The 9 Best Cloud-Based Learning Management Systems (LMSs) for 2024

As EdTech continues to advance, the demand for more robust and flexible learning solutions escalates. That’s especially the case with cloud-based learning management software; it’s more accessible, scalable, and cost-effective than other dated options.

We’ve done our research and tested 20+ cloud-based LMS platforms to see what the eLearning market has to offer. Here’s our rundown of the 9 best cloud-based learning management systems for 2024. Read on to compare different software and choose the one that will work best for your learning and training needs.

Overview

1. What Is a Cloud-Based LMS?
2. What Is the Difference Between a Cloud-Based LMS and On-Premise LMS Platforms?
3. Why Choose a Cloud-Based Learning Management System?
4. The 9 Best Cloud-Based LMS solutions
5. How Do You Choose a Cloud-Based LMS?
6. FAQ on Cloud-Based LMSs
7. Final Thoughts

What Is a Cloud-Based LMS?

A cloud-based learning management system (LMS) is a digital platform that hosts and delivers educational and training content.

It allows users to access training materials, courses, and resources remotely from any location with internet connectivity. This type of LMS offers convenience and flexibility without the need for extensive software installations or server maintenance.

In other words, working with a cloud learning management system is like having your own virtual school or training hub accessible online. You can launch onboarding, employee training programs, online learning and development programs, and more – all in one digital space.

Also read – The Top 12 LMS Features Each Learning Management System Must Have

What Is the Difference Between a Cloud-Based LMS and On-Premise LMS Platforms?

The main difference between a cloud-based LMS and other LMS platforms lies in where they are hosted and how users can access them.

A cloud-based LMS is hosted on remote servers that can be accessed via the internet. Users can log in to the LMS and interact with content through a web browser. Cloud hosting enables convenient remote access from various devices.

An on-premise LMS, on the other hand, is hosted locally on a company’s servers. It requires dedicated IT resources for regular maintenance and updates.

Some LMSs might be self-hosted or hybrid – they present a blend of cloud-based and local hosting. These LMSs offer more control over data but could lead to higher infrastructure costs and limited accessibility.

Why Choose a Cloud-Based Learning Management System?

On top of the regular benefits that LMSs provide, a cloud-based learning management system offers several extra advantages, including: 

• Enhanced accessibility. While on-premise LMSs may be limited to specific physical locations or networks, cloud-based LMSs allow users to access learning materials anytime, anywhere – as long as they have an internet connection. This advantage offers flexibility for learners and trainers by making remote learning and on-the-go training possible.
• Automatic updates and software maintenance. Cloud-based LMSs typically provide regular software updates, maintenance, and security patches automatically. This relieves the burden on your in-house IT teams – each LMS has its own product development and tech support departments that make sure the system remains up-to-date with the latest features and security protocols.
• Scalability. Cloud-based LMS solutions enable easy expansion or reduction of an organization’s resources based on their demand. You can adjust storage space, user capacity, or necessary features without making complex infrastructure changes. This is a great benefit for growing teams or organizations with fluctuating training needs.
• Reduced costs. Most cloud-based learning management systems offer a subscription-based pricing model with a variety of options for different learning needs. You can choose a plan that works for your organization’s budget and avoid added costs associated with on-premise hardware, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Integrations. Cloud-based LMS platforms often integrate easily with other software and tools that boost productivity and optimize workflows. LMS users can access a wide range of complementary apps, plugins, and resources in one centralized location.
• Collaboration. Cloud-based LMSs are perfect for collaborative learning. This is especially important for organizations that hire remote employees or practice hybrid workflows. LMSs offer features like collaborative projects, live chats, and direct messaging to foster team communication and cohesive learning.

Bottom line: Cloud-based learning management systems are robust, efficient, and easily scalable. A cloud-based LMS is a great choice for organizations that want hassle-free access to learning tools and seek cost-effective training solutions.

The 9 Best Cloud-Based LMS Solutions

Here are our 9 choices for the best cloud LMSs on today’s eLearning market. We considered such factors as the platforms’ feature sets, interfaces, available integrations, and quality of customer support.

1. iSpring Learn: The best cloud LMS for comprehensive employee training and development

iSpring Learn is a cloud-based LMS developed by iSpring Solutions, a leading global eLearning software provider. The LMS is hosted by Amazon AWS, which makes it not only reliable in terms of data protection but also crush-proof. iSpring Learn has had zero hours of downtime in 2023. The platform provides anytime-anywhere access to learning materials combined with the ability to take courses, even offline, via the native iSpring Learn app.

The LMS is perfect for teams and organizations that want to leverage robust features and useful integrations to deliver result-oriented training. Every employee or team member can use iSpring Learn to share relevant industry expertise and critical knowledge to propel growth from within the organization.

You can employ iSpring Learn for numerous scenarios: launch employee onboarding, deliver training for specific employee roles, develop partner and customer training, and more. Build clear learning paths, create assessments, track learner progress with automated reports, and choose among diverse ready-made online training materials available in the iSpring Academy.

Thanks to the fact that it’s bundled with iSpring Suite, an AI-powered course building tool, you can create courses and deliver them via the LMS within a single intuitive ecosystem. This puts you in full control of the learning process.

iSpring Learn’s outstanding features

• Bundle offer with a robust course creation tool
• 360-degree performance appraisal
• User-friendly interface to avoid a steep learning curve
• Gamification features to boost learner engagement
• Training certification
• Round-the-clock tech support

iSpring Learn pricing

$3.14 per user/month, billed annually

2. Coassemble: The best cloud LMS for blended and collaborative learning

Coassemble is a centralized cloud-based platform that provides excellent features for those interested in blended learning approaches. The LMS focuses on capabilities that help users combine on-site training and live webinars with online courses. This approach is great for organizations with hybrid workflows.

With a functional interface that’s easy to navigate, Coassemble is great if you want an LMS that provides you with all the functions that are needed to establish a solid learning protocol. It also comes with a built-in authoring tool and a collection of templates for easier course creation.

Coassemble provides an array of features that make it easy to structure training programs, organize learner groups, and set permissions and enrollments. The simple, straightforward approach allows users to do away with tedious manual processes and focus on training efficiency. The tool works best for small and medium sized organizations.

Also read – The 5 Best LMSs for Small Business

Coassemble’s outstanding features

• Templates for quick course building
• Simple data integration into third-party tools
• Convenient report dashboard
• Mobile-compatible course design
• Intuitive asset folders

Coassemble pricing

Pricing is available upon request. 

3. BrainCert 2.0: The best LMS for custom-branded learning

BrainCert is a modern SaaS LMS that best suits organizations seeking customizable while-label training solutions. The platform allows users to build branded courses with adaptive assessments and membership websites, and to create training for any relevant learning goal.

BrainCert also has a built-in virtual classroom for collaborative online learning. Thanks to this feature, users can organize and host training sessions in a convenient digital setting. Interactive whiteboards add to the engaging learner experience and swift communication.

On top of that, BrainCert offers the possibility of selling courses and other digital or even physical products via the platform. While this feature may be unnecessary for some organizations, it will come in handy for those seeking to monetize their training content, diversify revenue streams, or establish an online marketplace for educational materials.

BrainCert’s outstanding features

• Interactive virtual classroom
• Adaptive tests
• Competitive learner leaderboards
• Landing page and website builder
• Integrated marketplace for courses and other assets

BrainCert pricing

Starts at $39 per month billed annually. 

4. Learn Amp: The best cloud LMS for an engaging learning experience

Learn Amp is a cloud platform that combines LMS features with LXP (learning experience platform) functionalities. It focuses on learner engagement and motivation through personalized content suggestions and smart progress tracking.

Learn Amp allows users to create learning pathways with targeted assessments in a clear, structured way. Courses and programs can be organized into “learnlists” – collections of materials relevant to different users and user groups. Intuitive role-based access controls make learning and training management easy and swift.

Integrations with a variety of learning content providers, like Udemy, give learners access to diverse learning materials and training programs. Users can simply browse the content catalog and take the courses they wish. This is a fantastic feature for organizations that have limited in-house training resources.

Learn Amp’s outstanding features

• Personalized content recommendations for learners
• Traffic-light system to track learner activity
• Learning playlists and collections
• Integrations with content providers

Learn Amp pricing

From £17,500 per year.

5. Litmos: The best LMS for the quick deployment of training protocols

Litmos is an easy-to-use, adaptable LMS that boasts a quick software launch and minimal onboarding time. This is an optimal cloud-based solution for organizations that want to swiftly implement a learning platform without extensive training periods and launch learning programs hassle-free.

Litmos offers slick manual task automation, such as course enrollments and notifications. You can also take advantage of its built-in content creation tool to build SCORM-compliant courses for learners. Users can receive points and awards for completing a training program or moving forward along a learning path.

Like several other LMSs, Litmos offers eCommerce capabilities. They allow organizations to monetize their eLearning content with ease.

Litmos’ outstanding features

• Video assessments
• Built-in content marketplace
• Integrated authoring tool
• Custom dashboards

Litmos pricing

Upon request. 

6. TrakStar Learn: The best LMS for empowering HR departments

TrakStar Learn is a cloud-based SaaS LMS that helps L&D experts and HR departments optimize employee training protocols. It provides seamless learning management, learner progress reporting, and facilitates employee upskilling at scale.

TrakStar Learn has all the necessary features that enable you to create targeted learning paths for guaranteed training success. While it doesn’t have a built-in authoring tool to create courses, it offers cross-functionality with various content creation systems like Microsoft Office, YouTube, and Canva.

The LMS also relies on numerous integrations with human resource information systems (HRIS) that empower HR with more control over training in the organization. Personalizing, refining, and delivering training programs to employees becomes even faster and easier.

TrakStar Learn’s outstanding features

• Friendly UI
• Rich assessment functionalities
• Fast customer support
• Detailed reports

TrakStar Learn pricing

Upon request.

7. Bridge LMS: The best LMS for evaluating employee training performance

Bridge LMS is a cloud-based software for smart learning management. It has a mobile app that enables all-device learning and offline access to training content.

With Bridge LMS, you can create and assign tailored training programs with practice modules, assessments, instructor-led sessions, and more. The platform also has a smart feedback mechanism in place; admins can build surveys to evaluate training effectiveness and adjust content to suit learners’ needs.

Deep-dive learner analytics are available to analyze individual trainees’ progress or check such data as a team’s course completion status. It’s a convenient system for comprehensive performance evaluation.

Bridge LMS’s outstanding features

• Off-the-shelf courses
• Smart learning recommendations
• Possibility to work with learners outside the organization
• Native mobile app

Bridge LMS pricing

Upon request.

8. SkyPrep: The best LMS for social learning

SkyPrep is a user-friendly cloud LMS with a solid feature set and a smooth learning curve. It’s easy for both admins and learners to set up and navigate. You can use SkyPrep for all major learning scenarios, from employee onboarding and compliance training to customer training.

The platform is great for organizations that want to increase learner engagement. A simple learner interface is combined with a set of gamification features and feedback channels. Learners can also use message boards to get announcements, interact with the team, or post content they want to share with others. It’s a simple but effective system for keeping users enthusiastic about the learning process.

SkyPrep has a mobile app, so learners can complete courses and assessments from their smartphones.

SkyPrep’s outstanding features

• Gamification and user interactions
• eCommerce functionality
• Built-in authoring tool
• Mobile learning

SkyPrep pricing

Upon request.

9. LearnWorlds: The best LMS for continuous learning

With the LearnWorlds LMS, you can build and deliver slick training programs enriched with audio and video, eBooks, quizzes, self-reflections, and more. It’s a feature-rich platform that supports various learning approaches, from module-based skill training to self-paced learning.

While LearnWorlds’ interface may be more complex than that of other LMSs, it offers various settings, access controls, and insights you can use to adjust and improve your learning protocols. This LMS is best suited for those organizations with a dedicated L&D expert who can commit to mastering the platform and getting the most out of it.

Like several other LMSs on this list, LearnWorlds provides users with the possibility of selling their online courses. You can also build custom mobile apps for branded learning experiences.

LearnWorlds’ outstanding features

• Advanced learning analytics
• Multi-level admin and user roles
• Mobile learning
• Integrated marketplace

LearnWorlds pricing

Starts at €29 per month.

How do you Choose a Cloud-Based LMS?

With so many LMSs available on the market, you might be wondering how to pick the right one. To narrow down the choice and make sure you end up using the best cloud-based learning platform for your unique objectives, answer these questions:

What are your eLearning needs?

Establish your primary goals, whether they are to simplify employee onboarding, launch corporate training, or engage learners in your virtual classrooms. Once you have your needs outlined, see which LMS has the best feature set to satisfy them.

Will you need to scale at some point?

If your team is constantly growing or you have a fluctuating number of learners, choose the LMS that can adapt to your organization’s changing needs. Cloud-based LMSs tend to be very flexible and responsive in this regard, but it’s good to double-check whether you can easily expand storage space and add more seats to the platform.

How user-friendly is the interface?

This factor is more important than you might initially think. If you choose an LMS with an overwhelmingly complex interface, you risk spending too much time on software onboarding. This slows down the implementation process and hampers the efficiency of your team’s learning initiatives. Opt for an intuitive platform for ease of use by both learners and administrators.

Is the LMS customizable?

Look for customization options to align the LMS with your brand. This is especially important if you aim to create a learning experience that integrates corporate branding elements and maintains a cohesive look and feel across training materials.

Is it compatible with mobile learning?

If mobile learning is a possibility you’re after, make sure that the LMS you’re choosing supports it. Go for platforms that have native apps for flexible access to learning materials and an offline learning option.

Does the LMS vendor provide support and training?

A good LMS provider will do everything needed to help you ease into the interface and features gradually through customer support, training resources, and user guides. Ask sales reps about the available tech support options and read online reviews to see if you’ll be properly cared for as a customer.

Does the cost of the LMS fall within your budget?

Consider pricing structures and the potential return on investment (ROI) for the chosen LMS. Besides, think of possible hidden costs that can impact the overall affordability of the software. Such costs can include additional charges for exceeding user limits or for extra features, integrations, or modules.

This list of questions might look like a handful, but you can focus on the ones that matter the most in your case. Request demos or experiment with several LMSs during a trial period; you’ll be able to compare the platforms across the relevant factors and decide on what works best for your organization. 

To get an even more detailed blueprint of the eLearning software selection process, read our article on how to choose an LMS. 

FAQ on Cloud-Based LMSs

Read on to get to-the-point answers to frequently asked questions about cloud-based LMS platforms.

Are cloud-based LMSs easy to set up and use for beginners?

Yes, cloud LMSs typically offer user-friendly interfaces and intuitive setups, although some platforms are targeted toward more advanced users.

Cloud-based LMSs usually come with guided video tutorials, user-friendly dashboards, and detailed instructions to simplify the setup process. Besides, many LMS providers provide customer support and training resources to assist beginners in navigating the platform’s features effectively.

Before you decide to commit to a cloud LMS, be sure to ask for a demo or trial period. You’ll be able to experience firsthand how intuitive the platform is for both administrators and learners.

Is my data secure on a cloud-based learning platform?

Yes, industry-leading LMS providers prioritize data privacy and security. They employ measures such as data encryption, regular security updates, and multi-level access controls. Many modern LMS vendors also comply with industry standards like GDPR or HIPAA strictly to protect sensitive data and make sure no unauthorized parties can access it.

What kind of training content formats are supported by cloud-based LMSs?

The list of supported content formats depends on which LMS you use. However, there are a number of common formats you can work with in pretty much any LMS. They include:

• Text-based documents (PDF, Word)
• Videos (MP4, AVI, etc.)
• Audio files (MP3, WAV, etc.)
• Interactive presentations (HTML5)
• Images and graphics (JPEG, PNG, etc.)
• SCORM and xAPI packages.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the best cloud-based LMS software laid out for you, it’s time to pick the platform that will satisfy all your eLearning needs. And who knows, maybe your chosen LMS can even exceed your expectations!

Take iSpring Learn for a test drive during a 30-day free trial and see how it can enhance your entire approach to learning and employee training.