The 14 Best LMS Platforms & Software 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 over 100 of the most popular LMS options on the market and compiled a list of the 14 top learning management systems. 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

Software features

Learning management systems enable you to store and deliver learning content. However, this is just a bare minimum, and the best software solutions should have a range of certain features that address modern challenges. Here are the features that LMS experts find essential:

• 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: Learning management systems should integrate seamlessly with other systems, such as HR software or third-party tools, to streamline processes and data exchange.

Software innovation

Innovations reshape the way we train and open brand-new opportunities for the even greater effectiveness of online learning. That’s why we believe it’s important that LMS vendors prioritize innovative functions and implement them in their products regularly.

Customer support

Any LMS is a 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 do so as quickly as possible.

Customer reviews

Some things are seen only over time and in actual implementation. That’s why customer 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

The following table shows a quick side-by-side view of all the learning management systems we reviewed. Further on, we provide a detailed analysis of each learning management system (LMS).

1. iSpring Learn LMS

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.7

iSpring Learn is a cloud-based LMS that has powerful functionality but is extremely easy to use. It comes with a built-in course authoring tool, so you can create online courses in minutes. It’s also integrated with iSpring Suite, an advanced authoring toolkit that allows you to create professional interactive courses, quizzes, role-plays, and video tutorials.

iSpring Learn features personalized learning paths, full customization options, strong gamification features, and a native mobile app. As such, it covers the full spectrum of employee training needs. In terms of pricing, it offers a scalable pricing model based on the number of monthly users.

Key features:

• Automated training management workflows
• Detailed reports
• Customized learning paths 
• SCORM compliant
• A native mobile app
• Integrates with Zoom, MS Teams, Salesforce, Bitrix24,
  BambooHR, PeopleWeek, Shopify, and other popular services
• Supervisor dashboards
• News feed
• 360-Degree Performance Appraisal module

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

iSpring Learn is ​​one of the best LMSs for small to medium businesses. It’s a great all-rounder for enterprises looking to create corporate training programs, such as employee onboarding, compliance training, customer education, and soft skills training.

2. Docebo

G2 rating: 4.4

Capterra rating: 4.3

Docebo is a full-featured cloud-based learning platform that is more like an enterprise learning management system. It has 400 integrations and an impressive array of customization features, making it an excellent LMS for large workforces. It also boasts innovative social learning features for creating a learning culture in your organization. The software has a mobile app, so learners can access training materials from anywhere. 

Docebo uses AI-powered technology for virtual coaching, auto-tagging, and content suggestions, making it easier to personalize your employees’ learning experience. AI identifies and tags skills within internal and external content and then recommends content to your workforce based on the skills they want to develop.

Key features:

• Library of automated skills-based training materials from external providers
• Robust customization features
• Native mobile app
• SCORM compliant
• Strong social learning features
• Over 400 third-party integrations
• Custom reports
• Compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA for accessibility

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Thanks to its impressive customization features, Docebo is a popular option for large businesses. The E-commerce with Stripe integration makes it a great software for enterprises wanting to sell subscriptions to their online courses. Since the setup is not as seamless as other learning management systems on this list, it’s best 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 sleek learning management system perfect for training internal employees and external vendors. It boasts top-notch social learning features and plenty of options to create a personalized learning experience. What’s more, it enables custom reporting with high visual appeal. 

Adobe Learning Manager has its own mobile app and offers clients the possibility of creating their own app using Prime API. LMS admin can easily set up recurring training, making it a good option for continuous training and employee onboarding. Plus, the mobile app is intuitive for learners. While it has the capability to manage both internal and external learners, you will need to register a separate Prime account.

Key features:

• Skills management features
• Single Sign-On with SAML 2.0
• Native mobile app
• Supports SCORM 1.2/2004, AICC, and xAPI
• Excellent social learning features
• Integrations with Zoom and Salesforce
• Custom reports and scheduling
• Documented API that enables you to create your own integration apps

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Adobe Learning Manager is good for large businesses looking for an LMS with a user-friendly interface. With some advanced features, this learning management system is a good option for experienced learning and development professionals who want to create experiential learning at scale. However, since there is a strong learning curve with this tool, it’s not a viable option for beginners. Not suitable for academic institutions or E-commerce.

4. TalentLMS

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.7

TalentLMS ticks all the boxes. It boasts an impressive onboarding experience, facilitating a quick setup process. It also comes with some nice features for social learning, gamification, and managing ILT training. With TalentLMS, you can split your account into different branches, creating different branding for each. This is perfect for training internal and external employees.

TalentLMS comes with its own course store called Talent Library, although you’ll need to upgrade your subscription to use this feature. The course store is a platform that showcases online courses by numerous creators, including bespoke courses created by TalentLMS and other well-known, external providers. You can choose to buy individual courses or a bundle of courses from the provider of your choice.

Key features:

• WCAG 2, Section 508 compliant
• Integrations with Zapier and BambooHR
• Built-in quiz and survey builder
• Custom reporting and scheduling
• Native mobile app
• E-commerce features
• Customizable interface that can be separated into branches
• Allows for multiple types of Single Sign-On connections like ADFS, LDAP, Okta, and OneLogin.

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Blended employee training programs, such as onboarding, compliance training, and continuous learning. It has a smooth onboarding program, making it great for short-term projects. While TalentLMS is geared for businesses, it is also suitable for academic institutions. Moreover, it integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, and PayPal for companies wanting to monetize online courses.

5. LearnUpon

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.8

LearnUpon is equipped with a complete set of features, making it one of the top online learning platforms on the market. It works well for businesses looking to build, track, and deliver digital training within their organization. What’s more, the software allows you to create branded digital storefronts for selling online courses.

LearnUpon has a powerful range of customization options for businesses that want to deliver training to multiple audiences. For instance, you can create separate learning portals and customize each one to suit that specific audience.

Key features:

• Strong customization features to segment learners by audience
• Branded digital storefronts
• eCommerce features
• Gamification and certification
• User-friendly mobile app
• SAML2/API Integration
• White labeling 

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

LearnUpon is good for large businesses looking to deliver training to employees, customers, or partners. It covers all of the main requirements for employee training and is ideal for short- or long-term projects. As there are limitations in the user roles, it may not be the best bet for businesses with complex organizational structures or a lot of overlap with roles. It is also not a viable option for businesses with a limited budget.

6. eLeap

Capterra rating: 4.7

eLeap is simple to use and has a great support team. As such, it’s a nice option for those getting started in the world of online learning as it has next to no learning curve. With eLeap, you can create and deliver simple courses to a small audience of users. However, as a lightweight LMS, it does not have the robust functionality needed for larger organizations or academic institutions.

In terms of features, it offers basic social and personalized learning, gamification, and reporting. In addition, there is a good selection of eCommerce options.

Key features:

• Supports SCORM 1.2
• SSO (available only with Okta)
• Built-in authoring tool and quiz maker
• Webhooks and API – integrates with third-party apps
• Certifications
• Graphical reports
• Wide range of out-of-the-box eCommerce features
• Access to a wide range of pre-built courses on a wide range of topics

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

eLeap is good for small businesses looking to move training online for the first time. It would also work well for a small eCommerce business. Due to its limited reporting and user management features, it isn’t ideal for large organizations. Furthermore, since it doesn’t have any webinar integrations, it’s not suitable for blended learning programs.

7. SAP Litmos

G2 rating: 4.2

Capterra rating: 4.2

SAP Litmos is a robust LMS with some powerful features. It’s ideal for both academic and business use, making it a good all-around learning management solution. While some aspects of the platform could benefit from an update, the overall usability is great. The platform comes with a nice mobile app and a wide range of monetization features.

SAP Litmos supports 35 languages and is used in 150 countries, making it a great option for multinational businesses with dispersed workforces. It allows large organizations to collaborate, create, distribute, and track online courses globally while automating time-consuming training tasks.

Key features:

• eCommerce features
• Custom reports and scheduling
• A good range of integrations and add-ons
• Gamification options
• Strong selection of branding options
• Library of off-the-shelf courses

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

SAP Litmos is suitable for conducting employee training and onboarding in companies with more than 150 monthly users. It covers all the bases when it comes to rolling out corporate training at scale. Also, it boasts an intuitive interface for learners and admin, and a full range of sophisticated features for managing learning activities.

8. Moodle

G2 rating: 4.1

Capterra rating: 4.3

Often considered one of the best learning management systems for educational facilities, Moodle is a popular open-source LMS. While it made its start as a learning management system for education, Moodle is highly customizable. As such, many organizations have shaped it to suit their business.

Moodle LMS offers 2 plans; a free self-hosted version and a SaaS version with a monthly fee, depending on the number of users. Moodle’s powerful customization features include a broad selection of plug-ins and graphical themes that allow one to completely overhaul the platform. However, these features are only available in the self-hosted version.

Key features:

• SCORM compliant
• Hundreds of plug-ins and graphical themes
• BigBlueButton integration for webinars
• Google analytics tracking
• Built-in authoring tool
• Interface supports multiple languages

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Moodle LMS is perfect for academic institutions, government organizations, and non-profits looking for powerful software on a budget for their online education. The free version of Moodle offers some of the most sophisticated customization options available. That said, you will need an experienced Admin to take advantage of these features. Even with the wide range of customization possibilities, Moodle doesn’t tick all the necessary boxes for employee training.

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

9. eFront

G2 rating: 4.5

eFront is a multi-purpose LMS with SCORM/xAPI support, eCommerce, and an authoring toolkit. Designed with blue-chip companies in mind, eFront has an impressive list of advanced features, customization options, and security tools. As such, it works for a full range of training scenarios. One of the standout features of this LMS is its potent reporting capabilities. There’s a comprehensive selection of canned reports and the ability to create custom ones.

eFront offers 4 different pricing plans, depending on the number of users. All of the plans include full access to all features, integrations, and courses. There’s also an open-source version for businesses on a budget.

Key features:

• SCORM compliant (​​1.2/xAPI)
• Custom reports
• Mobile app for iOS and Android
• Single sign-on with SAML, LDAP, etc.
• eCommerce
• Self-registration for learners (sign-up via Facebook, Google, etc.)
• Integrations, including Zapier, and OpenSesame
• Plug-in for Salesforce

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

eFront is most suitable for large organizations with over 500 monthly learners. It has the sophisticated functionality needed to build and deliver employee and customer training. Since the initial setup is quite complicated, this LMS is better suited to long-term projects and businesses with a healthy budget. On top of a rich range of features for training, it’s a good option for eCommerce.

10. Absorb

G2 rating: 4.7

Capterra rating: 4.5

Absorb is a cloud-based learning management system for online training. This powerful learning solution is built to scale and boasts a number of blue-chip companies as clients. Absorb has an intuitive interface and a long list of rich features that allow it to deliver engaging training, such as compliance training, employee onboarding, or plugging skills gaps.

Some standout features include a user-friendly mobile app, robust reporting functionality, rich customization tools, and a built-in authoring tool.

Key features:

• xAPI, SCORM, and AICC support
• Custom reporting and scheduling
• eCommerce management
• Plenty of integrations, including integration with Salesforce, Zoom, and bambooHR
• Third-party course library
• Built-in course authoring tool
• SAML2/API Integration
• Certification 

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Absorb is appropriate for large enterprises with sufficient budgets. It is one of the top LMS systems on the market and offers an impressive list of features and a scalable learning solution. From education to non-profits, Absorb does it all. However, due to the high price tag and the sheer volume of advanced features, it’s not suited to beginners or businesses with a hefty budget. Since the initial setup can take time, it’s best for long-term projects.

Also read: 

• The 11 Best HR Tools for Streamlining Your Workflow in 2023
• 17 Key Recruiting Metrics and How to Improve Them with Online Training

11. Nimble

G2 rating: 4.5

Nimble lives up to its name. The initial implementation process is nimble, making it a great option for businesses that want to launch training courses right away. Nimble is a paid LMS that comes with a free course authoring tool. It is user friendly and comes with a nice range of features to get you started. Standout features include the course marketplace and insightful reporting and analytics dashboard. 

Key features:

• Comprehensive reporting and analytics 
• Multi-language support
• A marketplace with a wide range of courses
• Third-party eCommerce integrations
• SAML2/API Integration

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Nimble is one of the best LMS systems for businesses that want to launch training courses quickly. It’s quick to set up and the learning curve is low, meaning you can start training employees right away. Since it lacks some advanced features and integrations, it’s a better fit for smaller organizations that are getting started in the eLearning world.

12. Looop

G2 rating: 4.5

Looop is a relatively new kid on the block. That said, it is quickly earning a name for itself as a flexible and accessible LMS. Looop boasts a vast content library, enabling L&D teams to curate learning tracks of both mandatory and off-the-shelf content. Thus, it automates the employee onboarding and continuous training process.

Looop’s user interface is sleek and easy to use. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of other the best learning management software on this list. Looop has some intriguing features that make it a great fit for staff training. In addition, it offers an adaptive pricing model that scales with your business.

Key features:

• User-centric design
• Plenty of integrations, including APIOffice, CRM, and Salesforce
• Customizable learning tracks
• AI-driven, video-based learner testing
• Insightful engagement and ROI analytics 
• Built-in course builder with free templates
•  SAML2/API Integration

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Looop is geared toward medium to large businesses. The straightforward implementation makes it a great choice for both long- and short-term projects. Looop is not ideal for academic institutions or eCommerce. As a new LMS vendor, it lacks some useful integrations and sophisticated features for corporate learning on a large scale. 

13. Dokeos

Capterra rating: 4.5

Dokeos is a white label learning solution. This flexible learning platform comes with a wide array of customization features so you can adapt it to your brand. 

Dokeos allows you to integrate your own training modules into their library of off-the-shelf course modules. What’s more, the integrated authoring tool comes with a wide range of interactive elements, such as scenario-based quizzes. Dokeos integrates EMA and FDA compliance standards, serving high-consequence industries, such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Key features:

• SCORM compliant
• Mobile app
• Off-the-shelf modules that can be edited and built upon
• Built-in course authoring tool
• Comprehensive analytics 
• eCommerce management
• Integrations for specialty industries such as those that are FDA, EMA, and HIPAA compliant 
• Single sign-on

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

Dokeos is a powerful learning management system that is best suited for organizations that need a validated LMS that meets specialized industry and regulatory needs. With that in mind, Dokeos offers stringent security tools, compliance management features, and customization options. Having said that, it’s flexible enough to suit educational institutions too. As an LMS, Dokeos has plenty of useful features, but the overall user experience is a bit clunky, making it less suitable for a large number of users.

14. SkyPrep

G2 rating: 4.6

Capterra rating: 4.8

SkyPrep is an accessible and scalable LMS for businesses that want to move training online. The software comes with a built-in authoring toolkit so you can create, track, and deliver eLearning throughout your organization. That said, the authoring tool is quite basic and may not cover a full range of training scenarios. 

Nevertheless, SkyPrep is a powerful learning management solution that is suitable for both employee and customer training. With a complete range of features, this all-purpose LMS is a nice option for large enterprises.

Key features:

• SCORM compliant
• Integrated with OpenSesame’s content library
• Custom reports
• Mobile app
• Enables learners to sign in via Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn
• e-Commerce integrations with PayPal, Shopify, and Stripe 
• Supports 19 languages

Pros and cons:

Best suited for:

SkyPrep is appropriate for development programs in small organizations. It’s simple to use, making it an ideal first LMS. Employees and customers can start learning almost immediately, with no complicated setup. The quick learning curve also makes it a great employee onboarding tool. Plus, the in-built content library is a useful tool for businesses that don’t have their own selection of in-house training courses just yet.

LMS Software Buyer’s Guide 

An LMS is a big-ticket item. As such, you will want to do your research before making any decisions. Even experienced L&D professionals can feel overwhelmed with the plethora of online learning management systems that are available. So, take your time and plan.

Rather than asking the question “What’s the best learning management system?”, focus on finding the LMS platform that best suits your specific needs. For instance, some of the top LMS solutions may have an extensive list of advanced features you simply don’t need. Thus, while it may be a great software, it’s probably not the right one for your business. Keeping things simple is usually the best approach.

This section covers the core factors to consider when searching for the right learning management system.

What to consider when choosing an LMS

Choosing the best learning management system for your business is no easy feat. From pricing models to key features to technical standards, there’s a lot to consider. To steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together a checklist of key questions to ask when selecting a learning management system.

Factors to consider when choosing an LMS

• Who will use the software? Is the user experience simple enough for your audience?
• How many people will use the learning management system?
• Do you plan to scale the training program in the future? Can the LMS support this?
• What type of content do you plan to deliver?
• What is your budget? Do you have a preferred pricing model?
• Do you have an authoring tool? Is it compatible with the LMS?
• Are there specific metrics or reports that you want the software to provide?
• What sort of integrations/APIs do you need? Does the LMS integrate with your internal systems?
• Is the LMS mobile friendly? Does it come with a native mobile app?
• Are there any other features you want, e.g., gamification, ILT/blended learning, or single sign-on (SSO)?
• What level of ongoing technical support is available from the LMS provider?
• What is the implementation process and associated cost?

These questions are a great starting point. They will empower you to define your needs and avoid common pitfalls when picking learning management software.

How to write an LMS RFP

Once you have answered the questions in the checklist above, you can use this information to build your LMS request for proposal (RFP). An RFP is essentially a list of requirements, desired features, and use cases. Typically, an LMS RFP will include 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
• Prioritize essential features
• Identify critical factors, such as budget, deadline, and user count
• Narrow down your search in a sea of LMSs
• Provide vendors with enough context to ensure the software covers your needs

Want to know more? Our dedicated guide on writing an LMS RFP comes complete with a ready-to-use template.

How to choose an LMS pricing model

As you saw in the checklist above, choosing a pricing model is an important part of the decision-making process. Like the majority of SaaS products, LMS vendors often offer different pricing models. Understanding these pricing models and identifying the best one for you will make it much easier to pick a learning management platform.

Here is a roundup of the standard pricing models you can expect to see:

Active users

This is the most popular pricing model for enterprises training internal employees. An active user is defined as any employee who is actively using the system. Under this pricing model, active users will have access to the LMS system for a specific period of time. Some LMS vendors will also charge for inactive users too, so it’s important to clarify this before purchasing.

Active monthly users

This pricing model asks enterprises to set a maximum number of monthly users and bills based on this number. If your organization goes over this number, you are charged extra. An active user is defined as one who logs in to the learning management system and consumes online training materials.

Unlimited use/Enterprise

An unlimited pricing model is the most straightforward option. It offers a set price for your enterprise to have unlimited access to the LMS system by an unlimited number of users. This is a common pricing model for rapidly growing enterprises.

Consumption

This pricing model offers a set number of course registrations for a fixed price. When an employee registers for a course, this counts toward your consumption total. If your business uses up its set quantity of course registrations, it can purchase additional licenses. This is a popular pricing method for B2B and B2C organizations.

The best way to know if an LMS is the right fit for your business is to take it for a test drive. Most LMS vendors offer a free trial or the opportunity to try the learning management system in a sandbox environment. This gives your team a chance to get a feel for the LMS software.

Final Thoughts

LMSs have become one of the most sought-after corporate tools. From small businesses to multinational organizations, right learning management system can streamline the training process and boost results. With so many options on the market, finding the best learning management system to suit your organization’s needs isn’t easy. We hope this guide helps you with the decision-making process.

If your business is looking for an all-purpose LMS with powerful analytics, then why not request a free 30-day trial of iSpring Learn today? With access to a full range of features, you can kick-start your digital training program right away.