Building your professional network can feel like a chore, but with the right tools, it's a breeze! These days, it's all about connecting with people online, and there are tons of apps out there to help you do just that. Whether you're looking to find a mentor, land a new job, or simply expand your circle, this list of the 12 best business networking apps has got you covered.
From the classics like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to newer platforms like Clubhouse and Bumble Bizz, there's something for everyone. Each app has its own unique features, but they all share the common goal of helping you connect with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships. So, grab your phone, download a few apps, and start networking!
App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Facebook | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 10B+ | Connect with friends, Join interest groups, Shop and sell items | |
2. Instagram | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 6B+ | Ephemeral Stories and Notes, Customized Posts, Short-Form Video Reels | |
3. LinkedIn | Android, iOS | 4.2/5 | 2B+ | Professional networking, Job searching, Career development | |
4. X | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 2B+ | Real-time public conversations, Long-form content creation | |
5. Meta Business Suite | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 151M+ | Unified inbox for all messages, Automated response to save time | |
6. Meetup | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 18M+ | Neue Leute kennenlernen, Events online und lokal, Gruppen mit gleichen Interessen | |
7. LinkedIn Learning | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 14M+ | Personalized recommendations, AI-powered coaching, Offline learning |
1. Facebook
Connect with potential clients, Showcase business expertise, Build brand awareness
Cost:
Free (Free), Facebook Premium (Not available as a standalone subscription)
Download:
Application information
Category | Social |
Downloads | Over 9.6 billion downloads |
Features | Facebook offers a vast network for connecting with friends, family, and colleagues, fostering business relationships, finding potential partners, and promoting your brand through pages and groups. |
Who It’s For | Individuals and businesses looking to connect with a large and diverse audience, build professional relationships, and promote their products or services. |
- Tags:
- Social Networking
- Community Building
- Interest Exploration
Facebook, a platform initially designed for connecting with friends and family, has expanded its reach as a business networking app. While many users praise its potential for connecting with a vast audience, recent updates have raised concerns about user-friendliness and functionality. Users report frustration with intrusive AI features, slow notification clearance, and cumbersome verification processes. Some even find the platform's current design outdated and restrictive compared to other social media applications, particularly in terms of creative expression.
Pros & Cons
- Connect with friends and family
- Share updates and photos easily
- Join groups with shared interests
- Excellent platform for business networking
- Privacy concerns and data collection
- Overwhelming notifications and slow loading
- Limited creative freedom and censorship
Why we chose it?
Facebook is a tried-and-true platform for connecting with people, and it's a fantastic app for business networking. You can join groups based on your industry or interests, connect with potential clients and partners, and share your business updates with a large audience. Plus, with Facebook Messenger, you can easily chat with contacts and build relationships.
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2. Instagram
Targeted advertising to specific audiences, Direct messaging for customer engagement
Cost:
Free (Free), Instagram Creator Subscription ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
Category | Social Media |
Downloads | Over 5 billion downloads |
Features | Instagram offers a platform for sharing photos and videos, connecting with friends, exploring interests, creating and sharing Stories, Reels, and live videos, and building a following. |
Who It’s For | While Instagram is widely used for personal connections, it's not a dedicated business networking app. However, businesses can use it to engage with customers, build brand awareness, and reach new audiences. |
- Tags:
- Ephemeral Stories
- Customizable Posts
- Interest Exploration
Instagram, while known for its photo and video sharing capabilities, can also be considered a business networking app. However, its user experience can be a bit bumpy. Many users find the learning curve steep, especially when it comes to navigating the platform's features and utilizing its analytics. Frequent bugs and glitches, like those affecting story uploads and notifications, add to the frustration. While Instagram offers potential for building a professional presence, its current shortcomings make it less than ideal for serious business networking.
Pros & Cons
- Share photos and videos
- Reach large audience
- Connect with influencers
- Promote products/services
- High learning curve
- Frequent bugs and glitches
- Limited insights and analytics
Why we chose it?
Instagram might not be the first app that comes to mind for business networking, but trust me, it's a powerful tool! With its massive user base and visual-first focus, you can build strong connections and showcase your brand in a highly engaging way. Plus, Instagram's business features, like insights and ads, allow you to target your ideal audience and grow your network effectively.
✨ Read more: app to see who unfollowed you on instagram
3. LinkedIn
Job search and application, Professional network building, Industry news and insights
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($29.99/month)
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking App |
Downloads | Over 1.5 Billion Downloads |
Features | Connect with professionals, search for jobs, build your profile, find industry insights, engage with relevant content, and manage your professional network. |
Who It’s For | Professionals seeking to connect with peers, advance their careers, and discover new opportunities in their fields. |
- Tags:
- Professional networking
- Job search and discovery
- Career development
LinkedIn, the ubiquitous business networking app, boasts a vast network of professionals but struggles to deliver a seamless user experience. While its core function of connecting individuals remains strong, users report frequent glitches and frustrating limitations. Applying for jobs can be a technical nightmare, with the app prone to errors and crashes, and the job search filters lack flexibility, failing to effectively target local opportunities. Despite its widespread adoption, LinkedIn's mobile app continues to require significant improvements to optimize its functionality and enhance user satisfaction.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent platform for networking
- Access to job opportunities
- Professional profile showcasing skills
- Industry insights and news
- Frustrating app usability issues
- Limited job application functionality
- Inconsistent filtering and search
Why we chose it?
LinkedIn is a powerhouse for professional networking! It's got a massive user base so you're sure to find connections in your field. Plus, in-depth profiles give you a great view of people's experience and expertise, making it easy to build meaningful relationships.
✨ Read more: app to find friends
4. X
Connect with industry professionals, Discover relevant job opportunities
Cost:
Free (Free), X Premium ($8/month)
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking App |
Downloads | Over 1.5 billion downloads |
Features | X connects you with professionals, businesses, and potential clients through features like direct messaging, group chats, shared content, event organization, and community building. |
Who It’s For | Individuals and businesses seeking to expand their professional network, find new opportunities, and engage with industry leaders. |
- Tags:
- Real-Time Updates
- Community-driven moderation
- Long-form content
X, touted as a global digital town square, is facing criticism for its recent direction, particularly impacting its functionality as a business networking app. Users report frequent glitches and bugs, including frustrating issues with media loading, random crashes, and an inconsistent reply system, making it difficult to engage effectively with professional connections. While some appreciate the diverse content available, the app's technical shortcomings hinder its potential for professional networking, leaving users frustrated and seeking a more reliable platform.
Pros & Cons
- Large user base
- Real-time updates
- Direct messaging
- Trending topics
- Buggy feed
- Crashes frequently
- Audio playback issues
Why we chose it?
I've been using X for a while now, and it's quickly become my go-to for connecting with other professionals. The ability to easily set up video calls within the app is a game-changer, especially for those quick introductions and follow-ups. And the robust search functionality makes it super easy to find people and companies in my industry, so I can really build my network in a targeted way.
✨ Read more: app for social media
5. Meta Business Suite
Manage Facebook & Instagram, Track Performance & Insights, Engage Customers & Respond
Download:
Application information
Category | Business |
Downloads | Over 151 million downloads |
Features | Meta Business Suite empowers you to manage your Facebook Page and Instagram account, including posting, messaging, insights, and ad management, all within a single platform. |
Who It’s For | Businesses of all sizes looking for a comprehensive suite of tools to manage their social media presence and connect with customers. |
Business Networking App | While Meta Business Suite is not strictly a business networking app in the traditional sense, it facilitates connections with customers and potential clients through social media platforms, playing a significant role in the modern business networking landscape. |
- Tags:
- Centralized Management
- Automated Responses
- Performance Insights
Meta Business Suite is a mobile app designed to help businesses manage their presence on Facebook and Instagram. While it offers a range of features like scheduling posts, responding to messages, and tracking insights, it has faced criticism for its user interface and design choices. Some users find the app overly complicated and frustrating to navigate, particularly when it comes to messaging and sharing content between personal and business pages. Frustration arises from forced portrait mode on some screens, the sheer volume of unnecessary notifications, and the clunky process of managing messages. This feedback highlights the importance of a user-friendly and intuitive design in any business networking app, especially one meant to streamline communication and interaction with clients.
Pros & Cons
- Manage multiple pages
- Post and schedule content
- Track performance metrics
- Engage with customers
- Forced portrait mode
- Frequent interface changes
- Clunky messaging system
Why we chose it?
Meta Business Suite is a game-changer for me! It lets me manage my Facebook Page and Instagram account all in one place, saving me a ton of time. The ability to schedule posts, respond to messages, and track insights makes it a powerful tool for connecting with my customers and growing my business. I highly recommend it to any business owner looking to streamline their social media efforts!
✨ Read more: app to sell stuff
6. Meetup
Find relevant professional groups, Attend industry-specific events
Cost:
Free (Free), Meetup Pro ($12/month)
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking App |
Downloads | Over 17.6 Million Downloads |
Features | Meetup facilitates professional connections through online and in-person events, group discussions, and member directories, enabling users to build their networks and find opportunities. |
Who It’s For | Professionals seeking to expand their network, find career opportunities, and connect with like-minded individuals. |
- Tags:
- Community Building
- Event Discovery
- Interest-Based Networking
Meetup is a popular business networking app that connects users with shared interests, fostering opportunities for both personal and professional growth. While the app boasts a thriving community and a wealth of events, users have consistently reported frustrating glitches and bugs, impacting their overall experience. From notification inconsistencies to messaging system errors, these technical shortcomings can hinder the smooth operation of the app. Despite these challenges, the core concept of Meetup remains strong, offering a valuable platform for professionals to build connections and expand their networks.
Pros & Cons
- Connects with like-minded people
- Facilitates business networking
- Organizes events and activities
- Builds community and relationships
- App has frequent glitches
- Notifications unreliable and buggy
- Features often malfunctioning
Why we chose it?
Meetup is a fantastic app for building professional connections! It's all about connecting with people in your local area who share your passions. I love that I can easily find groups and events related to my industry, and it's a great way to meet potential mentors, collaborators, and even future business partners. Plus, the app makes it super easy to host my own events and connect with folks online too.
7. LinkedIn Learning
Learn in-demand professional skills, Connect with industry experts
Cost:
Free Trial (Free for 1 month), Premium ($29.99/month)
Download:
Application information
Category | Education |
Downloads | Over 13 million |
Features | LinkedIn Learning offers a diverse range of courses from industry experts covering business, tech, and creative skills, providing personalized recommendations, AI-powered coaching, and offline learning options. |
Who It’s For | Individuals seeking to advance their careers by acquiring new skills, professionals looking to stay competitive in their fields, and anyone interested in personal development. |
- Tags:
- AI-powered coaching
- Personalized recommendations
- Bite-sized learning
LinkedIn Learning, while a powerful tool for professional development, presents a mixed bag when it comes to mobile usability. The app, designed to help users build in-demand skills and expand their professional network, offers a wealth of high-quality courses taught by industry experts. However, users have reported issues with the app's functionality, such as frustrating quiz timeouts and unreliable video playback in low-bandwidth environments. While the app's content is undeniably valuable, its technical shortcomings can hinder the learning experience, especially for users on-the-go. Despite these drawbacks, LinkedIn Learning remains a valuable resource for professionals looking to enhance their skills and connect with others in their field, highlighting its core purpose as a business networking app.
Pros & Cons
- Good learning content
- Wide variety of courses
- Multiple instructors per topic
- Supports learning experts
- App has technical issues
- Split screen video playback issue
- Quizzes sometimes time out
Why we chose it?
LinkedIn Learning is a powerhouse for professional development! It's chock-full of courses from industry experts, and you can even earn certificates to boost your LinkedIn profile. Plus, its integration with the LinkedIn platform means you can connect with professionals in your field and build your network.
8. Hootsuite
Schedule posts to multiple platforms, Monitor brand mentions and engage
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking App |
Downloads | Over 6 million downloads |
Features | Hootsuite helps you schedule and publish posts, monitor social media activity, and manage messages across multiple platforms, all from one app. |
Who It’s For | Businesses of all sizes that want to effectively manage their social media presence. |
- Tags:
- Multi-account management
- Content scheduling
- Social media monitoring
Hootsuite is a powerful business networking app that helps you manage your social media presence across multiple platforms. While users praise its ease of scheduling posts to Facebook and LinkedIn, they also highlight some frustrations. The app's autosuggest feature for Twitter accounts can be cumbersome, and some users find the scheduling process cumbersome. Despite these minor inconveniences, Hootsuite remains a popular choice for professionals looking to streamline their social media efforts, especially with its free option to post to three accounts. However, users have expressed a desire for more robust customer service options beyond email.
Pros & Cons
- Schedule posts to multiple platforms
- Easy to use interface for beginners
- Saves time managing social media
- Offers free plan with basic features
- Text selection issues in drafts
- Limited customer support options
- No scheduling for IG stories or FB events
Why we chose it?
Hootsuite is a fantastic choice for business networking! It's packed with features like scheduling posts across multiple platforms, tracking brand mentions, and managing social media conversations, making it a powerful tool for growing your network and engaging with potential clients. Plus, it's incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to manage all your social media efforts from one place. You'll be amazed at how much time you save and how efficiently you can connect with your audience!
9. Entre
Connect with tech & web3 pros, Build community & grow your brand
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($19.99/month)
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking |
Downloads | Over 39,000 downloads |
Features | Entre allows users to create content, connect with professionals, find mentors, organize events, find jobs and opportunities, and network with investors. |
Who It’s For | Entrepreneurs, freelancers, creators, investors, mentors, and industry experts. |
- Tags:
- Community Building
- Business Networking
- Expert Mentorship
Entre is a burgeoning business networking app aiming to revolutionize the way professionals connect. While its ambition is commendable, as one user noted, it's currently grappling with growing pains, reminiscent of a "communism" scenario where the execution hasn't quite caught up with the ideal. Despite this, users like KTULL01 find the app to be a promising "fun space" with a vibrant community, particularly for those seeking to monetize their content through the decentralized social platform, DeSo. While some are experiencing login issues, the core vision of Entre remains enticing – a dynamic platform for building connections, collaborating, and unlocking opportunities in the world of business.
Pros & Cons
- Great for business networking
- Offers content creation income
- Decentralized social platform
- Free and user-friendly
- Login issues and frequent logins
- Spam and scams prevalent
- Amplified LinkedIn circle jerkiness
Why we chose it?
Entre is a game-changer for business networking! It goes beyond just connecting you with other professionals; it empowers you to build a community, share knowledge, and find the resources you need to succeed. I love that it's all about real-world action – from organizing in-person events to connecting with investors and mentors – Entre makes it easy to take your business to the next level.
10. Bizfluence
Industry-specific networks for connection, Business-focused content moderation
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking App |
Downloads | Over 14,000 |
Features | Bizfluence offers a streamlined platform for business networking, providing features for engaging with business content, joining industry networks, finding companies to work with, connecting with potential clients, and sharing expertise with professionals. |
Who It’s For | Business owners and professionals seeking to network, grow their businesses, and advance their careers. |
- Tags:
- Real Business Connections
- Targeted Networking
- Industry-Specific Knowledge
Bizfluence is a revolutionary business networking app that ditches the noise of traditional platforms and fosters genuine connections for real business growth. Users rave about its sleek, streamlined interface and focus on meaningful engagement, making it a refreshing alternative to outdated models. This app empowers professionals to build strong relationships, share knowledge, and generate real leads – as evidenced by one user who secured three prospects from their welcome post alone! If you're looking to break free from the limitations of legacy platforms and connect with like-minded professionals, Bizfluence is a game-changer.
Pros & Cons
- Business-focused networking platform
- Sleek and streamlined UX
- Like-minded professional community
- Great for finding prospects
- Still in early stages
- Limited user base
- May lack some features
Why we chose it?
Bizfluence is my go-to app for connecting with other professionals and growing my business. I love how it focuses on quality connections and meaningful conversations, rather than just a constant stream of random posts. With community moderation and industry-specific networks, Bizfluence helps me find the right people to collaborate with and learn from, making it the perfect app for serious business networking.
11. Pappyon
Digital business cards, contact-free, Streamlined networking, one hub
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking App |
Downloads | Over 3,900 downloads |
Features | Pappyon is a digital business card and networking platform that streamlines contact sharing, builds meaningful connections, and optimizes trust within your professional network. |
Who It’s For | Professionals looking to network effectively and build meaningful connections with clients, partners, colleagues, and prospects. |
- Tags:
- Digital Business Card
- Contactless Networking
- Trustworthy Connections
Pappyon is a business networking app that aims to streamline the way you connect and build relationships. While it might have had a few rough edges early on, the developers were incredibly responsive, addressing bugs and adding new features consistently. This constant evolution has resulted in a robust and efficient app that makes it easy to connect with people you meet, share your contact information seamlessly, and build a meaningful professional network. Pappyon is a game-changer for anyone looking to make connections and grow their business.
Pros & Cons
- Provides a digital business card
- Offers social networking features
- Improved functionality over time
- Responsive developer with bug fixes
- Initial version had rough edges
- Limited user base early on
- Still under development and evolving
Why we chose it?
Pappyon is a fantastic choice for business networking! Its focus on digital business cards and building meaningful connections sets it apart. I love that it streamlines my professional network into one hub, allowing me to easily share my contact info and connect with people I meet, both in person and online. Plus, it's super user-friendly and makes networking feel less intimidating!
12. Myngly
Discover connections in real time, Expand network, match and chat
Download:
Application information
Category | Business Networking App |
Downloads | Over 1,000 |
Features | Myngly helps you discover and connect with professionals in real-time, instantly matching you with individuals based on your interests and goals, fostering meaningful connections. |
Who It’s For | Entrepreneurs, professionals seeking career changes or job opportunities, those new to a city and looking to connect with like-minded individuals, and anyone interested in expanding their professional network. |
Myngly is a revolutionary business networking app that's like the LinkedIn of event apps, making it easier than ever to connect with professionals in your area. This intuitive app boasts a dynamic event map/calendar that showcases upcoming networking gatherings, allowing you to effortlessly discover and attend events where you can meet like-minded individuals, expand your professional circle, and uncover exciting new opportunities. Myngly addresses the challenges of building meaningful connections in today's remote world, empowering users to seamlessly transition from virtual interactions to face-to-face relationships.
Pros & Cons
- Great for business networking
- Connects professionals in your area
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Finds networking events nearby
- Limited user base currently
- May not have events in all areas
- Focuses on in-person networking
Why we chose it?
Myngly is a game-changer for business networking! It's not just about connecting online, it's about finding your people in real life - instantly. Whether you're at a conference or just looking to expand your network, Myngly helps you discover and chat with like-minded individuals right in the room. It's the perfect app for professionals who want to build meaningful connections and take their business to the next level.