Best Learning Management Systems (LMS) of April 2024
Updated March 25, 2024 at 4:08 pm
With the growing demand for online learning, there’s no shortage of learning management systems (LMS). Poised to be a 43.6 billion industry by 2027, businesses of all sizes, government entities and educational institutions use this technology to deliver training and educational materials to users to facilitate learning and fulfill industry regulations.
With dozens of LMSs available, choosing the right technology for your needs can be challenging.
Our Methodology Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility, and credibility.
Our Picks - Best Functional: Absorb LMS
- Best Storytelling: iSpring
- Best Gamification: TalentLMS
- Best for Corporations: Docebo
- Best Integrated: Google Classroom
- Best Flexibility: D2L Brightspace LMS
- Best Legacy: Blackboard Learn by Anthology
- Best User Friendly: Canvas LMS
- Best Open-Source: Moodle LMS
9 Best LMS Software of 2024
The best learning management system for your organization depends on your needs and how you intend to use the technology. Some organizations want a simple solution for onboarding new employees and maintaining compliance, while others offer a full suite of learning opportunities.
Best for Storytelling
iSpring
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Course authors can design interactive and engaging courses using PowerPoint with iSpring Suite to bring storytelling to life with multiple characters and voice options used to engage learners. Users say it’s easy to install and doesn’t require IT assistance.
Key Features
- SCORM-compliance
- Connects to existing eLearning Libraries
- Makes Powerpoint interactive with iSpring Suite
- Integrates with many existing back office systems
- 24/7 support
Pros
- User-friendly
- Powerful course authoring tools
- Robust analytics
Cons
- Limited video effects
- No discussion boards for learners
- Creating custom reports can be difficult
Best Gamification
Talent LMS
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
TalentLMS recognizes the difficulty in getting users to pay attention and complete coursework. Gamification makes learning fun by encouraging friendly competition and tracking progress with points, levels, badges, leaderboards and rewards.
Key Features
- Conferencing features
- Gamification
- Defined user roles
- Registration management
- Certification management
Pros
- Conference features
- Gamification keeps learners engaged
- Easy to use
Cons
- Lack of robust reporting
- Limited templates
- Limited customization
Best Functional
Absorb LMS
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
AI-driven personalized learning and the ability to streamline administrative tasks are a few reasons why Absorb LMS made the list. This LMS offers round-the-clock support, integrates with popular HR tools and has eCommerce functions, making it one of the most all-around functional LMS solutions on the market.
Key Features
- Compliance Management
- API Integrations
- Customizable Branding
- eCommerce capability
- 24/7 Support
Pros
- Extensive features
- Round-the-clock support
- Integrates with many third-party applications, including Salesforce and BambooHR
Cons
- Extensive setup required
- Lack of scheduling ability for courses
- UX could be simpler
Best for Corporations
Docebo
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
As a comprehensive LMS, Docebo is customizable and covers all the needs of a larger organization, including compliance concerns. Users appreciate its ease of use, responsive support and wide range of features.
Key Features
- Offers “Channels,” a personalized learning experience
- Track progress
- Customization
- Integrates with Salesforce, Workday and others
- Push Notifications
Pros
- Clean interface
- Integrations
- Flexibility
Cons
- Lacks robust reporting
- No phone support
- Additional features are a paid upgrade
Best Integrated
Google Classroom
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Google Classroom is a popular LMS, thanks to its user-friendly approach and integration within the Google Suite. The familiar brand offers flexibility for educational organizations and businesses alike offering some automation, such as grading multiple-choice assessments to give teachers time back.
Key Features
- Integrates with Google Suite
- Central location for assignments and announcements
- Cost-effective
- Archives classes
- Enables collaboration
Pros
- Google Suite integration
- Cost-effective
- Saves teachers time
Cons
- Reliant on Internet
- Lacks robust analytics
- Potential data breach
Best Flexibility
D2L Brightspace LMS
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Since 1999, D2L has delivered personalized learning within the education space and is known for its functionality, ease of use and flexibility to tailor the learning experience at scale.
Key Features
- ePortfolio for students
- Mobile friendly
- Parents can access their child’s activity
- Granular roles
- Integrates with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other web conferencing
Pros
- Personalization
- Permission-based access
- Accessibility
Cons
- Limited customization
- Not intuitive
- Users say it’s more expensive than some other options
Best Legacy
Blackboard Learn by Anthology
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
This pioneer in online education learning has long been a staple for educational institutions. Users say it’s easy to organize courses and communicate with students. It’s also compliant with ADA requirements without needing separate software.
Key Features
- Easy to set up
- Tracks student progress
- Encourages student and teacher communication
- Screen sharing
- Break out rooms
Pros
- Good content management
- Good communication with students
- ADA compliant
Cons
- Not as user-friendly as other LMS
- Lack of third-party integrations
- Users say it’s more expensive than other LMS
Best User-Friendly
Canvas
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Rooted in academia, Canvas is an open-source LMS known for its customizable features and shareability of files. Integrated with the Instructure Learning Platform, students and teachers alike can share Google Docs or Microsoft Word within the platform to make collaboration easier while working remotely.
Key Features
- Customization keeps branding consistent
- Easy course management
- Built-in discussion forum
- In-platform collaboration
- Progress tracking
Pros
- Customization
- Permission-based role management
- In-platform collaboration
Cons
- Not as user-friendly as some LMS
- Lack of video conferencing support
- Can be more expensive than others
Best Open-Source
Moodle LMS
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
As open-source software, Moodle is infinitely customizable if you have coding know-how. Instructors can design and manage all learning options, including self-paced and blended learning.
Key Features
- Supports SCORM and Tin Can API courses
- Easy collaboration
- Plugin management
- Detailed reporting
- Directed and personalized learning paths
- Organizations can download it for free and host it on their own servers.
Pros
- Scaleable
- Customizable
- Large community to provide ideas and support
Cons
- Complex platform requires technical expertise
- Can be challenging to integrate with other tools
- Performance can slow with added students
Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best Learning Management Systems of 2024
| Product | Price | Free Trial | Scaleability | Ease-of-Use | Gamification |
| iSpring | It depends on the number of users. For example, 50 users start at $2.99/user/month | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Talent LMS | Try for free up to 5 users with one instructor. Tiered priced after starting at $69/month | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Absorb LMS | Not listed | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Docebo | Not listed | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Google Classroom | “Freemium” pricing model where there is a free option, but you pay for increased functionality. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| D2L Brightspace | Not listed | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blackboard Learn by Anthology | Not listed | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Canvas LMS | The “Free for teacher” option allows teachers to access Canvas Otherwise, not listed | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Moodle LMS | Tiered pricing, including for cloud-based. Organizations can download it for free and host on their own servers. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Learning Management System Introduction
The advent of digital learning opens new opportunities for businesses, government agencies, and traditional schools. A learning management system (LMS) is software used to implement and assess learning.
Companies and governmental agencies use LMS tools to onboard, train and upskill employees. Schools use e-learning for their staff and students.
What Is a Learning Management System (LMS)?
A learning management system (LMS) is a technology used in e-learning. It provides an online learning environment to connect learners with specific courses, monitor their progress and collaborate with other students.
LMS tools put the learner in the driver’s seat. They can access relevant courses from multiple devices and move them through the coursework in a natural manner. LMS offers reporting, managing student records and releasing certifications upon completion of specific milestones.
How Does LMS Software Work?
LMS software is an online platform that offers a central hub for administering, delivering and tracking educational and training content. Cloud-based LMS platforms enable users to log in from anywhere to complete modules, while robust reporting shows the user’s journey through the training program.
Who Is a Learning Management System Best for?
Any organization that trains or teaches others on a regular basis can benefit from an LMS. Use cases include employee onboarding, upskilling, compliance training and traditional academia.
Different LMS tools are designed for large, medium or small organizations and are cost-effective ways to deliver educational content.
Types of Learning Management Systems
- Cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) – You pay a monthly subscription fee to access an online learning portal. As a subscriber, you can upload, deliver content and assess learning without the technical concerns of maintaining the software.
- On-Premise LMS – For companies who have the resources and preference to control access on their own servers. Employees will access the learning portal through the company’s internal network rather than the Internet. The IT team can customize and make any needed changes to the LMS to accommodate the organization’s workflow.
- Open Source LMS – Open-source software is when multiple users build and share code. The benefit is skilled users can add new features and modify them, so it’s highly customizable. Besides the need for technical skills, a downside is there can be less security or oversight for open-source software.
- Custom-Built LMS – Organizations that want a simple functionality and have a strong development team or can hire outside consultants may choose to build their own. A custom-built option gives control over the tool from the outset, and you can tailor it to your needs. A custom-built LMS may result in long-term cost savings, but there’s more upfront cost.
- Social Learning LMS – With discussion forums and collaborative tools, this type of LMS focuses on the power of group learning. It encourages resource sharing and social media integration. If brainstorming and group projects are a core of your learning environment, choose an LMS built around social learning.
- Customer Training LMS – If your business delivers customer training, an LMS provides the platform to design, organize and deliver that training. These trainings could include short courses, a knowledge base and a customer discussion forum.
- Content Authoring Tools with LMS – If you intend to produce in-house content without coding or additional software, you’ll need good content authoring tools. Go beyond Google Docs or PowerPoint with technology that offers easy-to-use interfaces incorporating multimedia elements such as images, audio, video and SCORM compliance. A potential drawback is this type of LMS combination may have limitations on design requirements.
- Compliance LMS – If your organization requires mandatory training to comply with industry regulations such as healthcare and safety, look for an LMS with a compliance element. Such systems may have automated course assignments and track certification dates to alert people when a certification is nearing expiration.
- Enterprise LMS – Large companies need to accommodate thousands of users with multiple features and require extensive customization. Enterprise-level LMSs allow companies to create their own ecosystem that works for them, including integrating with back-office systems for faster workflows.
How to Choose a Learning Management System
There are many considerations when it comes to choosing an LMS, and it starts with the intended primary user. When you know the primary users of the LMS, it’s easier to define the necessities vs. the nice-to-have.
Integrations
Want existing tools to integrate with your learning management system? Some examples include integrating with your CRM and HR tools for administrators, while users appreciate features like single-click sign-on and mobile responsiveness so they can easily access materials from anywhere.
Scalability
Choose an LMS that can grow with your organization by assessing your number of users, amount of content, type of content and desired integrations. When evaluating LMS vendors, you can look for cloud-based options with a flexible billing model based on users. Such LMSs can allow you to add new content and reporting features as you grow.
Learning Tools
Learning takes many forms, from prerecorded “talking head” videos to real-time collaboration and brainstorming; which learning aspects do you need? Then, every learning environment needs support on the administrative side, such as course management and assessment and evaluations. List your top requirements and use them to guide your decision-making.
Content Creation and Management
Some LMSs are designed to plug into existing programs such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera or other external programs, while others are meant for instructors to create and upload their own content.
Managing the content delivery and tracking student progress accurately ensures learners can access what they need and know where they left off.
Mobile Capabilities
Today’s digital environment makes it easy to learn from anywhere. Learners can access their materials while on the go when LMS content adjusts to fit all models of tablets and smartphones.
Personalized Learning
LMS programs can tailor learning to individual skill sets. Some LMS platforms use algorithms to analyze individual performance and dynamically adjust the content as needed for customized learning paths. Gamification through badges, points, levels and progress tracking can keep learners engaged.
eCommerce Options
For businesses that sell courses, a course catalog option shows off the course inventory. An eCommerce-enabled LMS can bundle courses, offer discounts and accept registration and payment processing via Stripe, Shopify or other payment methods for easy administration.
Assessment and Reporting
Quizzes, instructor-led assignments and gamification are some ways LMS programs can assess knowledge and keep learners engaged. On the reporting side, the LMS can show course progress, track performance and complete certifications. This is useful because your organization relies on mandatory training or certificates for compliance with industry regulations.
Ease of Use
Easy-to-use LMS features include single sign-on, intuitive user interface and accessibility on any device. Instructors also appreciate drag-and-drop functionality, communication within the platform, the ability to save course materials and easy reporting features.
Support
Accessible support is a hallmark of every successful LMS. Most offer a mix of chatbots, email and live support agents as needed. Recorded tutorials, a knowledge base and an active user community are also helpful for getting the most out of your LMS.
Other LMS Alternatives
360 Learning
Known for promoting collaborative learning, the 360 LMS encourages users to share expertise with one another where everyone can be an instructor. This egalitarian approach encourages contributions from all users and continuous learning, flattens siloed knowledge and keeps information flowing at all levels.
Users can share their knowledge easily by using the AI helper, Robyn, to create training materials with a click of a button. SkyPrep
SkyPrep gets high marks for its clean interface and ease of use for both learners and administrators.
Admins can upload course materials in multiple file formats and tap into the existing online training library, Open Sesame. It’s also easy to track employee progress, assign prerequisites, and handle assessments. SkyPrep integrates with HR software like BambooHR, webinar tools and eCommerce payment tools like Stripe and Shopify.
Cornerstone Learning
This HR-focused LMS offers a centralized source for employee data. It streamlines administrative processes and automates repetitive tasks, including compliance training, so HR professionals can have at-a-glance employee training.
It includes personalized learning journeys, compliance training and built-in analytics to review training effectiveness. It also integrates with content libraries like Coursera and offers eCommerce features that allow businesses to create, market and sell courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Learning Management Systems Cost?
An LMS cost usually uses one of these four different types of pricing, including per user, per use, a flat fee or a licensing fee. Per user or use is often less than $10/user and may make sense if you don’t have a lot of users or plan to use the LMS frequently.
A flat fee per course or month or a licensing fee plus set-up costs makes sense for larger organizations with ongoing needs. Larger entities often choose a licensing fee if they have hundreds or thousands of learners.
What Is the Most Widely Used LMS?
This varies based on the use case. Blackboard Learn, Canvas and Google Classroom are popular options within educational institutions.Within corporate environments, Absorb LMS or Docebo are popular.
What Is the Best Learning Management System?
The best LMS is the one that best meets your needs. By taking an audience-focused approach to who will use the LMS, you can work backward to the essential features your organization needs and balance those with your infrastructure, compliance requirements and budget. You can demo and trial LMS programs to find the right fit.
What Is the Most Ideal Learning Management System?
Many factors go into the most ideal LMS for your organization. It comes down to your specific training needs, budget and preferences. Understanding the use case for your specific needs and comparing LMS based on those will give you the parameters for choosing a good LMS to meet your needs. An enterprise organization wouldn’t choose the same LMS as a high school.
What Is LMS Software Best For?
Learning Management Systems are for organizations that need to create, manage and deliver large amounts of educational content. Many companies and government agencies use an LMS to deliver employee training and onboarding, while schools use LMS tools for remote learning.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
