Best Learning Management Systems (In-Depth Comparison)

What is the Best Learning Management System?

In the ever-evolving industry of online education and digital content, choosing an LMS from our best learning management systems list could help you tremendously! can be a game-changer for educators, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike. Whether you’re a seasoned educator looking to expand your reach or a new entrepreneur eager to share your knowledge, selecting the right platform can make a significant difference in how effectively you deliver your content and engage with your audience.

In this blog, we’ll be exploring some of the best learning management systems available today. We’ll break down their pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision based on your unique needs and goals. We’ll also explain the importance of distributing digital certificates to your students so you will be even more educated about the full process. From platforms with extensive reach and built-in marketing to those offering robust customization and community-building features, you’ll find a variety of options to fit different teaching styles and business models.

Let’s dive into the details of each platform to see how they stack up against each other!

Udemy

Udemy Pros

• Large User Base: Udemy has millions of active users, giving creators access to a wide audience.
• Built-in Marketing: Udemy helps promote courses through its platform, offering instructors exposure without additional marketing efforts.
• Ease of Use: Its platform is user-friendly and requires little technical setup.
• Low Barrier to Entry: Anyone can create and sell a course without upfront costs.

Udemy Cons

• Revenue Share: Udemy takes a significant percentage of the revenue, particularly when students enroll through its promotions or marketing campaigns.
• Limited Pricing Control: Instructors have less flexibility with pricing, especially during site-wide discounts.
• Course Ownership: Udemy has control over the student base, meaning instructors don’t own the contact information of their students.

Udemy Pricing

• Udemy pricing structure is simple, it’s free to join and create courses. However, Udemy takes a cut from the revenue:
• 50% revenue share on organic sales.
• 97% revenue share on sales driven by your marketing efforts.

Read more on Sertifier Blog: How To Send Udemy Certifications With Sertifier

Skillshare

Skillshare Pros

• Community-Driven: Skillshare’s platform fosters a vibrant community of learners and creators, encouraging interaction and engagement.
• Subscription Model: Offers a steady stream of income through a subscription-based model, where instructors earn based on the number of minutes watched.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface for creators and students, making setting up and managing courses easy.

Skillshare Cons

• Revenue Share: Instructors earn based on the number of minutes watched by subscribers, which can be less predictable and lower compared to fixed course sales.
• Limited Control: Less control over pricing and promotional strategies since the platform manages these aspects.
• Less Visibility for New Instructors: New creators may find it challenging to gain visibility among established instructors.

Skillshare Pricing

• Free to Join: No upfront costs to create courses.
• Earnings: Instructors are paid based on the number of minutes watched by Skillshare members, with payments made monthly.

Read more on Sertifier Blog: How to Send Skillshare Certificates with Sertifier

Teachable

Teachable Pros

• Customizable Course Pages: Offers extensive customization options for creating unique and professional course pages.
• Integrated Marketing Tools: Includes built-in tools for affiliate marketing, email campaigns, and sales pages.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface that simplifies course creation and management.

Teachable Cons

• Transaction Fees: Standard plans include transaction fees on course sales, which can impact earnings.
• Limited Features on Basic Plan: Some advanced features are only available on higher-tier plans, which can be costly.
• Support Issues: Users have reported varying levels of customer support responsiveness.

Teachable Pricing

• Basic Plan: Starts at $39/month, with a 5% transaction fee.
• Pro Plan: $119/month, with no transaction fees and additional features.
• Business Plan: $299/month, includes advanced features and priority support.

Podia

Podia Pros

• All-in-One Platform: Provides tools for creating and selling courses, memberships, and digital downloads in one place.
• No Transaction Fees: Offers a straightforward pricing model with no transaction fees on sales.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface designed for simplicity and efficiency.

Podia Cons

• Limited Customization: Customization options for course pages and marketing materials are less extensive than other platforms.
• Fewer Integrations: We may have fewer third-party integrations compared to other platforms.
• Basic Analytics: Reporting and analytics features are more basic, which might be limiting for advanced needs.

Podia Pricing

• Legend Plan: $179/month, includes advanced features and priority support.
• Mover Plan: $39/month, includes course creation and digital downloads with no transaction fees.
• Shaker Plan: $89/month, adds membership sites and additional features like webinars.

Kajabi

Kajabi Pros

• Comprehensive Tools: Provides an all-in-one solution with tools for course creation, website building, email marketing, and sales funnels.
• High Customizability: Offers extensive customization options for course content, marketing, and design.
• Robust Analytics: Advanced reporting and analytics to track performance and optimize strategies.

Kajabi Cons

• High Price Point: Higher cost compared to many other platforms, which might be prohibitive for smaller creators or startups.
• Learning Curve: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming and may require a steeper learning curve.
• Limited Features on Lower Plans: Some advanced features are only available on higher-tier plans.

Kajabi Pricing

• Basic Plan: $149/month, includes essential tools and limited features.
• Growth Plan: $199/month, adds more advanced features and customization options.
• Pro Plan: $399/month, includes all features, advanced integrations, and priority support.

Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks Pros

• Community Focus: Excellent for building and engaging paid communities with features designed for interaction and member engagement.
• Customizable Branding: Offers robust branding options to create a unique community experience.
• Integrated Features: Includes tools for courses, memberships, and events all within the same platform.

Mighty Networks Cons

• Higher Learning Curve: The platform can be complex to set up and manage, especially for those new to community-building.
• Limited Built-In Marketing Tools: Fewer marketing and sales tools compared to more comprehensive platforms like Kajabi.
• Higher Cost for Full Features: Some advanced features and larger community options can be costly.

Mighty Networks Pricing

• Community Plan: $33/month, includes basic community features and limited customization.
• Business Plan: $99/month, adds more advanced features, including course creation and integrations.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for larger organizations with advanced needs and support.

Simplero

Simplero Pros

• All-in-One Solution: Integrates course creation, marketing automation, and customer management into a single platform.
• Advanced Automation: Provides robust tools for marketing automation and managing customer journeys.
• Comprehensive Support: Offers a range of support options, including dedicated account management for higher plans.

Simplero Cons

• High Price Point: Higher cost compared to many competitors, which may be a barrier for smaller creators or businesses.
• Complex Setup: The extensive feature set can make the platform complex to set up and use effectively.
• Limited Customization on Lower Plans: Advanced features and deeper customization are restricted to higher-tier plans.

Simplero Pricing

• Essential Plan: $79/month, includes basic course creation and automation tools.
• Advanced Plan: $159/month, adds more advanced features and integrations.
• Pro Plan: $279/month, includes full access to all features and premium support.

LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds Networks Pros

• Granular Customizability: Offers extensive options for customizing course content, design, and learner experiences.
• Interactive Features: Includes interactive elements like quizzes, assignments, and video interactions to enhance learning.
• Advanced Analytics: Provides detailed insights into student progress and engagement.

LearnWorlds Networks Cons

• Learning Curve: The wealth of customization options can be overwhelming and may require time to master.
• Higher Cost for Advanced Features: Many advanced features are only available on higher-tier plans.
• Basic Support on Lower Plans: Support options can be limited to more basic plans.

LearnWorlds Networks Pricing

• Starter Plan: $29/month, includes basic course creation and design features.
• Pro Trainer Plan: $99/month, adds advanced features and analytics.
• Learning Center Plan: $299/month, includes full access to all features and priority support.

PathwrightPathwright

Pathwright Pros

• Action-Oriented Design: Focuses on creating action-oriented learning experiences with structured learning paths and modules.
• Flexible Course Building: Offers a range of tools for creating interactive and engaging course content.
• Student Progress Tracking: Provides detailed tracking of student progress and performance.

Pathwright Cons

• Limited Customization: Customization options for course design and branding are more limited compared to some competitors.
• Higher Learning Curve: The platform’s focus on structured learning paths may require additional time to set up and optimize.
• Cost for Full Features: Access to advanced features and customization options can be costly.

Pathwright Pricing

• Essential Plan: $99/month, includes basic features and access to core tools.
• Professional Plan: $199/month, adds more advanced features and customization options.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for larger organizations with extensive needs and support.

Thinkific

Thinkific Pros

• User-Friendly: The intuitive interface makes it easy to create and manage courses, even for beginners.
• Flexible Pricing: Offers a range of pricing plans to fit different needs and budgets.
• Comprehensive Features: Includes a wide range of features for course creation, marketing, and student engagement.

Thinkific Cons

• Transaction Fees on Lower Plans: The lower-tier plans include transaction fees on course sales.
• Limited Advanced Features on Basic Plans: Some advanced features and integrations are only available on higher-tier plans.
• Support Can Be Slow: Customer support may be slower compared to other platforms, particularly on lower plans.

Thinkific Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/month, includes basic features with transaction fees.
• Basic Plan: $39/month, includes additional features and reduced transaction fees.
• Pro Plan: $79/month, adds advanced features and more customization options.
• Premier Plan: $399/month, includes all features and priority support.

Skilljar

Skilljar Pros

• Enterprise Focused: Designed primarily for businesses and large organizations offering customer training, employee onboarding, or certification programs.
• Seamless Integrations: Integrates well with various CRM systems, including Salesforce, to streamline business operations and user management.
• Advanced Analytics: Provides in-depth reporting and analytics to track learner performance and engagement.

Skilljar Cons

• High Cost: Pricing is on the higher end, which may not be suitable for smaller creators or startups.
• Steeper Learning Curve: The platform’s wide range of features may require more time to set up and fully optimize.
• Limited Flexibility for Small Creators: Tailored more for corporate training, so it may not be the best option for independent course creators.

Skilljar Pricing

• Custom Pricing: Skilljar doesn’t have publicly listed pricing, and plans are customized based on the business needs. You’ll need to contact them for a quote.

TrainerCentral

TrainerCentral Pros

• All-in-One Solution: Provides tools for course creation, live sessions, assessments, and marketing, all in one platform.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and set up, making it accessible for creators of all experience levels.
• Integrated Payment Gateway: Supports multiple payment options, simplifying transactions for global customers.

TrainerCentral Cons

• Limited Customization: Customization options for course pages and branding are not as robust compared to some other platforms.
• Fewer Advanced Features: May lack some of the more advanced marketing and automation tools found on premium platforms like Kajabi or Simplero.
• Limited Analytics: Analytics and reporting tools are more basic, which may not be sufficient for creators looking for in-depth data.

TrainerCentral Pricing

• Basic Plan: $16/month, includes essential tools for course creation and live sessions.
• Pro Plan: $54/month, adds more advanced features like assessments and custom branding.
• Business Plan: $144/month, includes full access to all features, including advanced integrations and support.

Learnifier

Learnifier Pros

• Focus on Corporate Training: Designed primarily for businesses and organizations looking to offer employee training, onboarding, and certifications.
• Customizable Learning Experiences: Offers flexible course structures with multimedia content options to create tailored learning journeys.
• Collaborative Tools: Includes features like group projects and discussions to foster collaboration among learners.

Learnifier Cons

• Higher Pricing: Geared towards enterprise users, Learnifier may be more expensive for smaller course creators or individual educators.
• Limited Third-Party Integrations: Does not offer as many integrations with external tools compared to other platforms like Teachable or Kajabi.
• Steeper Learning Curve: Some users may find the setup process more complex due to its wide range of features.

Learnifier Pricing

• Custom Pricing: Learnifier doesn’t have standard publicly listed prices, and packages are customized based on organizational needs. Contact them for a tailored quote.

nquisiq LMS

Inquisiq Pros

• SCORM-Compliant: Supports SCORM content, making it compatible with a wide range of eLearning modules.
• Workflow Automation: Streamlines course delivery with automation features to manage tasks like course enrollment and completion tracking.
• Flexible Customization: Allows for detailed customization of user profiles, groups, and course layouts, giving creators a high level of control.
• Gamification Features: Helps improve learner engagement with built-in gamification options.

Inquisiq Cons

• Complex Interface: Some users may find the interface slightly challenging to navigate due to its many features.
• Limited Third-Party Integrations: While it supports common APIs, integration options are not as extensive as platforms like Kajabi or Teachable.
• Not Ideal for Solo Creators: Primarily targeted at businesses, making it less suitable for individual course creators or small businesses.

Inquisiq Pricing

• Custom pricing based on organizational needs and usage volume. Generally, it’s considered affordable compared to other enterprise-level LMS options.

MemberVault

MemberVault Pros

• Engagement-Focused: Offers gamification and engagement tools to enhance student interaction, including quizzes, rewards, and points-based systems.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed with ease of use in mind, making it simple for creators to upload and manage their courses.
• Free Plan Available: Provides a free tier, allowing new creators to get started without upfront costs.
• No Transaction Fees: Unlike some platforms, MemberVault doesn’t take a cut of your sales, allowing you to keep more profit.
• List Building: Built-in list-building tools help you engage your audience directly and promote upsells.

MemberVault Cons

• Limited Customization: Offers fewer customization options for branding and design compared to some other platforms like Kajabi or Teachable.
• Not Ideal for Larger Enterprises: While great for solopreneurs and small businesses, it may not scale as well for larger companies with extensive course offerings.
• Basic Analytics: Reporting features are not as advanced as those offered by other platforms focused on in-depth data.

MemberVault Pricing

• Free Plan: Available for up to 100 users, making it great for new creators.
• Base Plan: $19/month for up to 400 users.
• Growth Plan: $59/month for up to 2,500 users, with additional features and support.

LearnUpon

LearnUpon Pros

• Enterprise-Grade LMS: Built specifically for businesses, LearnUpon supports customer training, employee onboarding, and partner certification, making it a popular choice for corporate training.
• Robust Integrations: Seamlessly integrates with a wide range of tools, including CRMs like Salesforce, and provides support for APIs to fit into larger tech stacks.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive platform that allows admins to create, distribute, and track learning content efficiently.
• Advanced Reporting: Offers extensive analytics and reporting features to track learner progress, compliance, and engagement.
• Multi-Tenant Capabilities: Supports multiple training portals, enabling businesses to create distinct environments for different audiences or departments.

LearnUpon Cons

• High Pricing for Smaller Businesses: LearnUpon’s enterprise-focused pricing model may be too costly for smaller businesses or individual course creators.
• Limited Customization: While it offers robust features for training, customization options for branding and user experience are somewhat limited compared to other platforms like LearnWorlds or Thinkific.
• Complex Setup for Beginners: Some users report that it takes time to fully set up the platform and optimize its features for specific training needs.

LearnUpon Pricing

• Custom Pricing: LearnUpon offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to enterprise needs, with quotes available upon request.

SkyPrep

SkyPrep Pros

• Easy to Use: Known for its user-friendly interface, making it simple for administrators and learners to navigate and manage courses.
• Customization Options: Offers a range of customization options, allowing businesses to brand their learning environment with their own logos, colors, and designs.
• Robust Reporting: Provides in-depth analytics and reporting tools, allowing businesses to track learner progress and measure the effectiveness of training programs.
• SCORM and xAPI Support: Fully supports SCORM and xAPI content, making it compatible with a wide variety of eLearning modules.
• Automated Certifications: Automates certification processes, making it easier for businesses to manage compliance training and certification renewals.

SkyPrep Cons

• Limited Integrations: Compared to other enterprise-grade LMS platforms, SkyPrep has fewer integration options, which could be limiting for businesses with complex tech stacks.
• Costly for Smaller Businesses: While SkyPrep is feature-rich, its pricing model may be less accessible for smaller companies or individual course creators.
• Basic Gamification: Lacks advanced gamification features found in some other LMS platforms, which may be a drawback for those looking to boost learner engagement through interactive elements.

SkyPrep Pricing

• Custom Pricing: SkyPrep offers various pricing plans tailored to different business sizes and needs. Pricing is typically available on request.

Conclusion: Which is the best online course platform For You?

Selecting the best online course platform depends on your specific needs, goals, and budget. Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer vast audiences and built-in marketing but come with revenue-sharing models. In contrast, Teachable and Podia provide more customization and no transaction fees, ideal for independent creators.

For those looking for comprehensive solutions, Kajabi and Simplero integrate marketing and course management but at a higher cost. Ultimately, the right choice will align with your teaching style and business objectives, allowing you to effectively engage your audience and deliver quality educational experiences.