9+ Best Learning Management Systems 2023 [UPDATED LIST]

Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become an essential tool in the world of education and corporate training. 

An LMS is a platform that enables the creation, management, and delivery of online courses and training programs. 

The benefits of using an LMS are numerous, from increased student engagement and improved efficiency for educators, to increased convenience and flexibility for students. 

With so many options on the market, choosing the best LMS for your organization can be a daunting task. 

That’s why it’s important to have a solid understanding of the key features, benefits, and limitations of these platforms. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the top LMS providers, compare their features and pricing, and provide recommendations for choosing the best LMS for your organization. 

Whether you’re a seasoned LMS user or new to the field, this guide will provide you with the expert insights and information you need to make an informed decision.

How To Choose The Best Learning Management System

When choosing the best Learning Management System (LMS), there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that the platform meets your specific needs and goals. These factors include:

User Experience:

• The overall look and feel of the platform, including its design, layout, and navigation
• The ease of use for both students and instructors, with clear instructions and simple steps for accessing and completing coursework
• The ability to customize the platform to match your organization’s branding and style

Content Creation:

• The tools and resources available for creating engaging and interactive course content, such as multimedia resources, quizzes, and discussion forums
• The ability to import existing content, such as PowerPoints or videos, into the LMS
• The level of control and customization you have over the content creation process, including the ability to add, edit, and delete content as needed

Student Tracking and Assessment:

• The ability to track student progress, including the completion of coursework, quiz scores, and other milestones
• The ability to provide feedback to students on their performance, such as grades and comments
• The ability to assess student performance using quizzes, tests, and other forms of assessment, including the ability to generate reports and certificates for successful completion of courses

Mobile Accessibility:

• The responsiveness of the platform on different devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones
• The ability to access course content and complete coursework on the go, even when offline
• The level of mobile optimization, including the use of responsive design and mobile-friendly navigation

Integrations:

• The ability to integrate with other tools and systems, such as payment processors, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and e-commerce platforms
• The level of control and customization you have over the integrations, including the ability to automate certain processes and workflows
• The level of support offered by the LMS provider for integrating with other tools and systems

Pricing:

• The cost of the platform, including any upfront costs and ongoing fees
• The cost of any additional features and support services you may need, such as customizations, integrations, and technical support
• The level of value you get from the platform, including the return on investment (ROI) for your organization

Technical Requirements:

• The necessary hardware and software for using the LMS, including the required operating system and web browser
• The network and security requirements for accessing and using the platform, including any firewalls, SSL certificates, and encryption standards
• The level of support offered by the LMS provider for technical issues, such as troubleshooting and maintenance

Customer Support:

• The level of customer support offered by the LMS provider, including documentation, tutorials, and help resources
• The availability of technical support and customer service, including response time and resolution time
• The level of support offered for customizations and integrations, including training and consulting services

What is The Best Learning Management System?

Here’s the list of the best learning management systems to try this year:

• Thinkific
• iSpring Learn
• Mindflash
• LearnWorlds
• Absorb LMS
• Rippling
• TalentLMS
• SkyPrep
• MasterStudy WordPress LMS
• ProProfs LMS

Best Cloud-Based Learning Management Systems

These are Learning Management Systems hosted on remote servers and accessible on any device with an internet connection. These include:

1. Thinkific

Best Learning Management System for selling online courses

Thinkific offers you the power to design, advertise, and monetize your expertise with complete autonomy over your business and image. 

Its intuitive course builder enables you to craft a variety of digital educational offerings that can reach a wider audience.

No technical know-how is required to produce digital content through this platform. 

To begin constructing a course to sell, you simply choose a template from the provided selection of pre-made designs. 

You can then use the drag-and-drop editor to customize your course content, including incorporating your brand’s logo and color scheme. 

Finally, you have the ability to preview the finished course before making it available for sale.

Thinkific Key Features:

• Course Builder: An easy-to-use, drag-and-drop editor that lets you create engaging and interactive course content.
• Customizable Templates: A wide selection of pre-made templates that you can use as a starting point for your course, and then customize to match your brand and style.

• Branding and Customization: The ability to add your own logo, color scheme, and custom domain to create a fully branded learning experience for your students.
• Course Marketing: Tools for promoting your courses and reaching a wider audience, including email marketing integrations and the ability to offer coupon codes and free trials.
• Course Sales and Monetization: Options for selling your courses and earning revenue, including flexible pricing options, the ability to offer course bundles, and integration with popular payment gateways.

• Course Delivery: A secure and reliable platform for delivering your courses, including features for managing student enrollments and progress tracking.
• Student Management: Tools for managing student interactions, including discussion forums, email communications, and the ability to offer private coaching sessions.
• Course Analytics: Detailed insights and analytics on student engagement, course performance, and revenue, to help you make data-driven decisions about your business.

Thinkific Pricing:

• Free Plan ($0 per month): Ideal for trying out the system and getting familiar with its interface.
• Basic Package ($39 per month): Offers unlimited courses and students, scheduled content release, custom domain, email integration, and coupon codes.
• Professional Plan ($79 per month): Comes with all the features of the Basic Plan, plus memberships, course bundles, private courses, certificates, advanced HTML and CSS customization, assignments, live lessons via Zoom, and priority support.
• Premier Plan ($399 per month): Includes all the features of the Professional Plan, plus the ability to have 50 course administrators, an onboarding package, and an unlimited growth package, making it ideal for large teams.

2. iSpring Learn

Best affordable Learning Management System solution

iSpring Learn LMS is an effective solution for businesses to enhance their employees’ professional growth. 

This LMS provides a wealth of content options, including 89,000+ pre-made templates and images, which make it easier to create learning materials. 

iSpring Learn LMS supports both online and offline learning experiences, which enables businesses to create the ideal learning environment.

One of the unique features of iSpring Learn LMS is its robust tracking and analytics capabilities. 

Businesses can monitor the progress of their employees and gain insight into the effectiveness of their training sessions. 

iSpring Learn LMS provides actionable data on employee performance, allowing companies to determine if their expectations are being met.

iSpring Learn Key Features:

• Course Creation: Ability to create engaging and interactive courses to help with onboarding and employee upskilling.
• Performance Tracking: Option to measure the return on investment of training and track the performance of learners.
• Automation Tools: Use of intelligent automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks.
• Integrations: Scalability and the ability to transform the business through powerful integrations.
• Improve employee skills with interactive and engaging courses.

iSpring Learn Pricing:

iSpring Learn has the following pricing options:

• For 100 users: $3.66 per user per month
• For 300 users: $3.00 per user per month
• For 500 users: $2.82 per user per month

For a custom quote, reach out to the company directly.

Note: Prices are billed annually, per user per month.

3. Absorb LMS

Best Learning Management System for organizations

Absorb LMS is a learning management system that provides businesses and organizations with a platform to create, manage, and deliver eLearning courses. 

It offers a range of features including course authoring, reporting and analytics, gamification, and mobile learning. 

Absorb LMS is designed to be scalable and flexible, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.

Absorb LMS Key Features:

• Course authoring and management: Tools for creating and uploading content, including multimedia, quizzes, and assessments.
• Reporting and analytics: In-depth tracking and reporting of learner progress, completion rates, and other key metrics.
• Gamification: The ability to add gamification elements to courses, such as badges, leaderboards, and progress tracking.
• Mobile learning: Responsive design that supports delivery of courses on any device, including smartphones and tablets.
• Learning paths: The ability to create custom learning paths for learners, including mandatory and optional courses.
• SCORM and xAPI support: Compatibility with industry-standard content formats, allowing for easy integration with other systems.
• Social learning: Features for enabling learners to collaborate and share information, including discussion forums and peer reviews.
• Integration: integration with popular tools and systems, including HRIS, CRM, and Single Sign-On (SSO) systems.
• Intelligent Assist: AI-powered admin task management with natural language support.
• Absorb Pinpoint: Video lesson transcription and timestamping, searchable through AI and NLP.
• Absorb Engage: Collaborative tools for enhanced learner engagement.
• Absorb Create: Course building tool for interactive eLearning creation.

Absorb LMS Pricing:

Absorb LMS pricing starts at $1,250 USD, with customized options to fit your specific requirements.

4. LearnWorlds

Best LMS for corporate training

LearnWorlds is a cloud-based learning management system with an easy-to-use course builder. 

It offers a wide range of features and tools for creating engaging training materials, including interactive videos with synchronized eBooks, transcripts, certifications, and assessments. 

The platform also provides a site builder with numerous customization options, including over 200 page sections and various design elements, to help create a visually appealing online learning academy.

LearnWorlds Key Features:

• Flexible Site-Builder: With LearnWorlds, you get a comprehensive site-builder that you can use to create a highly personalized online learning academy. You can choose from over 200 page sections and customize various design elements to create a website that perfectly represents your brand and your online learning offerings.
• Intuitive Course Creation: The platform comes packed with an intuitive course builder that makes it simple and straightforward to create interactive online courses. You can add multimedia elements such as videos, eBooks, and audio, and design assessments and certifications to help learners track their progress.
• In-Depth Reporting: LearnWorlds provides advanced reporting and analytics tools that give you insights into how learners are engaging with your content and how they are progressing. This information can be used to optimize your courses and improve the learning experience for your students.
• Zoom Video Conferencing: With LearnWorlds, you can enable Zoom-based video conferencing to conduct live lessons and facilitate learner engagement. This feature makes it easy to build a strong, personal connection with your students, no matter where they are located.
• Seamless Payment Integration: LearnWorlds makes it simple to integrate your preferred payment gateway, allowing you to sell your courses and manage your financials from within the platform. The easy integration process streamlines your workflow and helps you get paid quickly and efficiently.

LearnWorlds Pricing:

• Starter: $24/month (billed annually)
• Pro Trainer: $79/month (billed annually)
• Learning Center: $249/month (billed annually)
• Custom Corporate plan available upon request
• 30-day free trial available

5. TalentLMS

Best Learning Management System for online employee training and certification.

TalentLMS is an all-in-one training solution designed to help companies efficiently provide learning experiences to their employees. 

With its user-friendly interface, various course creation tools, and integrations with popular platforms, TalentLMS makes it easy for businesses to customize and deliver training content on any device. 

The platform also includes a vast library of pre-made programs focused on soft skills development and supports over 40 languages.

TalentLMS Key Features:

• Course authoring, branding, catalog management, and content support
• Customizable homepage, reporting, branding, and fields for customer needs
• User roles, mobile accessibility, grading system, and training metrics
• Registration management, ILT support, web conference, transcript display, data import/export, testing options
• Exam engines, e-commerce, notifications, multi-organization structure, and training metrics.

TalentLMS Pricing:

TalentLMS pricing options include:

• Free plan: No cost
• Starter: $69 monthly
• Basic: $149 monthly
• Plus: $279 monthly
• Premium: $459 monthly

6. ProProfs

Best Learning Management System for quizzes

ProProfs LMS is a cloud-based learning management system that simplifies the deployment of corporate training programs. 

The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly set up employee training programs. 

It offers pre and post-training support and is suitable for users of all experience levels.

Its suite of tools includes a quiz builder, surveys, collaboration features, and robust reporting capabilities.

ProProfs Key Features:

• Premium Library: ProProfs LMS offers a library of 100+ ready-to-use courses and templates that are easily customizable with branding.
• Virtual Classroom: A centralized and secure virtual classroom allows you to manage learner groups, group administrators, course assignments, and tracking in one place.
• Q&A Community: The platform’s Q&A community facilitates knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer social learning.
• Quizzes for Assessment: Beautifully designed quizzes keep learners engaged and help evaluate knowledge retention.
• Reporting & Analytics: ProProfs LMS provides reporting & analytics capabilities to help you extract insights on course participation, completion rates, engagement levels, and knowledge gaps. This can be useful for measuring the effectiveness of training programs and identifying areas for improvement.

ProProfs Pricing:

Contact Proprofs for pricing

Best Installed/On-Premise Learning Management Systems

Installed or On-Premise LMS (Learning Management Systems) are software systems that are installed and run on the customer’s own server or local network. 

In this type of setup, the customer is responsible for maintaining and updating the software, as well as securing and backing up the data. 

This type of LMS offers more control over the system and data, but also requires more technical expertise and resources to maintain and operate.

These include:

1. Moodle

Best LMS for creating and managing online learning platforms

Moodle is a widely-used learning management system designed to provide a unified, secure and reliable platform for creating tailored e-learning solutions. 

It offers versatile and flexible learning opportunities, suitable for both educators and learners. 

Moodle helps streamline the learning process by enabling users to access courses and study materials from anywhere, at any time. With Moodle, educators can create engaging and interactive course content, manage learners, track progress, and assess knowledge retention. 

The system’s robust security features ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and protected.

Moodle Key Features:

• Single platform for learning and course creation
• Collaborative tools and plans
• Detailed reporting and logs
• Customizable site design and layout
• Multilingual capability
• Multimedia integration
• Multiple progress tracking functions
• Outcomes and rubrics
• Personalized dashboard
• Peer and self-assessment
• Safe authentication process
• Mass enrollments with support for open standards

Moodle Pricing:

Moodle has two pricing options: a free version for users, and a customized plan that is quoted based on the customer’s needs. The yearly cost for the customized plan ranges from $80 to $500 USD.

2. Docebo

Best LMS for providing unique AI-powered personalized learning experiences

Docebo is a cloud-based learning management system that combines artificial intelligence with traditional e-learning capabilities to provide personalized and efficient training experiences for organizations. 

It offers a unique approach to learning by using AI to optimize content delivery and improve the overall effectiveness of training programs. 

With a focus on user engagement and gamification, Docebo aims to make the learning process enjoyable and impactful for all users.

Docebo Key Features:

• Course authoring and content management
• Customizable learning portals and catalogs
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• Gamification and rewards system
• Social learning and collaboration tools
• Mobile learning and offline access
• Virtual classrooms and webinars
• Advanced certification and compliance management
• Multi-language support
• Integration with other HR and LMS systems
• User-friendly interface and ease of use for both administrators and learners.

Docebo Pricing:

Docebo offers a range of pricing plans, including a free trial option, as well as custom enterprise pricing for larger organizations. The exact cost depends on the features and number of users required. Contact Docebo directly for a detailed quote.

3. Blackboard

Best LMS for providing personalized learning experiences

Blackboard is a globally recognized e-learning platform designed to provide educational institutions with personalized, student-centered online and blended learning experiences. 

Known for its focus on personalization and student success, Blackboard is particularly well-suited for K-12 schools, providing them with cutting-edge technology that boosts teaching and learning outcomes. 

The LMS empowers teachers to adapt to new standards, delivering powerful and accurate digital learning experiences that help students achieve their full potential.

Blackboard Key Features:

• Personalized portfolios and profiles
• Previews and easy access to discussions and meeting schedules
• Collaboration and data management tools
• Group management and grading enhancements
• A social learning platform, retention center, and program enrollments
• Dynamic content and active collaboration options.

Blackboard Pricing:

Blackboard pricing is not publicly disclosed and is customized based on the specific needs and requirements of each institution. 

Interested customers can request a quote by contacting Blackboard directly. 

It is important to note that some features and services may incur additional costs and fees.

4. Litmos

Best LMS for corporate elearning and trainings

Litmos is a learning management system that provides organizations with an innovative and flexible solution for delivering employee training and development programs. 

It is known for its intuitive and user-friendly platform, which allows businesses to quickly and easily manage their training initiatives, streamline learning content, and track employee progress. 

With its focus on simplicity and scalability, Litmos has become a popular choice among companies looking to streamline their learning and development processes.

Litmos Key Features:

• Course creation and management
• Interactive learning content
• Gamification and micro-learning options
• Custom branding and customization options
• Mobile compatibility and offline access
• Multi-device support
• Integrations with popular tools and systems
• Automated user management and advanced reporting capabilities
• User-friendly interface and navigation.

Litmos Pricing:

The pricing starts at $5 per user per month, and the exact cost depends on the number of users and the selected features. 

Additionally, Litmos offers custom pricing for large enterprises and organizations. 

The pricing can be calculated based on the number of users, the level of customization, and the specific needs of the organization.

Best Open-Source Learning Management Systems(LMS)

An Open-Source LMS is a type of Learning Management System whose source code is made freely available to the public, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute it for free. 

This enables developers and organizations to modify the software to meet their specific needs, and also promotes collaboration and community development around the platform. These include:

1. Sakai LMS

Best open-source learning management system for educational institutions

Sakai is a highly innovative and customizable open-source learning management system that offers robust features and functionalities to support the learning and teaching process for higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and organizations. 

It provides an easy-to-use platform that enables users to manage, organize and share information, resources and assessments. 

Its open-source nature makes it a flexible and scalable solution that can be customized and adapted to meet the needs of various educational and corporate environments.

Sakai Key Features:

• Course Management: Sakai provides tools for course management including course sites, content management, assignment submissions, and grading.
• Collaboration and Communication: Sakai has several collaboration tools such as discussion forums, wikis, blogs, and chat rooms for effective communication between students and instructors.
• Assessments: The platform offers assessment and testing features, including quizzes, surveys, and exams, which are automatically graded and saved for future reference.
• Resources and Media: The platform has several resources, including media, multimedia, and files, which are easily accessible from the course site.
• Personalization: Sakai offers a personalized learning environment with custom course sites, profiles, and calendars for students and instructors.
• Accessibility: Sakai is designed to be accessible for all users, with features such as screen readers and high contrast mode.
• Mobile Support: Sakai offers mobile support, allowing students and instructors to access the platform from any device, anywhere, anytime.

Sakai Pricing:

Sakai is an open-source LMS, meaning that it is free to use and its source code is available for modification and customization. 

However, some organizations may choose to pay for commercial support and services, such as installation, customization, and technical support, which can affect the overall cost of using Sakai. 

The exact pricing will vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the organization.

Benefits of Using an LMS for Students

An LMS provides students with a centralized platform to access course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussions, receive feedback, and track their progress. Some of the benefits of using an LMS for students include:

• Flexibility and Convenience: Students can access course materials and resources from anywhere, at any time, and from any device, making it easier to fit learning into their schedules.
• Increased Engagement: An LMS can foster a more interactive and engaging learning experience, as students can participate in online discussions, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback in real-time.
• Improved Collaboration: The collaborative tools available in an LMS can help students work together more effectively, leading to increased collaboration and a more supportive learning environment.
• Enhanced Tracking and Feedback: An LMS provides students with immediate feedback on their performance and allows them to track their progress over time, providing valuable insights into areas where they need to improve.
• Personalized Learning: An LMS can help students customize their learning experience to fit their unique learning styles and pace. This can lead to a more personalized and effective learning experience.
• Efficient Resource Management: An LMS provides students with easy access to all course materials and resources in one centralized location, reducing the need to search for information and improving their ability to find the information they need quickly.

Benefits of Using an LMS for Educators

There are numerous benefits of using a Learning Management System (LMS) for educators, some of which are:

• Convenient Course Management: LMS platforms provide educators with a centralized location to manage course materials, assignments, assessments, and other learning resources.
• Improved Collaboration: LMS platforms offer collaboration tools, such as discussion forums, wikis, and group projects, that allow educators to engage with students in real-time and foster a sense of community in their online learning environment.
• Automated Grading and Assessment: LMS platforms automate the grading and assessment process, saving educators time and reducing the risk of human error.
• Enhanced Feedback: LMS platforms provide educators with a variety of ways to provide feedback to students, such as text annotations, audio comments, and video feedback.
• Data-Driven Insights: LMS platforms collect and store data on student performance, providing educators with actionable insights that can inform their teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
• Flexibility and Accessibility: LMS platforms allow educators to deliver learning materials and resources to students anywhere, at any time, and on any device, making it easier for students to access the resources they need to succeed.
• Cost-Effective: LMS platforms offer a cost-effective solution for delivering education, reducing the need for physical classrooms and reducing the cost of educational materials and resources.

Challenges and Limitations of LMS

The challenges and limitations of Learning Management Systems (LMS) are:

• User Adoption: The adoption of an LMS can be a challenge for both teachers and students, especially if they are not familiar with using technology for education.
• Technical Issues: Technical issues such as slow load times, compatibility problems, and software glitches can hinder the effectiveness of an LMS.
• Content Management: The management of course content can be difficult, especially if the LMS does not have a user-friendly interface or easy-to-use content management tools.
• Data Privacy and Security: Storing sensitive student and academic data on an LMS can pose privacy and security risks, as the system is vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.
• Lack of Customization: Some LMSs do not offer enough customization options, making it difficult for teachers to personalize the learning experience for their students.
• Cost: Implementing an LMS can be expensive, especially for schools and institutions with limited budgets. The cost of purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading an LMS can be a significant challenge.
• Accessibility: Not all students have access to the technology required to use an LMS, which can create equity issues and limit the reach of the system.
• Integration with Other Systems: Integrating an LMS with other education technologies and platforms can be difficult, requiring a high degree of technical expertise and time investment.

Future of Learning Management Systems

The future of Learning Management Systems (LMS) is expected to be increasingly shaped by advances in technology and the changing needs of learners and educators. Some of the key trends shaping the future of LMS include:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning algorithms are expected to play a significant role in the future of LMS by personalizing learning experiences and providing personalized recommendations based on individual student needs and performance.
2. Gamification: The trend towards gamification of learning is expected to continue, with LMS providers incorporating gaming elements into their platforms to make learning more engaging and enjoyable for students.
3. Increased Interactivity: The future of LMS is expected to be more interactive, with platforms incorporating real-time collaboration tools, multimedia content, and virtual/augmented reality experiences.
4. Mobile Learning: With the increasing use of mobile devices, the trend towards mobile-first learning is expected to continue. This means that LMS platforms will need to be accessible and functional on mobile devices, with a focus on mobile-responsive design and intuitive navigation.
5. Social Learning: The future of LMS is expected to be more social, with platforms incorporating social learning features and communities of practice to support student collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Overall, the future of LMS is expected to be more personal, engaging, and technologically advanced, meeting the changing needs of learners and educators and delivering meaningful learning experiences in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Frequently Asked Questions – Learning Management Systems

Conclusion

In conclusion, Learning Management Systems (LMS) have transformed the way we approach education and have become an essential tool in modern learning. They offer a variety of features that benefit both students and educators, making it easier to manage course content, assignments, and assessments.

The use of LMS has also made it possible to provide education to a larger audience through online learning and has paved the way for more personalized and efficient education.

However, despite the numerous benefits, there are still some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. For example, the cost of implementing an LMS, the lack of technical knowledge, and the lack of integration with other systems can be a barrier for some institutions.

Looking forward, the future of LMS is promising as the technology continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of education.

The trend towards more personalized and flexible learning, along with the rise of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality, is expected to shape the future of LMS.

The integration of these new technologies into LMS will create a more immersive and engaging learning experience for students, leading to better outcomes and more successful learning journeys.

Last updated on May 24th, 2023 at 07:09 am