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Thinkific and LearnDash are online course creation platforms, both with their own unique features. To determine which is the best option for you, you must first understand your needs and expectations. In this blog we will compare Thinkific vs Learndash from different aspects.
Thinkific is an easy-to-use platform especially for beginners. It offers a large number of pre-built templates and allows you to quickly create courses. It also offers a host of useful features such as its easy-to-use interface, customizable features, and marketing tools. However, Thinkific’s more limited features may not be enough for some users.
LearnDash, on the other hand, is a more advanced platform designed specifically for corporate clients and corporate trainers.
Pricing Models
Thinkific offers a free plan and they have different plans with higher specs. The basic plan is $49/month and has extensive features, but you must use the platform’s branding. The Pro plan is $99/month and offers customization options. The business plan is $279/month and offers additional features, customization options, and a team account. The Enterprise plan offers a custom plan with a customer specific price.
Learndash’s pricing model includes a one-time pay-to-use entitlement. The Personal plan costs $199 and includes a site installation. The developer plan is $369 and includes unlimited site installs. They also offer different levels of special offers based on the number of students and customization.
Both platforms offer more expensive plans with higher specs. However, Thinkific offers a monthly subscription model, while Learndash requires you to pay once. To decide which platform’s pricing model suits you best, you need to consider your needs and budget.
Features and Interface
Features:
• Thinkific primarily offers educational materials such as video, audio, text and PDF files. It also offers quizzes, tasks, and forums.
• Learndash offers more advanced features such as quizzes, tasks, live sessions, forums and customizable digital credentials.
Interface:
• Thinkific has an easy to use drag and drop interface. Users can easily edit their courses, add and customize their materials.
• Learndash has a more advanced interface and more customization options. For example, it offers features such as customizable certifications and course progress reports.
Overall, Thinkific has a simpler interface and is user-friendly. You can easily create courses using drag and drop tools. On the other hand, Learndash has more advanced features and more customization options. Therefore, it is more suitable for institutions and larger training programs. Your decision may vary depending on your needs and expectations.
Educational Materials
Thinkific and Learndash offer differences in educational materials. Here is a comparative view between these two platforms in terms of educational materials:
Thinking:
• Offers a variety of educational materials, including video, audio, text and PDF files.
• The course creation process is simple and user-friendly thanks to drag and drop tools.
• You can add customized quizzes, tasks, and surveys.
• It offers the feature of sending a private message to a selected student between courses.
• Offers fully customizable designs.
Learndash:
• Offers different features such as quizzes, tasks, forums and live sessions among course materials.
• Offers advanced learning tools, for example, a dedicated panel to monitor and report on students’ progress.
• You can offer lessons in several languages.
• Offers advanced corporate features, for example, allowing institutions to customize their training materials and add their own logos and colors.
• Offers an exam system that tracks student progress.
There are differences between the two platforms in terms of educational materials. While Thinkific focuses on more traditional educational materials such as video, audio, text and PDF files, Learndash offers more advanced learning tools. For example, it offers live sessions, private forums, and advanced reporting tools. To determine which platform is best for you, you need to evaluate your own learning needs and compare the features they offer.
Thinkific vs Learndash Comparison Table
| Integrations | Thinkific | Learndash |
| E-commerce platforms | Shopify, WooCommerce, SamCart, Gumroad, ThriveCart, SendOwl | WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, MemberPress, SamCart, WP Simple Pay |
| Email marketing tools | Mailchimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, AWeber, Constant Contact | Mailchimp, ConvertKit, AWeber, Drip, GetResponse, ActiveCampaign |
| Community platforms | Slack, Facebook, Disqus | BuddyPress, bbPress, Slack |
| Video conferencing tools | Zoom, WebinarJam, Demio | Zoom, BigBlueButton, GoToMeeting, Adobe Connect |
| Payment | PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, Braintree, 2Checkout, Apple Pay | PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, 2Checkout, WooCommerce |
| Analysis and reporting tools | Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Segment, Intercom, Zapier | Google Analytics, Tin Canny, WP Courseware, LearnDash Visual Reports |
| CRM Tools | Salesforce, HubSpot, Infusionsoft, Zoho CRM, PipeDrive | Salesforce, HubSpot, Infusionsoft, Zoho CRM, Agile CRM |
| Other | Zapier, Typeform, SurveyMonkey, Intercom, SumoMe, Zapier | Zapier, LearnDash Course Grid, WP Fusion, WP Courseware |
As can be seen, both platforms offer a lot of integrations. Thinkific can integrate with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, SamCart, and SendOwl, while Learndash can integrate with WordPress-based e-commerce platforms like MemberPress and WP Simple Pay. Both platforms can integrate with popular email marketing tools, but Thinkific can integrate with community platforms like Slack and Disqus, while Learndash can integrate with community platforms like BuddyPress and bbPress.
Thinkific can integrate with video conferencing tools such as Zoom, WebinarJam, and Demio, while Learndash can integrate with video conferencing tools such as Zoom, BigBlueButton, GoToMeeting, and Adobe Connect. Both platforms can integrate with popular payment processors such as PayPal, Stripe and Authorize.Net.
Both platforms can integrate with popular analytics and reporting tools like Google Analytics and Zapier. Thinkific can integrate with popular CRM tools like Salesforce and HubSpot, while Learndash can integrate with popular CRM tools like Salesforce and HubSpot.
Customer Support
1. Thinkific Customer Support: Thinkific offers 24/7 email and live chat support at all subscription levels. It also offers priority support for Professional and higher subscriptions. Thinkific also offers frequently asked questions, video tutorials, and a community forum in its support center.
2. Learndash Customer Support: Learndash changes the level of support depending on your plan. The lowest tier Basic plan offers email only support, while the Plus and Pro plans offer faster support options. Also, Learndash offers a knowledge base and help documents.
Comparison: Thinkific offers 24/7 live chat and email support on all plans, and is particularly helpful with Professional and higher subscriptions, which also offer priority support. Additionally, Thinkific’s support center offers additional resources such as a community forum and frequently asked questions. Learndash offers email only support on the lowest tier subscription plan, while faster support options are available on higher tier subscriptions. Also, Learndash’s knowledge base and help documents are helpful, but Thinkific doesn’t have a resource like a community forum.
As a result, Thinkific offers a wider range of customer support options, but Learndash’s higher plans offer faster support options. To determine which platform is right for you, you may need to compare your needs and support levels.
Thinkific and LearnDash are both platforms with powerful features and benefits. To decide which one is best for you, you need to consider functionality, pricing, customization options, and support offering. You can choose one of two platforms to create digital credentials. If you want to see other comparisons, you can read Thinkific vs Kajabi blog too.
