Finding the right tools to support learning and development (L&D) can transform how organisations upskill their teams and individuals build their expertise. As technology evolves, L&D tools are becoming more intuitive, engaging, and capable of delivering measurable results across industries.
The landscape of L&D tools is more diverse and innovative than ever, offering solutions tailored to dynamic needs, from digital collaboration to personalised learning pathways.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the top tools shaping the future of learning, empowering you to choose platforms that drive growth and success.
What Are Learning and Development (L&D) Tools?
Learning and development tools are platforms, applications, and technologies designed to facilitate employee training, skill-building, and professional growth within an organisation. These tools help bridge skills gaps and ensure employee capabilities align with organisational goals by enabling structured learning programs and tracking progress.
Some often leverage artificial intelligence in training and data analytics technology to deliver personalised, engaging learning experiences. They allow organisations to design customised training programs, provide access to on-demand resources, and evaluate the impact of these initiatives on performance and development.
With features such as tailored learning pathways, skill gap analysis, competency mapping, and progress tracking, L&D tools foster a culture of continuous learning. This equips employees to adapt and excel and strengthens an organisation’s ability to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
Types of L&D Tools
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
A learning management system (LMS) is a centralised platform for delivering, managing, and tracking training programs. It offers features like course creation, user management, and reporting, making it a cornerstone of organisational structured learning initiatives.
Empower L&D Growth with the Best LMS Solution!
Transform employee development with an LMS tool that aligns learning with your organisational goals.Learning Experience Platforms (LXP)
A learning experience platform (LXP) is similar to an LMS platform, but curates content from multiple sources to provide personalised and dynamic learning experiences. These platforms are learner-centric and focus on self-directed learning. This allows employees to explore customised pathways that align with their unique needs and career goals at their own pace.
Unlock Excellence with the Top LXP
Explore platforms that put learner-centric design at the heart of skill-building.Training and Assessment Tools
Training management systems and assessment platforms focus on delivering structured training sessions and evaluating learner progress through quizzes, tests, and certifications. They are essential for assessing skill acquisition and ensuring learning objectives are met.
Microlearning Platforms
Microlearning platforms deliver concise, focused content designed to fit into employees’ busy schedules. They are highly effective for reinforcing knowledge and improving retention through bite-sized, easily digestible lessons.
Authoring Tools
eLearning authoring software are solutions for creating custom eLearning content, such as interactive modules, simulations, and multimedia presentations. They allow organisations to design tailored training materials that address specific needs.
Compliance Training Tools
Compliance training tools specialise in managing mandatory regulations, policies, and standards training. These platforms ensure employees stay informed and compliant, reducing organisational risk and meeting legal requirements.
Course Providers
Course providers offer pre-designed courses across various topics, from technical skills to leadership development. They save organisations time by providing ready-to-use content that can be easily implemented in learning programs.
Gamification Platforms
Gamification platforms incorporate game-based elements like badges, leaderboards, and challenges to make learning engaging and fun. They foster competition and motivation and improve participation, engagement, and learning outcomes.
Knowledge and Development Portals
These portals are centralised repositories for storing and sharing organisational knowledge and resources. They enable employees to access learning materials anytime, promoting continuous learning and collaboration.
Top Learning and Development Tools
Cloud Assess is a flexible, all-in-one platform that combines LMS features with powerful training and assessment tools. It’s built for industries that rely on hands-on, competency-based training. Cloud Assess helps create personalised learning pathways, track skills development, and comply with industry standards.
The platform also includes student management features like compliance-data reporting, USI validation, and certificate or statement of attainment issuing and verification. This allows it to handle learning and operational tasks in one place, making it an excellent choice for organisations focused on delivering diverse, structured and effective L&D programs.
Key Features
- Digital learner logbooks with evidence collection
- Personalised learning pathways
- Workflow automation
- Real-time progress monitoring and skills tracking
- Customisable digital assessments and observation checklists
- Course management with SCORM support
- Digital badges with branding
- Blended learning support
- Advanced quality controls
- Free library of online courses
- Fast chat and customer support
Pros
- Offers customisable assessments to cater to unique organisational needs.
- Provides real-time reporting for instant insights into learner performance.
- Ensures secure cloud hosting with daily backups for data protection.
- Integrates with third-party systems to enhance overall functionality.
Pricing
Cloud Assess offers one all-inclusive plan for training organisations and workplace training, priced as a flat fee per learner from $12. Every feature is included from day one, with no upgrade paths or feature gates. Visit our pricing page for an accurate quote.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp, Software Advice)
#2 Litmos
Litmos is a flexible cloud-based LMS designed to help organisations easily deliver, track, and manage employee training. It offers a robust course builder, extensive content library, and gamification tools to keep learners engaged and motivated.
Litmos also includes basic training and assessment features, such as quizzes and certifications. However, it doesn’t offer advanced assessment capabilities, like detailed observation checklists or practical skill evaluations, found in platforms explicitly built for competency-based training.
Key Features
- Course builder for custom content creation
- Extensive pre-built content library
- Reporting and analytics for tracking effectiveness
- Gamification with badges and leaderboards
- Mobile accessibility for on-the-go learning
- Seamless integration with other systems
Pros
- Offers scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
- Provides extensive integration capabilities for added functionality.
- Includes robust reporting tools for valuable training insights.
- Features a rich content library for immediate training solutions.
Cons
- Advanced customisation may require technical expertise.
- Some new administrators may face a learning curve.
Pricing
Litmos has three pricing tiers: Foundation Suite, Premier Suite, and Platinum Suite. However, the pricing details are not readily available. Contact their team to get accurate pricing details.
User Volume
Litmos supports over 30 million users across 150+ countries.
Rating
4.1 (Average rating from G2, Capterra, and Software Advice)
#3 Degreed
Degreed is a modern learning experience platform that transforms how organisations approach skill development and workforce learning. It curates content from various sources, including courses, articles, videos, and podcasts, and delivers personalised learning pathways to help individuals achieve their goals.
Degreed strongly focuses on skills-first learning, enabling employees to assess, build, and track their skills over time. This platform supports upskilling, reskilling, and aligning workforce development with organisational objectives, making Degreed a standout solution for companies fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Key Features
- Personalised learning pathways
- Skill assessment and tracking
- Aggregation of content from multiple sources
- Social learning and collaboration tools
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Integration with HR and talent management systems
Pros
- Offers a user-centric design to drive engagement and adoption.
- Supports a variety of content formats for flexible learning.
- Provides powerful tools for skill gap analysis and alignment.
- Facilitates a culture of continuous and self-directed learning.
- Scales effectively for organisations of any size.
Cons
- Implementation may require significant time and resources.
- Customisation features may be complex for some users.
Pricing
Degreed doesn’t make pricing available on their website. Contact them directly to get a tailored quote.
User Volume
Degreed is used by businesses of all sizes, including Fortune 50 companies in various industries.
Rating
4.5/5 (Average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#4 Thrive Learning
Thrive Learning is an LXP designed to modernise workplace training by integrating skill development, social learning, and personalised content delivery. It fosters a collaborative environment by combining AI-powered recommendations with user-generated content, helping organisations build a culture of continuous learning. Thrive’s focus on skill-building ensures alignment between individual growth and organisational goals, making it a powerful tool for upskilling and reskilling.
The platform engages learners with a social-media-like experience while delivering insightful analytics to track learning impact. This makes it a good choice for organisations seeking to drive learner engagement and business outcomes.
Key Features
- AI-driven content recommendations
- Social learning with a collaborative interface
- User-generated content for shared knowledge
- Skills development tracking and mapping
- Integration with external content providers
- Real-time analytics for learner engagement
Pros
- Offers content curation from both internal and external sources.
- Supports multi-language learning environments for global teams.
- Provides tools for compliance learning alongside skill-building.
- Enables flexible learning paths with on-demand access.
- Ensures mobile responsiveness, catering to remote and hybrid teams.
Cons
- Advanced features may require initial onboarding support.
- Some users may find customisation options complex.
Pricing
Thrive Learning’s pricing is user-based. Contact them directly for a tailored quote.
User Volume
Thrive Learning serves over 3 million users globally with skill-driven, and collaborative learning solutions needs.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#5 Storyline 360
Storyline 360 is an eLearning authoring software within the Articulate 360 suite. It’s designed to create custom, interactive courses for diverse learning needs. Its slide-based interface is intuitive for users familiar with PowerPoint while offering advanced capabilities like branching scenarios, triggers, and variables to deliver highly engaging and personalised learning experiences.
This tool is ideal for organisations seeking tailored eLearning solutions that stand out in engagement and interactivity.
Key Features
- Slide-based course creation
- Branching scenarios
- Advanced triggers and variable
- Built-in quizzes and knowledge checks
- Responsive design
- SCORM, xAPI, and AICC compatibility
Pros
- Provides flexibility for creating interactive courses.
- Offers a vast content library for efficient development.
- Enables LMS integration for seamless deployment.
- Allows for precise control over course interactivity and flow.
- Regular updates keep the tool aligned with industry standards.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users.
- Time-intensive to design highly customised content.
- Available only through the Articulate 360 subscription, not as a standalone purchase.
Pricing
Storyline 360 can’t be bought as a standalone tool. Articulate 360 offers pricing plans for teams and individuals. Articulate AI costs $1749 per user per month, while Articulate Standard is $1499 for teams.
User Volume
Storyline 360 is widely used by organisations prioritising high-impact, tailored eLearning solutions.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
Not Sure Whether Articulate Is Right For You?
Check out these alternative solutions.#6 Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate is an advanced e-learning authoring tool that allows instructional designers and educators to create responsive, interactive, and immersive learning experiences. It supports various content types, including software simulations, branching scenarios, quizzes, and VR-based learning modules.
Adobe Captivate’s robust capabilities make it a go-to solution for organisations seeking to deliver professional-grade training programs.
Key Features
- Multi-device responsive design
- VR and 360-degree media integration
- Software simulation tools
- Interactive video creation
- PowerPoint-to-eLearning conversion
- Accessibility compliance features
Pros
- Provides extensive flexibility for creating diverse training content.
- Supports interactive experiences that increase learner engagement.
- Offers integration with other Adobe tools for streamlined workflows.
- Regular updates ensure compatibility with emerging technologies.
- Suitable for advanced and highly customised eLearning needs.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Performance issues with complex projects.
Pricing
An Adobe Captivate single subscription costs $33.99 per month. Enterprise and education pricing is available, but you must contact Adobe for details.
User Volume
Adobe Captivate is widely adopted in corporate training, education, and government sectors.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#7 LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online course platform offering a vast library of video-based training taught by industry experts. It caters to individuals and organisations by providing skills enhancement, professional development, and career advancement resources.
The platform’s integration with LinkedIn profiles allows learners to showcase their certifications and skills to their professional network, making it a preferred choice for continuous learning.
Its accessibility and relevance make it a top choice for flexible, skill-driven learning.
Key Features
- Extensive course library
- Personalised learning paths
- Integration with LinkedIn profiles
- Mobile app for on-the-go learning
- Certificates of completion
- Offline learning options
Pros
- Regularly updates courses to reflect current trends and technologies.
- Offers learning insights and analytics for organisations.
- Provides seamless integration into enterprise learning ecosystems.
- Aligns courses with in-demand skills, helping organisations close skill gaps.
Cons
- Depth of content may vary across topics.
- Subscription-based pricing may not suit all budgets.
- Limited interactivity compared to some other platforms.
Pricing
LinkedIn offers two business plans: the Team Plan, which costs $379.88 per seat annually, and the Enterprise Plan, designed for organisations with 21 or more members and offers custom pricing.
User Volume
LinkedIn Learning is used by millions globally, across various industries.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#8 Coursera for Business
Coursera for Business is an enterprise-focused learning platform that provides organisations access to a vast array of courses and specialisations from top universities and industry leaders. Designed to enhance workforce skills, it offers curated learning paths tailored to specific roles and business objectives.
The platform provides analytics to track employee progress and measure the impact of learning initiatives.
Coursera for Business supports multiple languages and offers mobile access, enabling flexible learning environments.
Key Features
- Access to over 7,000 courses and specialisations
- Customisable learning paths and skill development plans
- Analytics and reporting tools for tracking learner progress
- Multi-language support for global teams
- Mobile app for learning on the go
Pros
- Offers courses from renowned universities and industry experts.
- Provides certifications and degrees to validate employee learning.
- Regularly updates content to reflect current industry trends.
- Supports flexible learning schedules with self-paced courses.
- Facilitates employee engagement through interactive learning experiences.
Cons
- Limited customisation options for course content.
- Limited instructor interaction
- Primarily for Enterprises.
Pricing
Coursera offers two business plans: the Team Plan and the Enterprise Plan. The Team Plan costs $399 per user annually, and the Enterprise Plan provides customised solutions. Contact Coursera directly for precise pricing.
User Volume
Coursera for Business serves over 2,800 enterprises globally, that aim to upskill and reskill their workforce.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#9 OttoLearn
OttoLearn is an adaptive, gamified microlearning platform to enhance employee training and knowledge retention. It delivers personalised learning experiences by identifying individual knowledge gaps and providing targeted content to address them.
The platform’s gamification elements, such as leaderboards and contests, motivate learners and foster engagement. OttoLearn’s microlearning approach ensures that training is delivered in short, focused sessions, making it easier for employees to integrate learning into their daily routines.
Key Features
- Adaptive learning paths
- Gamification elements
- Microlearning sessions
- Multilingual support
- Accessibility features
- Performance analytics
Pros
- Improves training efficiency by delivering highly targeted content.
- Facilitates rapid skill-building with continuous, bite-sized learning.
- Encourages higher participation rates through gamified experiences.
- Reduces cognitive overload compared to traditional training methods.
Cons
- Requires initial investment in content development.
- Requires integration with existing LMS.
- Limited information on advanced reporting capabilities.
Pricing
OttoLearn’s microlearning plans start at $250 per month, billed annually.
User Volume
OttoLearn is widely used across industries to help organisations boost employee performance with effective microlearning solutions.
Rating
No ratings are available.
#10 SC Training (Formerly EdApp)
SC Training (formerly EdApp) is a mobile-first learning and assessment platform for frontline training. It offers over 80 built-in microlearning templates, enabling organisations to create courses that can be completed in less than five minutes.
The platform supports multimedia content, including videos, images, and text, and allows for narration to enhance the learning experience. SC Training is accessible on any device, facilitating frontline training anytime and anywhere.
Key Features
- Mobile-first microlearning platform
- Over 80 built-in microlearning templates
- Multimedia content support
- Narration capabilities
- Gamification elements
- Analytics suite for tracking progress
- Free plan with unlimited lessons and learners
Pros
- Enables rapid course creation with a variety of templates.
- Provides flexibility with mobile accessibility.
- Offers scalability with support for unlimited learners.
- Facilitates continuous learning with bite-sized content.
Cons
- May require time to familiarise with the platform’s features.
- Limited customisation options for advanced users.
- Dependent on internet access for mobile learning.
Pricing
SC Training offers a free plan for up to 10 users. The Premium plan starts at $5 per learner per month billed annually, while the Enterprise plan offers customised prices for 500+ users.
User Volume
SC Training serves over 70,000 organisations in over 180 countries.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
SC Training vs Cloud Assess: Which Platform is Right for You?
Compare SC Training and Cloud Assess to find the perfect fit for your learning and development needs.#11 Skillsoft Compliance
Skillsoft Compliance is a comprehensive compliance training solution designed to help organisations mitigate risk and foster a culture of ethical behaviour. It offers a vast library of customisable courses covering over 475 critical risk topics in 26 languages, ensuring global applicability.
The platform integrates seamlessly with many LMS solutions and provides robust analytics to track learner progress and measure training effectiveness.
Legal experts develop and maintain Skillsoft Compliance’s content, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
Key Features
- Extensive library of compliance training courses
- Customisable content to align with organisational policies
- Multi-language support
- Integration with existing LMS platforms
- Analytics and reporting tools
- Content developed by legal experts
Pros
- Provides up-to-date training materials reflecting current regulations.
- Supports global organisations with multi-language offerings.
- Enhances learner engagement through interactive course design.
- Offers scalability to accommodate organisations of various sizes.
- Demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and legal compliance.
Cons
- Requires initial customisation to match specific organisational needs.
- Limited interactivity compared to some other platforms.
Pricing
The pricing details for Skillsoft Compliance are not readily available. Request a demo to get an accurate quote.
User Volume
Skillsoft Compliance serves over 1,400 organisations globally, including many Fortune 500 companies.
Rating
4.2/5 (average rating from G2, GetApp, and Software Advice)
#12 Traliant
Traliant is a leading provider of online compliance training solutions designed to help organisations foster ethical workplace cultures and meet regulatory requirements. Their interactive, story-based courses cover essential topics on workplace harassment, such as sexual harassment prevention, diversity and inclusion, and workplace violence prevention.
Traliant’s courses are customisable to reflect an organisation’s policies and branding, enhancing relevance and engagement. The platform offers a robust LMS for seamless course delivery and tracking, with features like automated reporting and compliance recertification.
Key Features
- Interactive, story-based compliance courses
- Customisable content to align with organisational policies
- Robust LMS with automated reporting
- Compliance recertification management
- Continuous legal updates to training content
- Mobile-friendly design for on-the-go learning
Pros
- Engages learners with high-quality, scenario-based training.
- Ensures content remains current with evolving legal standards.
- Simplifies compliance tracking through automated LMS features.
- Offers flexibility with customisable course content.
- Supports diverse workforces with multi-language options.
Cons
- May require an initial setup to tailor courses to specific organisational needs.
- Limited interactivity compared to some other platforms.
Pricing
Traliant doesn’t provide pricing details on their website. Contact them directly to get tailored quotes.
User Volume
Traliant serves over 14,000 organisations, helping them achieve compliance and promote respectful workplace cultures.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from G2, GetApp, Capterra, and Software Advice)
#13 The Training Arcade
The Training Arcade is a gamification platform designed to enhance learning experiences by integrating interactive games into training programs. It offers a library of 11 customisable games, allowing organisations to incorporate their training content, images, and videos.
The platform supports rapid deployment across various devices, making it suitable for eLearning, instructor-led training, and live events. The Training Arcade also features Arcade, a gamified destination that motivates teams through head-to-head challenges, learning journeys, badges, prizes, and leaderboards.
This comprehensive approach to gamification aims to increase learner engagement and retention by making training more interactive and enjoyable.
Key Features
- Library of 11 customisable training games
- Officially licensed games
- Rapid deployment across multiple devices
- Arcades or team challenges and gamified learning journeys
- Integration of custom content, images, and videos
- Analytics to track learner performance and engagement
Pros
- Enhances learner engagement through interactive game-based training.
- Offers flexibility with customisable games to fit various training needs.
- Supports scalability with unlimited game creation and deployment.
- Provides actionable insights with performance analytics.
- Encourages healthy competition and motivation among learners.
Cons
- May require an initial setup to tailor games to specific training content.
- Subscription costs may be higher compared to some alternatives.
- Limited interactivity compared to some other platforms.
Pricing
The Training Arcade offers various pricing plans for Games and separate pricing plans for unified Games and Arcade plans. Visit their website for detailed pricing information.
User Volume
The Training Arcade serves organisations that aim to make learning more engaging and effective through gamification.
Rating
No ratings are available.
#14 Kahoot!
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that enables users to create, share, and participate in interactive quizzes, surveys, and discussions. Designed to enhance engagement in educational and corporate settings, Kahoot! transforms traditional learning into an interactive experience.
The platform offers a vast library of ready-to-use “kahoots” across various subjects and topics, allowing educators and trainers to deploy content quickly. Kahoot! also supports real-time feedback and analytics, enabling facilitators to assess understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.
Key Features
- Interactive quizzes and surveys
- Extensive library of pre-made kahoots
- Real-time feedback and analytics
- Multi-device accessibility
- Customisable content creation
- Integration with virtual learning environments
Pros
- Enhances learner engagement through gamification.
- Facilitates immediate assessment of participant understanding.
- Supports diverse learning environments, including remote settings.
- Encourages collaborative learning and discussion.
- Offers flexibility with customisable content to meet specific needs.
Cons
- May require reliable internet access for optimal performance.
- Limited interactivity compared to some other platforms.
Pricing
Kahoot! offers various pricing plans for businesses of all sizes. Visit their website for detailed pricing information.
User Volume
Kahoot! is used by millions of users worldwide, including educators, students, and corporate trainers.
Rating
4.7 (average rating from Capterra and Software Advice)
#15 Trainual
Trainual is a training tracking software and knowledge management platform designed to help businesses document and delegate processes, policies, and procedures. It is a central hub for employee onboarding, training, and knowledge sharing, enabling organisations to scale efficiently by ensuring consistency and accountability across teams.
The platform offers customisable templates, quizzes, and progress-tracking features to facilitate effective learning experiences. It also integrates with various tools to streamline operations.
Key Features
- Centralised documentation
- Customisable training templates
- Quizzes and assessments
- Progress tracking and reporting
- Integration with various business tools
- User role and access management
Pros
- Facilitates consistent onboarding and training across teams.
- Enhances accountability with progress tracking and assessments.
- Offers a clean and intuitive user interface.
- Supports scalability by centralising company knowledge.
- Provides insights into course completion and engagement.
Cons
- Limited integration capabilities with specific applications.
- Customisation options may not meet all organisational needs.
Pricing
Trainual has four pricing plans: Small, Medium, Growth & Custom. The smaller plan starts at $299 per month, billed annually, while the Custom plan requires booking a demo for accurate pricing information.
User Volume
Trainual is used by over 175,000 people across 160 countries, including small to medium-sized businesses, aiming to streamline their training and onboarding processes.
Rating
4.7 (Average rating from Capterra, and Software Advice)
Tried Trainual and Looking For More Options?
We’ve compiled a list of them.#16 Loom
Loom is a video messaging platform that enhances communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. By enabling users to record and combine screen, voice, and face, Loom transforms how teams create and deliver training content, making it a valuable resource for Learning and Development (L&D) professionals.
The platform supports asynchronous learning and knowledge sharing, making it ideal for remote and distributed teams. With seamless integration into popular tools, Loom ensures that creating and sharing content fits naturally into any workflow. Its features, such as transcription, closed captions, and viewer insights, enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of training resources.
Key Features
- Screen and camera recording
- Video trimming and stitching
- Automatic transcriptions with closed captions
- Viewer insights and engagement analytics
- Integration with Google Workspace, Slack, and Notion
- Customisable privacy settings
Pros
- Empowers L&D teams to deliver asynchronous training, ideal for remote and global learners
- Simplifies the creation of engaging visual content for tutorials, onboarding, and eLearning
- Enables teams to track and improve learner engagement through analytics
- Enhances accessibility with automatic closed captions and transcriptions
- Seamlessly integrates with existing tools, supporting efficient content distribution
Cons
- Limited editing tools
- Needs strong internet
- Free plans have storage limits
Pricing
Loom has Starter, Business, Business + AI and Enterprise plans, ranging from free to customised pricing.
User Volume
Loom is used by over 14 million users and 200,000 companies worldwide.
Rating
4.7 (average rating from Capterra and Software Advice)
