The 14 Best LMS Platforms and Software — A Comparison and Review for 2024

With over 1,000 learning management system (LMS) vendors on the market, choosing the right one for your business can be a daunting task. To help you with that, our team of internal and external LMS experts, including David Brandt, owner of LMS Chef, and Michael Keller, Chief eLearning Officer at iSpring, analyzed and compared over 100 of the most popular LMS options on the market and compiled a list of the 14 top learning management software. See detailed reviews of the key features of the top LMSs, their pros and cons, and who each of them is best suited for.

Our Criteria for Selecting the Best Learning Management Systems

Here are the criteria our LMS experts used to compile this list of the top 14 solutions:

Software features

Learning management software enables you to store, manage, and deliver learning content. However, this is just the bare minimum, and the best software solutions should have a range of certain features that address modern challenges. Here’s what our experts paid attention to when conducting an LMS feature comparison:

• Intuitive user interface. A user-friendly interface in a learning management system makes it easy to navigate for both administrators and learners.
• Content management and delivery. An LMS should allow for efficient content creation, organization, and delivery, supporting various types of learning materials.
• Scalability. A learning management system should be able to scale to accommodate an organization’s growth, handling an increasing number of users and expanding content.
• Mobile compatibility. An LMS should support mobile learning, allowing users to access training materials on different devices for increased flexibility.
• Assessment and tracking tools. An LMS should come with robust assessment features and tracking capabilities to monitor learner progress, evaluate performance, and measure completion rates.
• Integration capabilities. LMS platforms should integrate seamlessly with other systems, such as HR software or third-party tools, to streamline processes and data exchange.

Software innovation

Technological advancements reshape the way we train and provide new opportunities for ever greater effectiveness of online learning. That’s why we believe it’s important that LMS providers prioritize innovation and implement these new functions in their products regularly.

Customer support

Any LMS is complex software, and tech issues may arise from time to time. It’s crucial for a vendor to be dedicated to helping their customers with such issues and to do so as quickly as possible.

Customer reviews

Some things are only seen over time and in actual implementation. That’s why LMS reviews are so valuable for evaluation. In the end, it’s customers who know the software better than anyone.

An Overview of the 14 Best Learning Management Systems for 2024

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of all the learning management solutions we reviewed and consider to be the top options for 2024. Keep reading to get a detailed breakdown of each platform.

1. iSpring Learn LMS

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.7

iSpring Learn is a popular cloud-based LMS known for its robust functionality and user-friendly interface. It powers the full cycle of training, from content development to evaluating training effectiveness, and suits any training scenario, be it onboarding, compliance training, certification, or anything else.

With its built-in course authoring tool and integration with iSpring Suite, creating engaging online courses, quizzes, role-plays, and video tutorials is quick and easy. As for training delivery, iSpring Learn offers personalized learning paths, detailed progress reports, robust gamification features, and a native mobile app for on-the-go access.

Pricing is scalable based on monthly users, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Key features:

• Automated training
• Detailed progress reports in real time
• A library of ready-made courses on soft skills and compliance
• Personalized learning paths
• SCORM support
• A native mobile app
• Integration with Zoom, MS Teams, Salesforce, Bitrix24, BambooHR, PeopleWeek, Shopify, and other popular services
• Supervisor dashboard
• Social learning features (a newsfeed, learners’ cards, interactive organization chart, etc.)
• 360-degree feedback assessment

iSpring Learn is ​​one of the leading LMS platforms for small to medium businesses, and it’s probably the easiest LMS to use. It’s a perfect solution for any training scenario, including employee onboarding, compliance training, customer education, and soft skills training.

Check out customers’ stories of success:

• NAOS: “With iSpring, we launched our first online training program and cut training expenses to a quarter of the previous cost.”
• Jazz: “With iSpring, we’re saving 30% of training costs, while training five times more people.”
• Villa St. Vincent: “With the help of iSpring, our residents are getting state-of-the-art care and services.”

2. Docebo

G2 rating: 4.4

Capterra rating: 4.3

Docebo is a popular LMS software for enterprises. With 400 integrations and robust customization features, it’s ideal for large workforces. Its innovative social learning tools foster a learning culture within your organization. Plus, the mobile app enables learners to access training materials anytime, anywhere.

Using AI technology, Docebo offers virtual coaching, auto-tagging, and content suggestions to personalize the learning experience. AI identifies and tags skills in both internal and external content, recommending relevant material based on employees’ developmental needs.

Key features:

• A library of courses on various skills from external providers
• Robust customization features for tailoring the platform to your company’s needs
• AI-powered technology for virtual coaching, auto-tagging, and content suggestions
• Mobile learning
• SCORM compliant
• Advanced social learning features
• Integrates with more than 400 platforms and services, including popular tools like Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, and PayPal
• Custom progress reports
• Compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA for accessibility

Best suited for:

Docebo stands out as a popular choice for large businesses, thanks to its remarkable customization capabilities. Its e-commerce functionality, integrated with Stripe, makes it an excellent option for enterprises looking to monetize online courses through subscriptions. However, due to a less seamless setup process compared to other LMS options, it’s better suited for long-term projects.

3. Adobe Learning Manager (formerly Adobe Captivate Prime)

G2 rating: 4.0

Capterra rating: 4.3

Adobe Learning Manager is a streamlined LMS suitable for training internal employees and external vendors. It offers robust social learning features, personalized learning options, and custom reporting.

A dedicated mobile app ensures accessibility for learners. Administrators can easily schedule recurring training, making it ideal for continuous learning and onboarding.

However, managing both internal and external learners requires separate Prime accounts.

Key features:

• Skills management
• Robust social learning capabilities
• Simplified access through Single Sign-On (SAML 2.0)
• Mobile-friendly design
• Compatibility with various eLearning standards (SCORM 1.2/2004, AICC, xAPI)
• Robust social learning capabilities to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Seamless integrations with Zoom and Salesforce, plus other Adobe products and services, such as Adobe Connect and Adobe Creative Cloud
• Customizable reporting and analytics tools
• Documented API for custom integration apps

Best suited for:

Adobe Learning Manager is a solid choice for large businesses seeking an LMS with a user-friendly interface. It offers advanced features for experienced learning and empowers development professionals aiming for experiential learning on a large scale.

However, its steep learning curve may deter beginners. It’s important to note that Adobe Learning Manager isn’t suitable for academic institutions or e-commerce purposes.

4. TalentLMS

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.7

TalentLMS is one of the leading solutions for all training scenarios, with a quick setup process. Among other things, it enables companies to launch and run effective onboarding. It offers robust features for social learning, gamification, and ILT management, catering to internal and external training needs.

Moreover, TalentLMS provides access to its course store, Talent Library, which requires a subscription upgrade. This library includes courses created by TalentLMS and other popular providers, offering users the option to purchase individual courses or bundles from a particular provider based on their preferences.

Key features:

• Online quiz creation and management with multimedia content
• User management and role assignment
• Customization options for branding
• Custom reporting and analytics for tracking learner progress
• Mobile app for on-the-go learning
• Gamification features to enhance engagement
• Integrations with third-party tools like Zapier and BambooHR
• Collaboration tools, such as forums and messaging
• E-commerce
• Multiple types of single sign-on connections like ADFS, LDAP, Okta, and OneLogin

Best suited for:

Blended employee training initiatives, including onboarding, compliance training, and continuous learning. TalentLMS excels with its seamless onboarding process, making it ideal for short-term projects. Although it’s primarily tailored for businesses, it’s also suitable for academic institutions. Additionally, it offers seamless integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, and PayPal, catering to businesses aiming to monetize online courses.

5. LearnUpon

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.8

LearnUpon stands out as a top-tier online learning platform, boasting a comprehensive feature set. It’s an excellent choice for businesses seeking to develop, monitor, and distribute digital training internally. Additionally, the software enables the creation of branded digital storefronts for selling online courses.

With LearnUpon, businesses have access to powerful customization options, allowing them to tailor training for multiple audiences. For example, separate learning portals can be created and customized to meet the unique needs of each audience segment.

Key features:

• A robust reporting and analytics dashboard
• Extensive integration options with popular business tools, such as Salesforce and Zendesk
• Compliance-focused features, including automated certification management and audit trails, ensuring regulatory adherence
• Advanced branding capabilities, such as white-labeling and custom domain support

Best suited for:

LearnUpon is well-suited for large businesses aiming to provide training for employees, customers, or partners. It fulfills all the essential requirements for employee training and accommodates both short- and long-term projects. However, limitations in user roles may pose challenges for businesses with complex organizational structures or significant role overlaps. Additionally, LearnUpon may not be suitable for businesses operating on a limited budget.

6. eLeap

Capterra rating: 4.7

eLeap offers simplicity and strong support, making it an excellent choice for beginners in online learning as it has virtually no learning curve. It’s ideal for creating and delivering straightforward courses to small user groups. However, being a lightweight LMS, it lacks the advanced functionality required for larger organizations or academic institutions.

Feature-wise, eLeap provides basic social and personalized learning, gamification, and reporting capabilities. It also offers a good range of e-commerce options.

Key features:

• SCORM 1.2 compliant
• Single Sign-On (available only with Okta)
• A built-in authoring tool and a quiz maker
• Affordable pricing plans tailored for small businesses and startups
• Webhooks and API – integrates with third-party apps
• Visual reports
• Out-of-the-box features for e-commerce 
• Access to a wide range of pre-built courses on a wide range of topics

Best suited for:

eLeap is a suitable choice for small businesses transitioning to online training, particularly for those venturing into e-commerce. However, its limited reporting and user management features make it less appropriate for larger organizations.

7. Litmos

G2 rating: 4.2

Capterra rating: 4.2

Litmos stands out as a powerful LMS with advanced features suitable for both academic and business purposes. Although some aspects may require updating, its overall usability is excellent. The platform includes a user-friendly mobile app and offers a wide array of monetization features.

With support for 35 languages and the fact that it is actively used in 150 countries, Litmos is a solid choice for multinational businesses with dispersed workforces. It enables large organizations to efficiently collaborate, create, distribute, and track online courses globally while automating time-consuming training tasks.

Key features:

• AI-powered recommendation engine
• Comprehensive library of off-the-shelf courses
• E-commerce features
• Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities with customizable dashboards
• A wide range of integrations and add-ons
• Gamified learning
• A strong selection of branding options
• A mobile-first design with native apps for iOS and Android devices

Best suited for:

Litmos is ideal for managing employee training and onboarding in companies with over 150 monthly learners, making it perfect for large-scale corporate training. It offers an intuitive interface for both learners and administrators, along with a wide range of sophisticated features to efficiently manage learning activities.

8. Moodle LMS

G2 rating: 4.1

Capterra rating: 4.3

Moodle is widely regarded as one of the best learning management systems for educational institutions, initially gaining popularity as an open-source LMS. However, its high level of customization makes it adaptable for businesses as well.

With Moodle, you have two plan options: a free self-hosted version and a SaaS version with a monthly fee that is dependent upon your user count. Its extensive customization features, including a wide array of plug-ins and graphical themes, allow for a fully tailored platform experience. It’s important to note, however, that these customization options are available only in the self-hosted version.

Key features:

• Extensive customization and flexibility
• Supports SCORM content
• Hundreds of plug-ins and graphical themes
• BigBlueButton integration for webinars
• Google analytics tracking
• Built-in assessment tools, including a variety of question types and grading options
• Multilingual support and localization features
• Strong community support

Best suited for:

Moodle LMS is an excellent choice for academic institutions, government organizations, and non-profits seeking powerful, yet budget-friendly software for online education. The free version provides extensive customization options, some of the most sophisticated available. However, leveraging these features effectively requires an experienced admin.

Despite its wide range of customization possibilities, Moodle may not meet all the requirements for employee training.

Also read → How to Create a Moodle Quiz: Step-by-Step Guide

9. eFront

G2 rating: 4.5

eFront is a versatile LMS equipped with SCORM/xAPI support, e-commerce functionality, and an authoring toolkit. Tailored for blue-chip companies, it boasts an impressive array of advanced features, customization options, and security tools, covering various training needs. Its robust reporting capabilities stand out, offering both off-the-shelf and customizable reports.

With four pricing plans based on user count, eFront ensures full access to all features, integrations, and courses across all plans. Additionally, there’s an open-source version available for budget-conscious businesses.

Key features:

• SCORM and xAPI support
• Built-in social learning tools, such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and collaborative spaces
• Extensive reporting and analytics dashboard with real-time insights
• Mobile learning
• Single Sign-On (SAML, LDAP, and others)
• Robust eCommerce capabilities, including flexible pricing models, subscription management, and secure payment gateways
• Self-registration for learners (sign-up via Facebook, Google, etc.)
• Integrations, including Zapier, and OpenSesame
• A plug-in for Salesforce

Best suited for:

eFront is tailored for large organizations with 500+ monthly learners, offering sophisticated functionality for building and delivering employee and customer training. However, due to its complex initial setup, it’s more suitable for long-term projects and businesses with large budgetary resources.

In addition to its comprehensive training features, eFront serves as a robust e-commerce solution, enhancing its versatility for businesses.

10. Absorb

G2 rating: 4.7

Capterra rating: 4.5

Absorb is a cloud-based training platform renowned for its scalability and trusted by numerous blue-chip companies. It offers an intuitive interface and a comprehensive set of features to deliver engaging training experiences, covering areas like compliance training, employee onboarding, and skill gap bridging.

Absorb comes with a user-friendly mobile app, powerful reporting capabilities, extensive customization options, and an integrated authoring tool.

Key features:

• Powerful training automation tools
• xAPI, SCORM, and AICC support
• Custom reporting and scheduling
• Advanced platform customization options
• Robust integrations with third-party systems and services, such as Salesforce, Zoom, and BambooHR
• A third-party course library
• A built-in course authoring tool
• SAML2/API Integration
• Certificates of completion
• Enterprise-grade security features, including role-based access controls, data encryption, and compliance certifications

Best suited for:

Absorb is a top choice for large enterprises with sufficient budgets, delivering an impressive array of features and a scalable learning solution. While it suits diverse industries, its high price and advanced features may not be ideal for beginners or businesses with limited budgets. Considering the initial setup time, Absorb is better suited for long-term projects.

Also read:

• The 11 Best HR Tools for Streamlining Your Workflow
• 17 Key Recruiting Metrics and How to Improve Them with Online Training

11. Nimble

G2 rating: 4.5

Nimble lives up to its name by offering a quick and hassle-free implementation process. This is especially convenient for businesses looking to kick-start their training quickly.

As a paid LMS, Nimble includes a free course authoring tool and provides a user-friendly interface with essential features to get you started. Its standout features, like the course marketplace and insightful reporting dashboard, further enhance its practicality for businesses.

Key features:

• Rapid course creation with templates
• User-friendly interface and navigation
• Built-in social learning features, such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and peer collaboration tools
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics 
• Multi-language support
• A marketplace of ready-made courses
• Third-party e-commerce integrations
• SAML2/API integration

Best suited for:

Nimble is an excellent choice for businesses aiming to launch training courses easily. Its quick setup and short learning curve enable you to start training employees in the shortest time possible. However, it’s worth noting that it may lack some advanced features and integrations, making it better suited for smaller organizations that are new to eLearning.

12. Looop

G2 rating: 4.5

Looop is emerging as a flexible and accessible LMS, gaining recognition for its innovative approach. With a vast content library, it empowers L&D teams to create curated learning tracks for both mandatory and off-the-shelf content, streamlining employee onboarding and continuous training.

While Looop offers a sleek, user-friendly interface, it may not have all the advanced features found in other leading LMS software. Nonetheless, its intriguing features make it well-suited for staff training needs. Moreover, its adaptive pricing model scales effectively with your business.

Key features:

• Streamlined implementation and administration processes
• User-centric interface design
• Plenty of integrations, including APIOffice, CRM, and Salesforce
• Personalized learning paths
• Extensive analytics (including engagement and ROI analysis) and reporting functionality
• Built-in course builder with free templates
• SAML2/API integration

Best suited for:

Looop targets medium to large businesses with its straightforward implementation, making it suitable for both short- and long-term projects. However, it’s not optimized for academic institutions or e-commerce. Being a new LMS, it may lack certain integrations and advanced features necessary for large-scale corporate learning.

13. Dokeos

Capterra rating: 4.5

Dokeos stands out as a white-label learning solution, offering extensive customization features to align with your brand. With the ability to integrate your training modules alongside their off-the-shelf courses, Dokeos provides flexibility and versatility.

Moreover, its integrated authoring tool offers a variety of interactive elements, including scenario-based quizzes, which enhance engagement. Dokeos also integrates EMA and FDA compliance standards, catering to high-consequence industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Key features:

• Off-the-shelf modules that can be edited and built upon
• Advanced authoring tool with interactive elements and scenario-based quizzes
• Insightful reporting and analytics 
• E-commerce management
• Integrations for specialty industries, such as those that are compliance management features, including support for FDA, EMA, and HIPAA
• White-label customization options
• Single sign-on
• Strong security measures

Best suited for:

Dokeos is a powerful LMS ideal for organizations seeking a validated platform that aligns with specialized industry and regulatory needs. It offers robust security tools, compliance management features, and ample customization options to meet diverse needs. While its primary focus is on specialized industries, Dokeos is also flexible enough to serve educational institutions.

However, it’s worth noting that some users may find the overall user experience a bit clunky, which could pose challenges, especially for larger user bases. Nonetheless, its range of useful features makes it a practical choice for organizations with specific needs.

14. SkyPrep

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.8

SkyPrep is designed as an accessible and scalable LMS solution, perfect for businesses shifting to online training. Its built-in authoring toolkit facilitates the creation, tracking, and delivery of eLearning content throughout your organization. However, it’s important to note that, while functional, the authoring tool may lack some advanced features needed for complex training scenarios.

Nevertheless, SkyPrep remains a powerful learning management solution suitable for both employee and customer training. With its comprehensive feature set, it serves as a practical choice, especially for large enterprises.

Key features:

• Features for organizing ILT sessions
• Integration with popular authoring tools such as Elucidat and LectoraOnline
• Integrated with OpenSesame’s content library
• Custom reports and scheduled reports on learner progress
• A native mobile app with a customizable sign-in page
• Enables learners to sign in via Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn
• E-commerce functionality with Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify
• Supports 14 languages

Best suited for:

SkyPrep is well-suited for development programs within small organizations. Its user-friendly interface makes it a good first LMS, ensuring that employees and customers can start learning immediately without a complex setup process. Its short learning curve also positions it as an excellent tool for employee onboarding. Additionally, the built-in content library proves invaluable for businesses lacking their own selection of in-house training courses.

LMS Software Buyer’s Guide

Investing in an LMS is a significant decision, so thorough research is essential before making any commitments. With the abundance of online learning management systems available, even experienced L&D professionals can feel overwhelmed. Therefore, it’s crucial to take your time and plan carefully.

Don’t just focus on answering the question, “What is the best LMS platform?” Prioritize identifying the platform that best aligns with your specific needs. While some top LMS solutions may offer extensive advanced features, they might not necessarily be suitable for your business. Opting for simplicity is often the wisest approach.

This section outlines the core factors to consider when selecting the right learning management system.

What to consider when choosing an LMS
in 2024

Choosing the best learning management system for your business requires careful consideration of various factors. To help you compare different LMS platforms and make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a checklist of key questions you need to ask yourself:

• Who will be using the software, and is it user-friendly for them?
• How many users will need access to the LMS?
• Are you planning to scale your training program in the future, and can the LMS support that growth?
• What type of content will you be delivering?
• What is your budget, and what pricing model works best for you?
• Do you already have an authoring tool, and does it integrate with the LMS?
• What specific metrics or reports do you need the LMS to provide?
• Do you require integrations with other systems, and does the LMS offer those capabilities?
• Is the LMS mobile-friendly, and does it offer a mobile app?
• Are there any additional features you need, such as gamification or single sign-on?
• What level of ongoing technical support does the LMS provider offer?
• What is the implementation process, and what are the associated costs?

These questions serve as an excellent starting point for assessing your needs and choosing the right LMS for your organization.

How to write an LMS RFP

Once you’ve addressed the questions on the checklist, you can use your answers to write your LMS request for proposal (RFP). An RFP serves as a comprehensive document outlining your requirements, desired features, and use cases. Typically, an LMS RFP includes a project summary, an overview of the organizational structure, a proposed budget, deadlines, and other key expectations.

An LMS RFP will help you:

• Define your needs accurately.
• Prioritize essential features based on your requirements.
• Identify critical factors such as budget, deadlines, and user count.
• Streamline your search process amid the multitude of available LMS options.
• Provide LMS vendors with sufficient context to ensure their software aligns with your needs.

Curious to learn more? Check out our free guide to writing an LMS RFP that comes with a ready-to-use template.

How to choose an LMS pricing model

Understanding the pricing model is a key factor in choosing the right LMS for your organization. Like many SaaS products, LMS companies offer different pricing models to suit various needs. Here’s an overview of the standard pricing models you’ll probably encounter during your LMS selection process:

Active users

The active user pricing model is popular among enterprises training internal employees. Charges are based on the number of active users accessing the system within a specific period. However, it’s essential to ensure clarity on whether charges include inactive users to avoid unexpected costs. For example, are ‘registered users’ considered ‘active’ even if they don’t use the LMS for a period of time?

Active monthly users

In this model, enterprises set a maximum number of monthly users and are billed accordingly. Users are considered active if they log in and consume training materials during the month. This model provides flexibility based on fluctuating user numbers.

Unlimited use/Enterprise

The unlimited use or enterprise pricing model offers a flat fee for access to the LMS system by an unlimited number of users. This straightforward approach is particularly suitable for rapidly growing enterprises looking to streamline costs.

Consumption

The consumption model provides a fixed number of course registrations for a set price. Additional licenses can be purchased if the allocated course registrations are filled. This model is often preferred by both B2B and B2C organizations seeking cost-effective scalability.

To determine the best fit for your business, consider taking the LMS for a test drive. Many vendors offer free trials or sandbox environments, allowing your team to explore the software firsthand and assess its suitability. This hands-on approach can provide valuable insights into how the LMS aligns with your organization’s needs and budget constraints.

Final Thoughts

LMSs have become essential tools for businesses of all sizes, offering streamlined training processes and enhanced results. However, choosing the right LMS software from the multitude of options available can be a daunting task. We hope this guide has provided practical insights to help simplify your decision-making process.

If your business needs an all-purpose LMS with powerful analytics, consider taking advantage of a free 30-day trial of iSpring Learn. With access to a full suite of features, you can launch your digital training program efficiently and drive meaningful results right from the start.