms we’ve listed provide unique features designed to meet the needs of different industries, networking styles, and career goals.
Whether you're seeking targeted events, niche communities, or B2B opportunities, these alternatives give you the flexibility to expand your network in ways LinkedIn may not. If you’re looking to take your professional connections beyond LinkedIn, exploring these alternatives could be the game changer you need.
More resources
- How to leverage social selling on LinkedIn to drive new business
- The modern sales stack for SMBs
- The ultimate guide to CRMs for SMBs
Discover folk CRM - Like the sales assistant your team never had
