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Linkedin Api

Top 5 LinkedIn API Alternatives in 2025

Discover the best LinkedIn API alternatives in 2025 for developers and businesses looking to access professional data without OAuth complications.

Top 5 LinkedIn API Alternatives in 2025

Top 5 LinkedIn API Alternatives in 2025

LinkedIn's official API has long been a challenge for developers due to its strict limitations, OAuth requirements, and rigorous approval process. As we move through 2025, several powerful alternatives have emerged that provide easier access to LinkedIn data. This guide explores the top five LinkedIn API alternatives currently available.

Table of Contents

Why Look for LinkedIn API Alternatives?

LinkedIn's official API has several limitations that drive developers to seek alternatives:

  • Restrictive Access: LinkedIn's API access is heavily limited and requires application approval
  • OAuth Complexity: The OAuth 2.0 authentication flow adds significant development overhead
  • Limited Data Fields: Not all profile data is accessible via the official API
  • Rate Limitations: Strict caps on API calls make scaling difficult
  • Usage Restrictions: Tight controls on how the data can be used

These constraints have created a market for third-party solutions that provide simpler access to LinkedIn profile data while handling the technical challenges of data extraction.

Top 5 LinkedIn API Alternatives

1. Fresh LinkedIn Scraper API

The Fresh LinkedIn Scraper API has become one of the leading solutions for LinkedIn data access in 2025, offering a comprehensive solution through RapidAPI.

Key Features:

  • Public profile data extraction without authentication
  • Company profile and employee data
  • Job posting information
  • Custom search functionality
  • Regular updates to maintain reliability

Pricing:

  • Basic plan: $0.00/month for 50 requests per month (Hard Limit)
    • Rate limit: 1000 requests per hour
  • Pro plan: $50.00/month for 20,000 requests per month (+ $0.008 per additional request)
    • Rate limit: 20 requests per minute
  • Ultra plan: $200.00/month for 100,000 requests per month (+ $0.0065 per additional request) - Recommended
    • Rate limit: 120 requests per minute
  • Mega plan: $500.00/month for 500,000 requests per month (+ $0.005 per additional request)
    • Rate limit: 300 requests per minute

Code Example:

const axios = require("axios");

const options = {
  method: "GET",
  url: "https://fresh-linkedin-scraper-api.p.rapidapi.com/api/v1/user/profile",
  params: {
    username: "williamhgates",
  },
  headers: {
    "x-rapidapi-key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
    "x-rapidapi-host": "fresh-linkedin-scraper-api.p.rapidapi.com",
  },
};

async function fetchData() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.request(options);
    console.log(response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(error);
  }
}

fetchData();

2. Proxycurl

Proxycurl has established itself as a premium LinkedIn data provider with a focus on reliability and comprehensive data.

Key Features:

  • Person profile API
  • Company data API
  • Jobs information
  • School data
  • GDPR and CCPA compliant

Pricing:

  • Pay-as-you-go: Starting at $0.20 per credit
  • Subscription plans: From $99/month
  • Enterprise: Custom solutions with dedicated support

Code Example:

import requests

api_key = 'YOUR_API_KEY'
headers = {'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + api_key}
api_endpoint = 'https://nubela.co/proxycurl/api/v2/linkedin'
linkedin_profile_url = 'https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamhgates'

response = requests.get(api_endpoint,
                        params={'url': linkedin_profile_url},
                        headers=headers)
print(response.json())

3. People Data Labs

People Data Labs offers extensive person and company data APIs with LinkedIn information as part of their comprehensive data enrichment services.

Key Features:

  • Person enrichment API
  • Company enrichment API
  • Bulk processing capabilities
  • High match rates
  • Extensive data points beyond LinkedIn

Pricing:

  • Free tier: 1,000 monthly API calls
  • Growth: $499/month for 50,000 API calls
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger volumes

Code Example:

const axios = require("axios");

async function enrichPerson() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.get(
      "https://api.peopledatalabs.com/v5/person/enrich",
      {
        params: {
          profile: "linkedin.com/in/williamhgates",
        },
        headers: {
          "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
        },
      }
    );
    console.log(response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(error);
  }
}

enrichPerson();

4. Lusha

Lusha has evolved from a contact finder to a comprehensive B2B data platform with strong LinkedIn data capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Contact information enrichment
  • Company data
  • Chrome extension for direct LinkedIn integration
  • API access for system integration
  • CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)

Pricing:

  • Free: 5 credits per month
  • Pro: $39/month for 100 credits
  • Premium: $69/month for 200 credits
  • Scale: Custom pricing for API access

Code Example:

const axios = require("axios");

async function findContact() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.post(
      "https://api.lusha.com/person",
      {
        linkedin_url: "https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamhgates",
      },
      {
        headers: {
          Authorization: "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY",
        },
      }
    );
    console.log(response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(error);
  }
}

findContact();

5. Apollo.io

Apollo.io provides a robust data platform with advanced search capabilities and significant LinkedIn data integration.

Key Features:

  • Advanced search across 200M+ contacts
  • Prospecting and lead generation
  • Sales engagement features
  • API for custom integrations
  • Data enrichment and verification

Pricing:

  • Free: Limited access
  • Basic: $49/month per user
  • Professional: $99/month per user
  • Organization: $149/month per user
  • API: Custom pricing

Code Example:

const axios = require("axios");

async function searchPeople() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.post(
      "https://api.apollo.io/v1/people/search",
      {
        q_person_linkedin_url: "linkedin.com/in/williamhgates",
      },
      {
        headers: {
          "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
        },
      }
    );
    console.log(response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(error);
  }
}

searchPeople();

How to Choose the Right Alternative

When selecting a LinkedIn API alternative, consider the following factors:

1. Data Requirements

Identify exactly what data you need:

  • Basic profile information only?
  • Contact details?
  • Employment history?
  • Company information?
  • Job postings?

Different providers excel in different areas. For comprehensive profile data, Fresh LinkedIn Scraper or Proxycurl may be best. For contact enrichment, Lusha might be more suitable.

2. Volume Needs

Your expected usage volume significantly impacts costs:

  • For low volumes (< 1,000/month), pay-as-you-go plans often work best
  • For medium volumes, monthly subscriptions typically provide better value
  • For high volumes, negotiate enterprise agreements

3. Integration Complexity

Consider your technical resources and requirements:

  • REST APIs (all providers offer these)
  • SDK availability (varies by provider)
  • Webhook support (People Data Labs and Apollo offer this)
  • CRM integrations (Lusha and Apollo excel here)

4. Budget Constraints

Price structures vary significantly:

  • Pay-per-request models (Proxycurl)
  • Credit-based systems (Lusha)
  • Subscription tiers (all providers)
  • Free tiers (Fresh LinkedIn Scraper and People Data Labs offer the most generous)

5. Data Freshness Requirements

If you need the most up-to-date information:

  • Proxycurl and Fresh LinkedIn Scraper offer the freshest data
  • Apollo.io includes data verification features
  • People Data Labs has large but potentially less frequently updated datasets

When using LinkedIn API alternatives, keep these important considerations in mind:

Privacy Regulations

Ensure compliance with applicable regulations:

  • GDPR: Affects processing of EU residents' data
  • CCPA/CPRA: Applies to California residents' information
  • Other regional laws: Many countries now have specific data protection laws

Terms of Service

Understand the legal implications:

  • Using these services technically violates LinkedIn's Terms of Service
  • Focus on legitimate business purposes for data use
  • Implement proper data security and protection measures

Ethical Usage

Best practices include:

  • Only collect data you genuinely need
  • Provide transparency to individuals when using their data
  • Respect opt-out requests promptly
  • Don't use data for spamming or harassment

Conclusion

As LinkedIn continues to restrict its official API, these five alternatives offer viable solutions for accessing professional network data in 2025. Each platform has its strengths and ideal use cases, from Fresh LinkedIn Scraper's comprehensive profile access to People Data Labs' extensive enrichment capabilities.

When choosing a LinkedIn API alternative, carefully assess your specific needs, volume requirements, and budget constraints. Always remember to use these tools responsibly and in compliance with applicable data protection regulations.

For developers and businesses looking to leverage LinkedIn data without the restrictions and complexity of OAuth, these alternatives provide powerful options to build data-driven applications, enhance sales intelligence, or improve recruitment processes in 2025.