All companies need to train (or re-train) their employees at some time or another. To do this, they need educational content. Since training and education are ongoing processes for companies, many invest in learning management system (LMS) software.

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What is an LMS?

Learning management system software is used to deploy and track online courses. Typically, content is uploaded to the LMS where remote learners can access it. An LMS can store, organize, and disseminate voluminous elearning content.

Apart from the standard features, some LMS solutions also have authoring tools for developing content. Some are cloud-hosted by the vendor which eliminates the need to install any software on local drives or servers.

Are you still skeptical about getting an LMS? Read on to find out how companies are benefiting from using LMS software.

 

Benefits of Learning Management System Software

There are many reasons that LMS-hosted elearning courses are replacing traditional classroom lectures and textbooks. Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of using an LMS:

1. Safely Stores Content

Learning management systems have the capacity to store data of all kinds. Since many LMSs are cloud-hosted, the storage space can be scaled up for additional charges.

It is encrypted to protect all the data stored. Plus, system administrators can give role-based permissions to users in order to regulate access.

2. Monitors the Fulfillment of Learning Objectives

Built-in analytics and reporting features track the effectiveness of the delivered elearning courses. Visual metrics give insights about critical learning outcomes, such as learner engagement and assessment results.

3. Helps Improve Resource Allocation

You can allocate online training resources efficiently through learning management system software. One feature that is especially useful is that you can update course modules that have poor learner engagement rates. All changes are made in real-time and are reflected instantly.

4. Personalizes Online Training

Courses developed using learning management system software are more interactive and personalized than traditional content. As a corporate trainer, you can assign different modules, learning paths, and activities to individual learners.

5. Improves Content Accessibility

An LMS eliminates geographical constraints in learning. With this tool, your remote teams can achieve the same learning outcome as your in-house teams.

Self-paced learning is another notable benefit of elearning courses. And since an LMS can be deployed on mobile devices or the cloud, users are able to access courses from any device.

As you can see, learning management system software is an invaluable tool for businesses, and companies can use an LMS in multiple ways:

  • Employee onboarding and retention
  • Teaching standard procedures and protocols to franchisees and remote teams
  • Educating and engaging customers
  • Conducting extended training with sales teams

Hence, businesses can fulfill numerous learning goals using an LMS. Beware, though, that not all learning management system software possesses the requisite capabilities.

Each LMS must be evaluated on the basis of a few non-negotiable features. Let’s learn about them.

Top Features of Learning Management System Software

Your LMS will be of little use if it doesn’t possess a few essential features. Here are a few that you’ll want to look for:

  • Analytics: The software should offer in-depth reports on various bases, including individual and group learners, activity/assessment level, and module efficacy.
  • Responsive design: The software should be platform and device-agnostic.
  • User-friendly interface: The software’s interface should be intuitive, even for non-technical users and learners.
  • Assessment tools: The software should offer a broad range of assessment tools for different learning objectives.
  • Compliance: It’s necessary that the LMS qualifies for audits and doesn’t violate any compliance regulations.
  • Interactivity: The platform should have a suite of interactivities to keep learners engaged and reward them amply for participation.
  • Localization: If the software is multilingual, global teams and customers can use it with ease.
  • Support services: The LMS vendor should offer extensive support services in the form of tutorials, tip sheets, FAQs, and live chat.

You can use these features as a yardstick to weigh the tools we’re reviewing in this post or to analyze your existing learning management system software.

The 15 Best Learning Management System Software Solutions

Every company has different expectations about their learning management system software. For example, an LMS that suits an ecommerce company may be a misfit for a franchise organization. Whatever your purpose may be, there’s an LMS meant especially for you.

To help you make the best choice for your company, we’ve reviewed 15 learning management system software solutions for their key features and prices. Read below to learn more about them!

1. Thinkific

Thinkific is one of the finest learning management tools. It lets you create, market, and sell your online courses. Using its highly customizable features, you can not only create a course but also a membership website that can match your brand’s voice and identity.

Key Features

  • Lets you customize courses to match your brand identity.
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop website builder with numerous built-in themes.
  • Full access to HTML and CSS coding for the website.
  • Full suite of marketing tools and numerous integrations to add to its features.
  • A dedicated Thinkific App Store to help you enhance your course experience regardless of your technical expertise.
  • Built-in payment system that makes it easy for you to receive payments for your online courses. Thinkific’s payment system accepts all credit cards and supports over 100 currencies too.

Pricing

You can try their free version to create one course.

  • Basic: $49/month
  • Pro: $99/month
  • Premier: $499/month

thinkific
Image via Thinkific

2. WizIQ

WizIQ is a cloud-hosted learning management system software that you can use for creating, delivering, and selling online courses. Its course builder lets you both upload unlimited content and create unlimited courses. The platform is “white-labeled,” which means you can add branding to the courseware you build there.

Key Features

  • It lets you create virtual classrooms with unlimited learners. You can make your course more interactive using whiteboard animation, personal messaging, and HD video conferencing.
  • It is compatible with multiple content formats and supports nine different assessment formats.
  • The platform allows in-session YouTube streaming, breakout rooms, screen and app sharing, and polling.
  • Your learners and LMS users can use the mobile LMS version which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
  • You can sell your online courses and accept payments via the built-in payment gateway.

Pricing

The software comes in two packages: Elite and Infinite. You can get in touch with their sales team for prices.

wiziq
Image via WizIQ

3. Saba

Saba is learning management system software that aims to bridge skill gaps at the individual, team, and organizational levels. Its compliance module ensures that elearning aligns with regulations set by SCORM, AICC, and Tin Can (xAPI). It boasts cutting-edge technologies such as micro-learning and gamification.

Key Features

  • It supports varied teaching methods including instructor-led, web-based, video-based, and file-based.
  • It lets you import content from third parties such as Lynda.com, OpenSesame, and Skillsoft.
  • You can bundle course modules and create custom certification courses for your employees.
  • The virtual classrooms replicate classroom settings, complete with attendance records and assessments.
  • You can automate routine tasks such as assignment delivery and curriculum formulation by using Saba’s smart lists and prescriptive rules.

Pricing

You can book a demo via their website for pricing information.

saba
Image via Saba

4. Cornerstone

Another powerful learning management system software solution is Cornerstone. The tool helps you host, deliver, track, and analyze elearning content from a single interface. A Content Anytime subscription allows you to leverage curated content to enhance your courses.

Key Features

  • Your learners can access exclusive microlearning content that is tagged systematically.
  • It offers detailed reports about course completion and learner performance. Using this data, you can make quick decisions regarding how to manage, reward, and retain employees.
  • It supports many plug-and-play integrations such as LinkedIn, Citrix, and Skype.
  • The platform regularly comes up with developmental content to improve learning experiences. Its latest offering is a module of 27 nano courses that instruct you on how best to teach and engage Gen Z learners.

Pricing

You can book a free demo or talk to their content consultants through their website for pricing information.

cornerstone
Image via Cornerstone

5. TalentLMS

This cloud-based learning management system software solution is called TalentLMS. Because it’s hosted in the cloud, you don’t have to install expensive hardware to backup your data. The LMS comes in native apps for both Android and iOS platforms. Users can access their courses from any device at any time.

Key Features

  • The courses you build using the platform are SCORM and xAPI-compliant.
  • It offers a broad range of assessment types to evaluate your learners on various levels, and it carefully analyzes test results to identify areas that need more training.
  • You can buy pre-made courses from online marketplaces and host them on the platform.
  • It’s a full-featured LMS that supports gamification, blended learning, video conferencing, and ecommerce.

Pricing

Their free edition allows five users and 10 courses. The paid courses start at $59 per month, if billed annually.

talen-lms
Image via TalentLMS

6. MC | LMS

MC | LMS is learning management system software meant for associations and nonprofits. It stores, disburses, and tracks gated and ungated content. It controls the publication of content according to admin-set rules.

Key Features

  • It lets you fulfill industry-specific certification requirements by administering required courses.
  • It automatically charges non-members to access gated content.
  • Admins can use the insightful reports to drill down into course completion status, user performance, and other metrics.
  • The TelSpan integration helps you host webinars for members from the platform.
  • Their customer service is accessible for users and admins.

Pricing

Their packages start at $300 a month, and they give extra perks to associations using their flagship products.

memberclicks
Image via MemberClicks

7. Lessonly

Lessonly is licensed and supported learning management system software. It is not SCORM compliant; hence, it requires no coding or infrastructure at the buyer’s end. It supports rich media content and different delivery methods.

Key Features

  • The high-end packages allow for permission-based access to content by designating one user as the administrator.
  • The platform has an easy-to-read dashboard where all the hosted courses are displayed.
  • You can add a wide range of interactivities in your elearning content, such as quizzes and multiple choice questions.
  • Their course builder is easy to operate. It lets users add branding elements with simple drag-and-drop tools.
  • To enable self-paced learning, it allows webcam and screen recordings of lessons.

Pricing

You can contact their sales reps for pricing information.

lessonly
Image via Lessonly

8. eFront LMS

eFront LMS is an open-source learning management system software solution. You can modify its look and feel as well as functionality according to the needs of your organization. If you install it on-premise or via private cloud, your courses get added security and accessibility.

Key Features

  • Its survey and assessment engines give you insights into the quality and effectiveness of your courses and assessments.
  • eFront’s native H5P editor allows you to build HTML5 content to retain its originality.
  • You can formulate your own certifications and set their expiry and qualification standards.
  • You can integrate your email, calendar, and social accounts to get a more holistic solution.

Pricing

The tool has four pricing plans, starting at $1000 per month. At this price, the LMS allows 1000 users and unlimited courses.

efront lms
Image via eFront LMS

9. Northpass

Northpass is feature-rich learning management system software. It has all the core LMS features, such as learning paths, media libraries, and assessments. Its learner-first approach helps users focus on building content that learners can enjoy and retain long-term.

Key Features

  • You can enrich courses with multimedia content such as videos, GIFs, and presentations.
  • Its open-source API is open for modification as needed. You can add your logo and brand colors to the content.
  • You get access to program analytics and micro-level reports about how well learners are responding to your course.
  • You can integrate Northpass API with tools such as Mailchimp and Salesforce.
  • Its responsive interface adjusts to all screen sizes and resolutions so that you get to build high-impact courses that learners can access from anywhere.

Pricing

Northpass is available in three editions: Essentials, Premium, and Enterprise. You can get a free quote from their sales team.

northpass
Image via Northpass

10. TOPYX

TOPYX is fully-customizable learning management system software. You can modify its interface and how it runs according to your organization’s unique needs. Its flat-rate pricing structure is suitable for growing organizations.

Key Features

  • Its social learning feature facilitates peer-to-peer teaching and building of support communities.
  • You can personalize learning experiences by setting up learner profiles and to-do lists.
  • Gamification makes even the dullest teaching topics come to life. You can add fun trivia, quizzes, and reward-based games to keep learners engaged.
  • You can easily import and export files from and into the platform. Tagging helps facilitate quick filtering and searching of content.
  • Microlearning lets you break voluminous topics into bite-sized modules, creating better learning outcomes.

Pricing

They offer four plans – Elements ($6,500 per year), Essentials ($17,500 per year), Expanded ($31,050 per year), and Enterprise (price on request).

topyx
Image via TOPYX

11. Absorb LMS

Another cloud-based learning management system software option is Absorb LMS. It fast-tracks your onboarding and upskilling processes by serving learners easy-to-digest content. It also lets you sell courses and modules through its ecommerce feature.

Key Features

  • You can deploy a simple licensing system or a complex multi-tenant one for setting up the LMS administration.
  • The Public Dashboard functions as a CMS (content management system) and gathers business-centered information for each client.
  • The Absorb Learn mobile app lets your users access their courses on the move.
  • A simple keyword search functionality lets users look up content quickly.
  • You can develop custom business intelligence modules to measure metrics that matter to your business.

Pricing

You can book a free demo or get a free quote via their website in order to gain access to pricing.

absorb lms
Image via Absorb LMS

12. Meridian LMS

Meridian LMS offers custom solutions for enterprises belonging to different industries and of a variety of sizes. Using this learning management system software, you can create elearning content for your employees, partners, and customers while maintaining the needs of each consumer group in focus.

Key Features

  • It lets learners pick and choose course modules according to their level and interest.
  • Its authoring tool, dominKnow | ONE, lets content creators collaborate and co-author online courses.
  • You can add branding elements and create your own domains and URLs for your courses.
  • You can generate revenue by selling elearning courses through the platform. It automatically computes taxes, deducts discounts, and accepts payments via multiple gateways.
  • Your courses meet rigorous compliance regulations via their eSignature capability.

Pricing

You can contact their sales team for prices.

meridian lms
Image via Meridian LMS

13. Coggno

Coggno is enterprise-grade learning management system software that puts content creators in the driver’s seat and gives them the freedom to author and curate content as they see fit.

With Coggno, publishing and distributing content is uncomplicated and straightforward, a one-stop destination that simplifies the complex moving parts of learning and development domains.

Key Features

  • It gives you complete control over who can access and distribute your content. You can create user groups and assign them access permissions.
  • You can use Coggno’s indigenous analytics or SCORM-generated results to understand how learners are receiving your content.
  • You can invite people to view your course through a simple login.
  • Trainers and instructors can monitor their learners’ progress. In-depth reports precisely identify areas where a course is found lacking.

Pricing

Their Professional LMS and Enterprise LMS cost $19 and $15 per user per year, respectively. Their Training University edition is free, but doesn’t allow internal content uploads.

coggno
Image via Coggno

14. Easy LMS

If you need feature-rich learning management system software at affordable prices, Easy LMS is the right choice. It has a responsive interface that works well across devices and screen sizes. You can brand the LMS and embed it on your website for seamless switching between platforms.

Key Features

  • Its powerful course builder lets you include media-rich content in your online course.
  • You can create gamified quizzes that use animations and incentives to keep learners motivated.
  • Users have a choice of 10 languages for the admin dashboard and learners can pick from 24 languages to test in.
  • The platform is cloud-powered. So you can build unlimited courses and host them in the cloud without incurring prohibitive infrastructural costs.
  • You can integrate the software with tools such as HubSpot, Zapier, and Mailchimp.

Pricing

They have four pricing plans, ranging from $50 to $250 a month. All plans come with course and exam builders.

easy lms
Image via Easy LMS

15. Docebo

A powerful cloud-based learning management system software, Docebo, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide the best learning experience to your employees, partners, and customers. Boasting topline clients like Walmart and Uber, the platform helps you design elearning courses for partner/customer training, employee onboarding/development, compliance training, and sales enablement.

Key Features

  • You can deliver learning activities to multiple audiences from a single platform.
  • The platform is scalable and can be integrated with multiple platforms seamlessly.
  • It provides granular analytics about course completion and learner output.
  • The nifty mobile app enables learning in both online and offline modes.
  • You can customize your learning platform’s interface for a branded look and feel.

Pricing

You can request a live demo or free quote from their website. They also offer a free trial.

docebo
Image via Docebo

Bonus Tool #1: Gyrus

Gyrus is learning management system software that caters to the unique training needs of domains such as manufacturing, government, healthcare, and banking. The SaaS platform is cloud-enabled and fully scalable so that it can meet the requirements of growing organizations.

Key Features

  • Gyrus supports 17+ languages for their global customers.
  • It lets you combine multiple delivery methods to attain the best learning outcome. You can choose webinars, blended, instructor-led, and file-based courses.
  • The authoring tool complies with AICC and SCORM regulations.
  • You can design your own rating system to assess learners’ readiness for the next course level.
  • It helps you analyze both training needs and skill gaps in your learners, which helps you design the right curriculum and learning path for each learner.

Pricing

The Starter pack, which allows 100 users, costs $300 per month. For a bigger user volume, you can buy the Enhanced pack for $700 per month.

gyrus
Image via Gyrus

FAQ

Q1. What is learning management software?

A. Learning management software (LMS) is a tool used for the administration, documentation, development, delivery, tracking, and reporting of online learning materials.

Q2. What are examples of learning management systems?

A. Some examples of learning management systems are:

  • Thinkific
  • WizIQ
  • Saba
  • Cornerstone
  • Talent LMS

Q3. What is the best LMS software?

A. WizIQ is one of the best LMS software around. The cloud-powered platform allows users to build unlimited courses with superior interactivities and tracking.

Q4. How do I use LMS software?

A. You can use LMS software to author, deliver, track, and report courses. Some software solutions even allow you to create online academies and monetize your courses.

Q5. Is Google Classroom an LMS?

A. Technically, Google Classroom is not an LMS, student information system (SIS), or course management system (CMS). It is more of a class organization system, with rudimentary LMS features.

Q6. What is the purpose of LMS software?

A. LMS software can be used to author, deliver, track, and report online courses. Some software solutions even allow you to create online academies and monetize your courses.

Q7. What are the features of LMS software?

A. The essential features of LMS software include:

  • Data tracking
  • Managing courses, users, roles
  • User progress reports
  • Certification
  • Assessments
  • Interactivities
  • Course administration

Q8. Can LMS detect cheating?

A. Sophisticated LMS software has built-in plagiarism detectors that can flag cheating instances.

Q9. What are the advantages of LMS software?

A. The top advantages of LMS software are:

  • Safely stores study content
  • Tracks the attainment of learning objectives
  • Improves resource allocation
  • Personalizes learning experiences
  • Boost content accessibility

Q10. How much does LMS software cost?

A. LMS software costs vary widely. Popular option, TalentLMS, offers a free version that allows 5 users and 10 courses. Paid courses start from $59/month. Higher-end software like Gyrus range from $300 to $700 monthly. Costs depend on user volume and course features.

Q11. What is the difference between LMS and eLearning?

A. eLearning is a broad term that covers learning delivered through electronic media like the internet, CD/DVD, or streaming.

A learning management system or LMS is a platform that enables eLearning through online courses. Simply put, all LMS can be called eLearning, but not vice versa.

Which Learning Management System Software is Best?

A well-trained employee is a productive employee. A good LMS speeds up your training program and tracks your learners’ progress, but you need the right LMS to give the desired learning output.

We hope that this list helps narrow down your choices and helps you select the best solution for your organization!

Did you find the article helpful? Leave a comment below. Also, let us know about your own experience working with these tools!

3 Comments

  1. Jaskiran Kaur says:

    Very Informative Article.

    1. Shane Barker says:

      Hi Jaskiran, thank you so much. I’m glad you liked my post about Learning Management System Software.

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