There are many learning management systems (LMS) available on the market, and each caters to different types of businesses and their unique needs. However, finding an LMS that works well across specialisations and industries can sometimes be challenging.
The best learning management system for your organisation may be one that is adaptable to meet multiple business requirements. This is why we’ve put together this list of LMS systems to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software platform that helps organisations deliver, manage, and track educational courses and employee training programs. It allows course creation and distribution, performance assessment, understanding of learning analytics and more.
The best LMS platforms are customisable to suit various organisations across industries. They also offer a combination of learning and course management, assessment tools, content management, learner enrolment and tracking, and administrative functions.
15 Best Learning Management Systems
Cloud Assess is a next-level training and continuous assessment software. This means it isn’t an average LMS platform. It focuses on cloud-based assessments. However, its tools and features provide businesses and vocational education and training (VET) providers (such as RTOs) with extensive LMS features.
Cloud Assess empowers workforces and enhances safety in high-risk work environments. Their mobile app with offline functionality ensures training is accessible, even in remote areas, making it well-suited to frontline training and deskless workers. Evidence-gathering tools that fit into the flow of work ensure companies can record and verify skills in real time. An online skills matrix also helps organisations measure, track and plan skills and capabilities across teams, promoting strategic workforce planning.
For VET providers, Cloud Assess offers a flexible, all-in-one solution that incorporates both LMS and SMS features. USI generation, certification management and AVETMISS-compliant reporting ensure that RTOS and other providers can deliver relevant and skills-focused training while maintaining compliance with ASQA requirements. Gamification, social learning and collaborative learning features also improve learner engagement, boosting knowledge retention and ultimately improving results.
Best For
- RTOs and other VET providers
- Workplace training
Key Features
- Extensive assessment options
- Digital badging
- Online skill matrix
- Various resources and free course library
- Customisable learning paths
- Gamification features
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Social learning features
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive customisation options
- Compliance management
- Course authoring tools
Pros
- Adaptable to meet the needs of various organisations and industries
- Offers training content digitisation to simplify the course creation process
- Online skills matrix enhances competencies across organisations’ workforces
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 TalentLMS
TalentLMS is a versatile LMS that’s easy to set up and use, making it a good fit for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and educational institutions. TalentLMS supports a wide range of learning formats and integrates well with other systems. However, it may lack some advanced enrolment and course management features required by larger enterprises.
Already know TalentLMS isn’t a good fit?
We’ve put together a list of alternative LMS options.Best For
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- Corporate training
- Educational institutions
Key Features
- Customisable learning paths
- Gamification features
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Social learning features
- User-friendly interface
Pros
- Easy to adopt thanks to intuitive and user-friendly interface and multiple integration options.
- Social learning and gamification features encourage learner engagement.
- Flexible and scalable assessment options
Cons
- Limited options for customisation and branding lead to a generic look and feel.
- Priority email and live chat support are only available on Pro and Enterprise pricing plans.
Pricing
TalentLMS offers a free plan for up to 5 users and 10 courses. Their smallest paid plan starts at $69 per month billed yearly. Their Grow and Pro plans cost $109 and $139 per month respectively.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#3 Docebo
Docebo is a powerful LMS that offers extensive customisation, making it suitable for large enterprises and educational institutions. It provides AI-powered features, robust content management, and strong compliance tools. However, the platform can be complex to set up and manage and isn’t suitable for companies with fewer than 300 users according to their website.
Looking for More Options?
These Docebo alternatives may be better suited to your needs.Best For
- Large enterprises
- Corporate training
- Higher education institutions
Key Features
- Artificial intelligence-supported learning processes
- Content marketplace
- Extensive customisation options
- Compliance management
- Administrative automation
Pros
- Reputable learning platform having worked with numerous recognisable companies.
- Multi-lingual support makes it a good fit for large, global organisations.
- Advanced AI-driven features allow for quick course creation and personalised learning paths.
Cons
- Not a suitable LMS for small businesses.
- Limited reporting options on the Engage plan
Pricing
Docebo’s Engage pricing tier starts at $25,000 per year on a 3-year contract. Pricing for their Elevate and Enterprise tiers are available on request.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#4 Moodle LMS
Moodle LMS is an open-source platform known for its extensive customisation options. It is widely used in higher education but can also be adapted to meet corporate training and VET needs. Being open source makes Moodle LMS a low-cost solution at first glance. However, it requires technical expertise to set up and manage, which often incurs outsourcing and hosting fees.
Already know that Moodle LMS isn’t right for you?
Check out LMS software that may better suit your needs.Best For
- Higher education institutions
- K-12 education
- VET providers
Key Features
- Extensive customisation and branding
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Supports over 100 languages
- Grading and assessment tools
Pros
- Free to use and customisable to meet the needs of multiple organisations
- Active community encourages social learning
- Scalable to meet the needs of both SMEs and large businesses
Cons
- Significant expertise is required for customisation
- Limited support options
Pricing
Moodle’s LMS is open source and free of charge. However, implementing the platform can incur a number of expenses including hosting fees and outsourcing contracts for companies that don’t have in-house technical experts.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#5 Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS is an intuitive platform that supports a variety of learning environments. It uses artificial intelligence in training to create personalised learning paths and course creation. However, the learning management system doesn’t have as many customisation options as some competitors and comes with a steep learning curve for administrators.
Best For
- Corporate training
- Large enterprises
- Professional associations
Key Features
- Compliance management tools
- Gamification features
- AI-powered course creation
- Advanced reporting and analytics
Pros
- Gamification features enhance learner engagement and motivation.
- Detailed reporting and analytics dashboard for tracking learner progress.
- Artificial intelligence features simplify adoption and course management.
Cons
- Advanced features require training to take advantage of.
- Limited customisation and branding options.
Pricing
Absorb LMS doesn’t provide pricing on their website. However, options for a free trial and a demo of the LMS software are available on request.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice
#6 LearnUpon
LearnUpon is an LMS that’s easy to use and offers robust features for corporate training, RTOs, and VET providers. Its multi-portal support allows organisations to provide unique training to employees, administrators and customers from the same platform.
However, LearnUpon’s features can be unintuitive, and its smallest package accommodates 150 users, making it less suitable for SMEs than other options on this list.
Already tried LearnUpon and know it’s not for you?
Check out these alternatives for internal and external training.Best For
- Corporate training
- Medium and large enterprises
- VET providers
Key Features
- Multi-portal management
- Gamification
- SCORM and xAPI compliance
- Social learning tools
Pros
- Supports blended learning and multimedia course authoring tools
- Versatile training management for different business needs
Cons
- Advanced features can be unintuitive
- May not be well suited to small businesses
Pricing
LearnUpon has three pricing tiers available – Essential, Premium and Enterprise. The Essential tier caters for up to 150 users, while Enterprise caters to over 500 users. Pricing isn’t available on their website, but you can contact LearnUpon directly to book a demo.
Rating
4.8/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#7 iSpring Learn
iSpring Learn offers virtual learning environments for corporate training and VET providers. Its features include strong support for multimedia content and interactive courses, and it integrates well with other tools. However, iSpring Learn doesn’t come with as many advanced features as some larger learning management systems. Reviews also suggest it’s best used in combination with other software and add-ons, requiring extra budget allocation.
Best For
- Corporate training
- VET providers
- Small to medium-sized businesses
Key Features
- Interactive course and assessment features
- PowerPoint integration
- Video conferencing features
- eCommerce functionality
- Personalised learning paths
Pros
- Strong multimedia support across online courses and assessments
- Support for SCORM compliance
- Mobile-first approach to online training
Cons
- Limited advanced features including in their mobile app.
- Basic eCommerce options compared to some other LMS platforms.
Pricing
iSpring Learn’s pricing adjusts according to the number of users on the platform. If you’re a small business with under 50 users, you will pay $2.99 per user, with Business pricing available on request. However, the price per learner decreases for businesses with 100, 300, 500 or 1000 users.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#8 Blackboard Learn
Blackboard Learn is Anthology’s LMS software. It’s widely used in higher education, providing robust tools for course management, content delivery, and student engagement. Alongside features of student management systems, it also offers corporate LMS options and continuous professional development programs. However, reviews suggest that the learning management system feels outdated in terms of both UX and UI. It also comes with a long setup time and a steep learning curve for new users.
Best For
- Higher education institutions
- K-12 education
- Corporate training
Key Features
- Intuitive communication tools
- Collaboration features
- Course management tools
- Assessment and grading functionality
- Strong student engagement features
- Easy to navigate for both learners and administrators
- Categorisation tools to identify different skill sets and departments
- Strong content and course management features
- New users may find the LMS to be unintuitive and overwhelming
- Reviews suggest that maintenance and updates can require in-house IT experience
Pricing
Anthology doesn’t make pricing for Blackboard Learn available on their website. You need to contact them for tailored pricing details.
Rating
4.2/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#9 Litmos
Litmos is an adaptable learning management system that excels in corporate training and compliance. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports various learning formats. Litmos is scalable and integrates well with other solutions, including those from its former owner — SAP.
This makes it a good option for large enterprises. However, it might be overkill for smaller organisations.
Did you know SAP offers another LMS?
Learn all about SuccessFactors.Best For
- Large enterprises
- Corporate training
- Professional associations
Key Features
- Course creation and management
- Strong compliance features
- Gamification elements
- Advanced reporting tools
- Integration with Salesforce and SAP solutions
Pros
- Offers an integrated platform for businesses that use SAP and Salesforce
- Engaging and user-friendly for learners and administrators
- Offers strong reporting and compliance management
Cons
- Not well-suited to SMEs
- Limited customisation options
Pricing
Litmos offers three pricing tiers for its LMS platform — Foundation, Premier and Platinum suites. Value add-ons like content collections, Salesforce Connector and Additional tenants are also available at an extra cost. Visit their website to learn more about their pricing or sign up for a free trial.
Rating
4.2/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#10 Cornerstone OnDemand
Cornerstone OnDemand is a versatile LMS for corporate training that provides robust features for talent management, and compliance. It offers extensive customisation and integration capabilities. However, these come with a steep learning curve. Reviews also suggest that Cornerstone doesn’t handle large learner bases as well as competitors, and that frequent updates can disrupt the learning experience.
Best For
- Large enterprises
- Corporate training
- Professional associations
Key Features
- Talent management features
- Extensive customisation options
- Social learning features
- Compliance training management
- AI-driven development planning
Pros
- Talent management features like continuous assessment and professional development planning make Cornerstone a good fit for succession planning.
- Strong reporting and analytics for tracking and improving training programs
- Highly customisable and scalable learning management system
Cons
- Not well-suited to small organisations or SMEs.
- Inconsistent system performance can impact user experience.
- Requires significant administration and time to set up and manage.
Pricing
Cornerstone OnDemand doesn’t make the pricing for their LMS software available on their website. You can visit the site to book a demo or learn more about their products.
Rating
4.1/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#11 Canvas LMS
Canvas LMS is another popular platform in higher education. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and strong support for instructor-led training and online learning. It also offers extensive integration capabilities and robust assessment tools.
However, Canvas is more student-focused, rather than being a corporate training solution. While some features may lend themselves well to employee training, the platform lacks the enterprise-level features and advanced analytics that bigger businesses need.
Not happy with what Canvas offers?
Check out these alternative platforms.Best For
- Higher education institutions
- K-12 education
- Corporate training
Key Features
- Strong support for blended learning and online courses
- Various tools for assessment
- Built-in messaging features
- Mobile-friendly design
Pros
- Easy for students and administrators to navigate
- Essential features available for free
- Strong support for educational institutions
Cons
- Fewer corporate training options than many competitors
- Limited customisation and integrations
Pricing
Canvas offers a Free-for-Teachers model, which serves as a trial for their LMS tools and a basic standalone product. There are paid-for versions of the platform, but details of these aren’t available on their website.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#Brightspace by D2L
Brightspace by D2L is an adaptable LMS suited to higher education, corporate training, and government agencies. It offers personalised learning paths, advanced analytics, and strong support for accessibility.
However, reviews suggest the platform could be more responsive on mobile devices, and course creation is more complicated than other online learning platforms in this list.
Best For
- Higher education institutions
- K-12 education
- Corporate training
Key Features
- Personalised learning paths
- Strong accessibility support
- Advanced analytics
- AI features
- Course digitisation
Pros
- Social learning features like discussion boards encourage learner engagement
- Incorporate multimedia elements like videos into courses
- Accommodates online learning and blended learning approaches
Cons
- Reviews suggest that platform can be confusing to navigate
- Offers limited offline functionality
Pricing
D2L Brightspace doesn’t list its prices publicly. To get a quote, you’ll need to contact them directly.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#13 Thinkific
Thinkific is designed for entrepreneurs and course creators, offering a platform to build, market, and sell online courses. It provides strong support for multimedia content and interactive learning experiences. However, it may not have the advanced compliance and reporting features needed by larger organisations.
Best For
- Entrepreneurs and course creators
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- Professional associations
Key Features
- eCommerce functionality
- Multimedia support
- Customisation and branding options
- Engaging and interactive learning process
Pros
- One of few options on this list to provide eCommerce and course marketing features
- Extensive white labelling, branding and customisation options
- Expands the reach of learning materials to a wide audience
- Offers organisations a good opportunity to improve ROI for training initiatives
Cons
- Can be more focused on reselling courses than delivering training internally.
- Lacks advanced features that larger organisations would need.
Pricing
Thinkific offers three pricing options that can be paid monthly or annually. Pricing for their Basic solutions starts at $49, with their Start and Grow options costing $99 and $199 respectively. This pricing is reduced by 25% when paying for a year upfront.
Rating
4.4/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#14 Teachable
Teachable is another digital learning platform that focuses on course creation, eCommerce and marketing for organisations. It offers tools to create, market, and sell online courses alongside a user-friendly interface and strong support for multimedia content. However, it may not have the advanced customisation and assessment features needed for large-scale corporate training or educational institutions.
Best For
- Entrepreneurs and course creators
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- Non-profit organisations
Key Features
- Course creation tools with multimedia support
- eCommerce and marketing features
- Integrated payment processing
- Good customisation options
Pros
- Free tier is a good option for NPOs to resell unique training content
- Offers organisations a good opportunity to improve ROI for training initiatives
- Expands the reach of learning materials to a wide audience
Cons
- Lower pricing tiers in particular are not well suited to internal training
- Doesn’t scale well for large organisations
Pricing
Teachable offers a free pricing tier where you can test out their LMS platform. However, you are committed to paying transaction fees for every course that you sell. Their Basic, Pro and Pro+ plans (which cost $59, $159 and $249 per month respectively) offer reduced transaction fees and access to the majority of Teachable features. Reduced pricing is available when paying annually.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
#15 LearnDash
LearnDash is an LMS specifically developed for WordPress sites. It’s highly customisable and provides personalised learning paths and focus mode for learners, encouraging active engagement with course content. However, it is less adaptable than standalone learning management systems. Organisations that don’t use WordPress or have in-house IT experts may also find LearnDash a complex platform to manage.
Best For
- Higher education institutions
- Corporate training
- Entrepreneurs and course creators
Key Features
- WordPress plugin and integration
- AI course creation tools
- Advanced assessment options
- Gamification features
- Dynamic content delivery
Pros
- Well-suited to companies that already manage WordPress websites
- Extensive course creation and delivery options
- eCommerce and marketing features for reselling courses
Cons
- Limited functionality for organisations that don’t use WordPress
- Requires technical expertise to setup and manage
Pricing
LearnDash offers multiple pricing plans. You can get a monthly LearnDash Cloud subscription for $29 per month which involves designing a WordPress hosted website with course content. Alternatively, you can opt for the LearnDash LMS plugin from $199 per year, which helps businesses add courses to their existing WordPress website. The platform also offers multiple add-ons at extra fees.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
LMS Buyer’s Guide
Not every LMS platform is right for every business. For example, an LMS for corporate training may have different features to an LMS for small businesses. These steps can help you to choose the right platform for your unique needs:
- Understanding your needs. Understand what you require from your LMS. This will help you identify which features are must-haves, and which you can do without.
- Customisation and scalability. Find a training platform that will help you develop courses with your company branding and will scale with your growing business needs.
- Integration capabilities. Ensure your LMS integrates with existing tools to improve adoption throughout your company.
- Administrator and learner experience. The more accessible your learning management system is, and the easier it is to use and navigate, the better your learner engagement will be.
- Trials and demos. Ensure relevant stakeholders also trial and demo the system. This will ensure the software suits as many needs as possible.
Learning Management System FAQs
1. What are the benefits of using an LMS?
There are plenty of advantages that organisations can gain from using the right LMS. Some examples include:
- Increased accessibility for online learning
- Improving efficiency and productivity
- Simplifying customer training and employee onboarding
- Encouraging skill development and collaboration
- Expanding company knowledge resources
- Boosting learner engagement
2. What is the difference between a cloud-based LMS and a traditional LMS?
A traditional Learning management system is typically installed on an organisation’s local servers. The maintenance and management of the hardware and data falls to the business themselves, requiring in-house IT management and significant maintenance costs. A cloud-based LMS is hosted on remote servers and accessed through the internet. Updates and maintenance are performed by the provider, rather than by the business themselves. This makes cloud LMS platforms more accessible, scalable and affordable.
3. Can an LMS help with compliance training?
The right LMS can significantly aid compliance training by providing tools to track completions, manage certifications, and generate compliance reports. For example, Cloud Assess ensures that training programs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, helping organisations maintain compliance and reduce the risk of penalties.
4. Is training required to use an LMS?
This depends on the learning management system that you choose. Some LMS platforms are quite intuitive, making them easier to adopt. Others may require extensive training to make the most of their features. But don’t worry – most LMS providers offer onboarding assistance, tutorials, and support materials to help users get started.
5. Does an LMS support different types of learning content?
Top learning management systems like Cloud Assess support various types of learning content, including videos, audio files, documents, quizzes, interactive modules, and SCORM-compliant materials. This versatility allows organisations to create engaging and diverse learner experiences tailored to different learning styles and preferences.
