Compare/Head to head

Linked API vs PhantomBuster

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

Starting price

Linked API

$49/user/mo 7 day free trial

Per-seat LinkedIn automation API with MCP, SDK, and workflow connectors. Core is $49/seat/mo; Plus is $74/seat/mo with Sales Navigator actions.

Where Linked API fits

  • Builders automating LinkedIn from n8n or Make
  • Teams that want MCP and an SDK on one seat
  • Teams that only need standard LinkedIn actions
  • Teams that need Sales Navigator actions on Plus

PhantomBuster

$69/mo Free tier 14 day free trial

Cloud automations for LinkedIn and the public web, with MCP on every plan. Start is $69/mo, or $56/mo billed annually.

Where PhantomBuster fits

  • Growth teams automating LinkedIn and Sales Nav lists
  • Agencies running several Phantoms in parallel
  • Builders wiring HubSpot, n8n, Zapier, Make, or MCP
  • Users who want cloud runs instead of a desktop scraper

At a glance

DetailLinked APIPhantomBuster
Starting price$49/user/mo$69/mo
Free tier–No✓Yes
Free trial7 day free trial14 day free trial
MCP server✓Yes✓Yes
Public API✓Yes✓Yes
Listed underLead generation, LinkedIn, Outreach, SourcingLead generation, LinkedIn, Outreach
CapterraNot enough reviews4.5 from 64 reviews

Where they pull apart

Linked API

Stands out: One seat maps to one LinkedIn account, with unlimited workflow runs plus API, CLI, and MCP access on both plans.

Watch out: Sales Navigator actions are Plus only. You need one seat per connected LinkedIn account. This is an unofficial LinkedIn automation API, not LinkedIn's own developer program.

Not the right fit for

  • Buyers who need LinkedIn's official Marketing or Recruiter API
  • Non-technical reps who want a Chrome sequencer, not an API

PhantomBuster

Stands out: Hosted MCP at mcp.phantombuster.com plus 100+ Phantoms that run without your browser open.

Watch out: You act through your own social accounts, so limits and bans are on you. Execution hours, slots, and email credits all cap out. Exports on the trial are 10 rows.

Not the right fit for

  • Buyers who want a pre-built B2B database
  • Teams unwilling to connect their own LinkedIn accounts

Pros and cons

Linked API

  • Core $49/seat/mo with MCP and API
  • 7-day trial with unlimited workflow runs
  • n8n and Make connectors on both plans
  • Sales Navigator actions need Plus at $74
  • One seat per LinkedIn account
  • Unofficial LinkedIn automation, not LinkedIn's API

PhantomBuster

  • 14-day trial, then a limited free plan
  • MCP, API, and HubSpot / n8n / Zapier / Make
  • Unlimited users sharing one workspace meter
  • LinkedIn risk sits on the connected account
  • Hours, slots, and email credits all cap out
  • Trial exports stop at 10 rows

What each one costs

Linked API

$49/user/mo

Core is $49/seat/mo and Plus is $74/seat/mo with Sales Navigator actions; annual billing saves about 29%. One seat equals one LinkedIn account. A 7-day free trial is available. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 2026

PhantomBuster

$69/mo

Start is $69/mo billed monthly or $56/mo billed annually ($672/year). Grow is $159/mo ($128 annual) and Scale $439/mo ($352 annual). A 14-day trial is followed by a limited free plan. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 2026

Common questions

Is Linked API cheaper than PhantomBuster?
Linked API starts lower, at $49/user/mo against $69/mo for PhantomBuster. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try Linked API or PhantomBuster for free?
PhantomBuster carries a free tier on our listing. Linked API offers a 7 day free trial. PhantomBuster offers a 14 day free trial.
Does Linked API or PhantomBuster have an MCP server?
Linked API and PhantomBuster ship a first party MCP server, so an AI assistant can work the product directly.

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Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?