1 million+ businesses helped, Get advice
Home

/

Learning Management System Software

Updated January 27, 2025 at 10:02 AM

Best Learning Management System Software of 2025

image of Brian Westfall

Written by Brian Westfall

Associate Principal Analyst

image of Parul Sharma

Edited by Parul Sharma

Editor

image of Ryan Eschenburg

Reviewed by Ryan Eschenburg

Senior Advisor

Software Advice offers objective, independent research and verified user reviews. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee.

How Software Advice ensures transparency

Software Advice lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Users can talk to our advisors for free to receive software recommendations matching their needs. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to reach users interested in their products.

How Software Advice verifies reviews

Software Advice carefully verified over 2 million reviews to bring you authentic software experiences from real users. Our human moderators verify that reviewers are real people and that reviews are authentic. They use leading tech to analyze text quality and to detect plagiarism and generative AI.

Independent research methodology

Researchers at Software Advice use a mix of verified reviews, independent research, and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. While we may earn a referral fee when you visit a provider through our links or talk to an advisor, this has no influence on our research or methodology.

Advisor Card CTA Image

Talk with us for a free 15-min consultation

On this page
  • Overview
  • Top Software
  • Popular Comparisons
  • All Software Options
  • Buyers Guide
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Learning management systems (LMS) help businesses or academic institutions create, administer, and report on education courses and programs. In the last year alone, we analyzed data from almost 3,000 LMS buyers who spoke with our advisors and from over 9,000 verified LMS user reviews to identify products rated highest for usability, value, functionality, and customer support. Our LMS software advisors can help match your needs with the right product, drawing from more than 800 learning management system vendors available on our site.

How We Selected This Software List

  • 811 Products Evaluated
  • 9,403 Verified Reviews Analyzed
  • 2,981 Conversations With Buyers

Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information, verified user reviews, and advisor conversations with buyers. We did not consider client status when selecting products in this list. Get a software list tailored to your industry and business needs in 15 minutes.

Best LMS Software for 2025

Absorb LMS

: Highest Rated

Tovuti

: Best for Small Business (1 to 499 users)

Cornerstone LMS

: Best for Enterprises (500 plus users)

Moodle

: Best for the Healthcare/Medical Segment

CANVAS

: Best for Education

Thinkific

: Best Free

TalentLMS

: Most Affordable

LinkedIn Learning

: Best for Ease of Use

360Learning

: Best for Customer Service

Docebo

: Best for Course Management

Highest Rated

Absorb LMS
Product screenshot
Pros:
Customization options
Implementation process
Cons:
System bugs and crashes
Course navigation
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Our analysis finds that Absorb LMS has the highest rating among the most popular learning management systems.

Who should use this:

Absorb LMS is geared toward organizations committed to employee training, upskilling, and reskilling. The tool allows businesses to create engaging learning courses with a focus on improving productivity and regulatory compliance.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “The new releases enable us to incorporate more active learning and engagement into our courses, and our relationship with our CSM is critically helpful in building our offering of educational courses for healthcare professionals.”

    Daniel Layton

    Professional Education Program Manager

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed verified 286 user reviews for Absorb LMS to find out what actual users really think.

    User-friendly LMS
    Users appreciate Absorb LMS for its ease of use and intuitive navigation. They find the platform's features, such as forums and curriculums, to be comprehensive and beneficial for various training needs. Additionally, the customization options allow them to tailor the LMS to meet the specific requirements of different stakeholders, enhancing overall efficiency and engagement.

    Course management
    Reviewers find Absorb LMS effective for course creation and content delivery, appreciating the ease of designing custom content and rolling out training courses. They also value the platform's ability to handle eLearning, webinars, and lesson organization. However, some users note that editing courses can be time-consuming, and the course display interface could be more visually appealing and easier to navigate.

    Support team
    Users consistently praise Absorb LMS for its prompt and helpful support team, noting responsiveness and willingness to assist with any issues. They find the implementation support team particularly valuable for the guidance it provides through each step of the process to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Key Features
    Absorb LMS's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.50

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.56

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.63

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

Best for Small Business (1 to 499 users)

Tovuti
Product screenshot
Pros:
Learning management system
Interactive content options
Cons:
Admin side usability
Learning curve
Pricing:
Starting at $775.00 per month
Why we chose this:

Among the most popular LMS tools, Tovuti is the most requested by small businesses.

Who should use this:

Small businesses can benefit from the tool’s LMS features that simplify course creation and management, such as pre-built courses on sales, marketing, and safety standards. Tovuti incorporates AI capabilities that are meant to help users generate courses in seconds.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “The variety of content development options allows for an engaging learner experience.”

    Susan Ray

    Learning Innovator

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed 99 verified user reviews for Tovuti to find out what actual users really think.

    Course creation and management
    Users appreciate that the platform allows for unlimited course creation, enabling them to produce multiple courses without difficulty. Additionally, users highlight the ease of learning and understanding the software, with teams quickly mastering it and building courses within days.

    Training management
    Reviewers find Tovuti beneficial for conducting online training, which helps grow employees' skillsets and improve cultural understanding. They appreciate the platform's user-friendly design, making it suitable for beginners and enhancing the overall training experience across their companies.

    Navigation
    Users find the system navigation assistance helpful, guiding them through processes from start to finish. However, some users experience difficulties with confusing navigation and the need to jump between pages frequently to achieve desired outcomes, which can be frustrating.

  • Key Features
    Tovuti's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.50

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.78

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.53

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

Best for Enterprises (500 plus users)

Cornerstone LMS
Product screenshot
Pros:
Quarterly updates
Customization options
Cons:
Complexity of administration
Inefficient workflow
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Cornerstone is highly rated among enterprise learning management tools.

Who should use this:

Cornerstone offers a range of features that make it well-suited for large enterprises with demanding needs, including instructor-led classes, advanced training management, succession planning, and gamification. It also delivers personalized development planning, which can help businesses better understand their users by allowing them to create personalized growth opportunities.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Cornerstone LMS is excellent for managing and delivering online learning content, especially with multiple learning audiences. as the platform is highly customizable to meet the needs of different specific audiences. The reporting and analytics features are robust.”

    Ben Elijah

    FRSA, Owner

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 223 verified user reviews for Cornerstone LMS to find out what actual users really think.

    Learning management system
    Users appreciate Cornerstone LMS for its curriculum creation capabilities and flexibility. They find the performance and learning modules to be particularly effective. Additionally, the online learning library and the addition of new features, such as AI-driven recommendations, are valued by users for enhancing their learning and development initiatives.

    Usability and customization
    Reviewers highlight Cornerstone LMS's customization options, which cater to various business needs and training purposes. They find the platform easy to learn and navigate, even for those with no prior LMS experience, and appreciate the strong client support and resources provided.

    Reporting module
    Users find Cornerstone LMS's reporting functionality to be a strong feature, with many appreciating the ease of running reports. They particularly like the Reporting 2.0 module and the consistent updates that enhance its capabilities. However, some users experience confusion with the reporting system, finding it clunky and overwhelming, and note limitations in creating custom reports and the basic nature of some reporting features.

  • Key Features
    Cornerstone LMS's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.33

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.34

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.19

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

Best for the Healthcare/Medical Segment

Moodle
Product screenshot
Pros:
Collaboration features
Customization options
Cons:
Frequent technical problems
Slow performance
Pricing:
Starting at $130.00 per year
Why we chose this:

Among the learning management systems with the highest market demand, Moodle is the most requested by users from the healthcare industry.

Who should use this:

Moodle is a free and open source LMS, which makes it popular with service-based organizations, such as schools and charities. Its integration with more than 2,000 other applications allows users to streamline training and onboarding, making it well-suited for users in the healthcare sector. For its educational and academic users, Moodle provides a gradebook and assignment calendar.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Moodle's open-source design gives us great flexibility to customise and adapt the platform to meet our university's specific needs and teaching methods.”

    Haley Lenz

    Data Analyst

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 3,332 verified user reviews for Moodle to find out what actual users really think.

    Learning management
    Users find Moodle to be an effective learning management system. They highlight its versatility in supporting various learning formats, including remote, blended, and self-paced learning. Additionally, users value the tool’s knowledge base and interactive tools that facilitate both academic and professional training.

    Student portal
    Reviewers appreciate Moodle's customization options and ease of access. They find it convenient to access learning materials, track student progress, and communicate through the platform. Users also praise the student portal for its ability to centralize important information, making it easier for students to manage their academic activities and for educators to monitor and support their progress.

    Online assessments
    Users appreciate Moodle's features for conducting online tests and assessments, including the ability to track grades and manage various assessment methods. They find the grading system and grade tracking useful for both students and educators. However, some users report technical difficulties and issues with the user interface, which can lead to problems during quizzes and exams, such as grade calculation errors and confusing navigation.

  • Key Features
    Moodle's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.23

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.49

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.42

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

Best for Education

CANVAS
Product screenshot
Pros:
Course organization
Grading and feedback system
Cons:
Technical glitches
Slow loading times
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

Our analysis found that, among the most popular LMS products, CANVAS is the most requested LMS by users in the education sector.

Who should use this:

CANVAS was developed with educational institutions in mind, catering to K-12 schools, universities, and government training centers. Training providers can build custom course catalogs with CANVAS and integrate the app with certification systems. The CANVAS mobile app is useful for organizations that offer remote learning courses, as it enables students and instructors to connect from anywhere.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Canvas has some nice features you'd expect in an LMS, intuitive class and teacher structures, scheduling, notifications, and smartphone app.”

    Douglas Wright

    Sales enablement program manager

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 4,201 verified user reviews for CANVAS to find out what actual users really think.

    Student engagement
    Users appreciate how CANVAS’s ability to improve student engagement. They find the resource availability and classroom management features particularly helpful for organizing and accessing course materials. Additionally, the platform's ability to facilitate teacher-student communication is highly valued by both educators and students.

    Learning management
    Reviewers find CANVAS to be user-friendly and customizable. They find that learners benefit from the self-paced learning environment and the library of tutorials and guides available, which make it easy to navigate and utilize the platform. Furthermore, the interactive learning tools contribute to an engaging learning experience.

    Grade management
    Users appreciate CANVAS for its grading and feedback system, which allows them to track grades and receive detailed comments on assignments. They particularly like the “what-if” grade scenarios and the gradebook tab, which help them manage their academic progress effectively. However, some users report issues with glitches in grade display and calculation errors, which can lead to confusion and frustration.

  • Key Features
    CANVAS's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.56

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.56

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.51

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

Best Free

Thinkific
Product screenshot
Pros:
Course creation speed
Free plan availability
Cons:
Pricing
Course builder
Pricing:
Starting at $49.00 per month
Why we chose this:

Among the most popular learning management systems, Thinkific is the highest rated tool with a free plan.

Who should use this:

Thinkific is aimed at developers and entrepreneurs who want to create online courses to sell. The app provides a way for professionals to monetize their expertise. Authors and speakers in education will find opportunities with Thinkific, as they can scale their presence by creating online courses. Educators of all levels can also use Thinkific to develop course curricula.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “There were plenty of templates and training modules for absolute novices to set up their school easily.”

    Soma Datta

    Founder and Lead Educator

    Used for 6-12 months

    We analyzed 185 verified user reviews for Thinkific to find out what actual users really think.

    Course creation
    Users find Thinkific's course creation features useful, particularly the ease of setup. They appreciate the platform's ability to host multiple courses and the availability of a free trial option, which allows them to test and refine their content without initial costs. Additionally, reviewers highlight the professional course creation tools and content creation resources that enable them to design and customize courses.

    Course management
    Reviewers commend Thinkific for its course management capabilities, emphasizing the convenience of integrated payment methods. They value the platform's ability to facilitate immediate payments and the design of access portals, which streamline the administrative process. Users also appreciate the inclusion of quizzes and administrative functions that support both students and teachers, enhancing the overall learning experience.

    Customer support
    Users have mixed experiences with Thinkific's customer support, with many praising the support team for being helpful and quick to resolve issues. However, some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the AI bot support and overall service quality, noting that their experience deteriorates when they switch to lower plans or encounter more complex issues.

  • Key Features
    Thinkific's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.80

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.57

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.38

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

Most Affordable

TalentLMS
Product screenshot
Pros:
Course creation
Reporting and analytics
Cons:
Integration issues
System bugs
Pricing:
Starting at $109.00 per month
Why we chose this:

In our analysis of LMS products with the highest market demand, TalentLMS was the most popular offering with the lowest-priced paid plan.

Who should use this:

Small and midsize businesses might find TalentLMS to be a full-featured yet affordable option. HR teams can leverage the tool to create various training programs, from new employee orientation to annual compliance refreshers. Sales personnel can use TalentLMS to upskill their staff or create product training videos. Nonprofit organizations can use TalentLMS free of charge after providing the appropriate documentation.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Talent LMS is a great help for uplifting your employees professionally and cross training them on different sets of skills and track their performances.”

    Aniruddha Tapkire

    Operations Support

    Used for 6-12 months

    We analyzed 541 verified user reviews for TalentLMS to find out what actual users really think.

    Employee training
    Users find TalentLMS to be a valuable tool for managing and conducting employee training programs. They appreciate its ability to organize and facilitate training sessions, making it easier to upskill employees and track their performance.

    Learning management
    Reviewers highlight the comprehensive features and affordability of TalentLMS. They find it easy to get started with, and they appreciate the robust support and mobile-friendly design. Many reviewers say they have compared various LMS platforms and concluded that TalentLMS offers a good value, combining essential features with a reasonable pricing structure.

    User experience
    Users generally find TalentLMS user-friendly and intuitive, praising its clean interface and ease of use for both administrators and end-users. They appreciate the excellent support and the platform's compliance with various regulations. However, some users encounter challenges with the admin UX, such as difficulty in switching roles and the limitations of the SSO feature, which can be cumbersome for organizations with fewer users.

  • Key Features
    TalentLMS's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.65

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.60

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.54

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4

Best for Ease of Use

Product screenshot
Pros:
Accessible free features
Free trial availability
Cons:
Limited non-English content
Expensive for small businesses
Pricing:
Pricing available upon request
Why we chose this:

LinkedIn Learning showed the highest-rating for ease of use out of the LMS tools with the highest market demand.

Who should use this:

Course creators can use LinkedIn Learning to promote their classes to LinkedIn’s large user base. The platform supports videos, tests, PDF attachments, and more learning materials. Creators can sell their courses to individual learners or earn a royalty based on their engagement metrics. Instructors with a strong social media following can monetize their learning content with one of these two options.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “In truth, any online platform that manages to hold their student and get them from start to finish has already done a good job, and I feel that Linkedin Learning manages to do that and provide perks on top of it.”

    Rafael Grigoleti

    Analyst

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 116 verified user reviews for LinkedIn Learning to find out what actual users really think.

    Learning development
    Learners using LinkedIn Learning find it to be a valuable tool for developing new skills. They appreciate the diverse range of learning content available, which makes it enjoyable to explore and pick out new topics. Additionally, the platform offers classes for every level, allowing users to learn at their own pace and convenience.

    Course quality
    Reviewers who have completed courses on LinkedIn Learning mention its high-quality instructors who are experts in their fields. Learners also appreciate the high quality of the courses available, especially those covering various business subjects.

    Course variety
    Users commend the impressive breadth of topics available on LinkedIn Learning, which continues to expand. They find the course content engaging and comprehensive, covering a wide array of subjects. However, some users note that certain courses can become outdated.

  • Key Features
    LinkedIn Learning's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.63

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.55

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.40

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0

Best for Customer Service

360Learning
Product screenshot
Pros:
Content creation tools
Customer support
Cons:
User motivation
Customization features
Pricing:
Starting at $8.00 per month
Why we chose this:

Our analysis showed 360Learning to have the highest rating for customer service, out of the most popular LMS products.

Who should use this:

Organizations that are using a formal LMS for the first time may want to consider 360Learning. Its web-based interface is intended to be simple, allowing users to create interactive training sessions with a drag-and-drop designer.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “We've been expanding what we use it for and now have a huge array of training materials available to the majority of our teams, and with 360 we're able to constantly expand our offerings and push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of L&D. So excited to see what all the new AI developments will add to my experience as an administrator but also to the experience of our learners.”

    Cyan Jordan

    Global Learning and Development Lead

    Used for 2+ years

    We analyzed 409 verified user reviews for 360Learning to find out what actual users really think.

    Learning and training
    Users appreciate how 360Learning facilitates employee training and onboarding. They find the collaborative and social learning features particularly beneficial, as they allow for real-time interaction and engagement among learners and instructors.

    Course creation
    Reviewers highlight the ease of course creation with 360Learning, noting its wide range of features for designing, delivering, and managing training courses. They find the platform intuitive and appreciate the ability to create content quickly. The availability of various training materials and the support for digital learning projects further contribute to the success of their course creation initiatives.

    User management
    Users find 360Learning's user management features practical and intuitive, especially the filtering via labels and ease of user access. They appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of the administration tools, which make managing user accounts straightforward. However, some users mention that the home page organization can be complicated, and the platform's architecture and vocabulary can sometimes be confusing, making it challenging for new users to navigate.

  • Key Features
    360Learning's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.59

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.63

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.57

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4

Best for Course Management

Docebo
Product screenshot
Pros:
Learning management
Customization options
Cons:
Feature bugs
Pricing model
Pricing:
Starting at $25000.00 per year
Why we chose this:

An analysis of reviews on our site found Docebo to be the most popular product that was also the most requested LMS by users seeking course management.

Who should use this:

Organizations that conduct regular compliance training, such as banks or healthcare providers, can leverage Docebo’s generative AI features, which are built to aid in creating and deploying courses. Docebo also offers a customer learning module, which is helpful for businesses with both internal and external training needs.

  • Reviewers Perspective

    “Outstanding support by implementation team, able to manage three distinct and separate training programs on one platform (Customer, Partner, Internal), Intuitive interface for Admins”

    Bill Adkins

    Sr Training and Development Specialist

    Used for 1-2 years

    We analyzed 214 verified user reviews for Docebo to find out what actual users really think.

    Support team
    Users appreciate the support provided by Docebo's implementation team, helping them manage multiple training programs on a single platform. They find the customer support team to be responsive and helpful, always ensuring the highest level of satisfaction and resolving issues quickly. Reviewers also highlight the robust documentation and the proactive assistance from the support team, which contributes to a smooth and successful implementation process.

    Customizations and integrations
    Reviewers find Docebo's learning management system (LMS) to be user-friendly and customizable, making it easy to manage and tailor it to specific needs. Users also commend the fast API integration, which allows seamless connectivity with other systems and enables real-time courseware customization and extended reporting capabilities.

    User administration
    Users find the administration interface of Docebo to be intuitive and user-friendly, with enough flexibility to meet their needs. They appreciate the simplicity and power of the user management tools, as well as the quick integration with other systems. However, some users struggle with the complexity of the admin menus and find the admin functionality lacking, while new users often face challenges in understanding how the platform works.

  • Key Features
    Docebo's score
    Category average

    Content Management

    4.20

    4.54 category average

    Course Management

    4.41

    4.54 category average

    Learner Portal

    4.54

    4.54 category average

  • Screenshots
    0
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

More Learning Management System Software Options

Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS
FrontRunner 2025

Absorb Software is an AI-powered learning management system (LMS) provider for all learners inside and outside an enterprise, across industries globally. Purpose-built for an engaging, personalized learner experience and efficient administration, Absorb LM...Read more about Absorb LMS

95

recommendations

DigitalChalk
DigitalChalk

DigitalChalk is the LMS you want and the PARTNER you deserve. We are the LMS you want. We offer a full-featured LMS that industry experts such as Brandon Hall and Talented Learning consistently rank among the best in the industry. We give you everything y...Read more about DigitalChalk

49

recommendations

Microcasting
Microcasting

Microcasting’s eLearning Customer Engagement Platform helps businesses get the attention of prospects and customers and keep them engaged throughout the course lifecycle. It is a platform that helps businesses create individualized learning experiences t...Read more about Microcasting

5.0

(3 reviews)

37

recommendations

Workleap
Workleap

Didacte is the perfect solution for companies who are looking to increase their employees' productivity and grow their business. Our tool is especially useful for SMBs with 50 to 500 employees. With Didacte, it's easy to scale your business. You don't ne...Read more about Workleap

29

recommendations

Constructor
Constructor

Constructor is a digital ecosystem for education and research. Our active learning platform connects, integrates, simplifies learning, and automates processes for educators, researchers, administrators, lifelong and young learners. Our mission is to transf...Read more about Constructor

4.8

(4 reviews)

26

recommendations

1
2345
...
35

Buyer's Guide

This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right learning management software for you and your business.

Last Updated on February 04, 2025

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What you need to know about LMS software

What is a learning management system?

Essential features of LMS software

Benefits and competitive advantages of using LMS software

How to choose the best LMS software for your business

Software related to LMS

More resources for your LMS journey

What you need to know about LMS software

Learning management system (LMS) software helps organizations deliver digital learning courses to students, employees, customers, or other stakeholders. Used by both K-12 and higher education institutions to teach students, LMS systems are also popular in industries that require workers to stay on top of important certifications, such as manufacturing and healthcare.

With over 800 vendors on our site and more than 9,000 product reviews published in the past year alone, the LMS market offers a wide array of options for organizations of different shapes and sizes. But how do you find the right LMS for your needs?

Firstly, buyers need to budget for the cost of an LMS. For a more advanced system with hundreds of users, organizations can spend upwards of $6,000 per month, while an entry-level system for a small number of users can cost as little as $2 per month. [1] Many vendors also offer free versions of their products. 

But, buyers also need to consider a number of other factors during their LMS purchase, such as features, integrations, useability, and support. Some critical questions to answer as you consult with stakeholders and evaluate different systems are:

  • Do we already have learning content, or do we need tools to create content?

  • Can the system track the different learning activities we offer, both online and offline?

  • What features can we take advantage of to better engage our learners?

  • Can the software integrate with our other HR or school administration systems?

  • What level of support does the vendor offer, and at what cost?

Because there are so many options, choosing the right LMS can be a long and daunting process. In this guide, you’ll learn about the essential components of LMS software and get step-by-step guidance on how to choose the right solution for your organization. To help, we’ll tap into the expertise of two of our software advisors, Ryan Eschenburg and Daniel Harvey, who together have been helping buyers find the right LMS software for over 15 years. If you’re ready, you can schedule a consultation with them or any of our other advisors right now.

What is a learning management system?

Learning management system software, or LMS software, helps organizations better manage their learning programs. Whether you’re a business trying to train employees or a school or university trying to teach students, an LMS is the ideal tool to create, administer, and monitor the effectiveness of your digital learning courses.

Common features of LMS software include content authoring, course management, proficiency testing, and certification management. In addition to delivering engaging learning content, LMS software can also help trainers or teachers track learner progress and leverage data-driven insights to improve their courses over time.

Essential features of LMS software

While LMS software for businesses and LMS software for schools have some specifics that set them apart, they also share a lot of the same functionality. You’ll find core features, such as course management and assessments, in every LMS on the market. Other features, such as content management and blended learning support, are quite common as well. 

Based on an analysis of thousands of reviews, here are the essential features of LMS software. [2]

Core LMS features

Course management

Create, organize, and assign courses to users. 89% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Course tracking

Track which courses each user has completed. 83% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Tests/assessments

Create and administer tests to measure retention of learning material. 75% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Common LMS features

Content management

Store and manage various learning content for distribution and archiving. 91% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Learner portal

Users can access materials and communicate with instructors via their online profile. 90% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Training management

Track employee or other learner progression through training programs. 87% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Progress tracking

Generate reports detailing how users are progressing through a single course or a set of courses. 81% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Asynchronous learning

Supports flexible learning at different times (i.e., learners can access course materials at their own pace). 71% of our reviewers rate this feature as critical or highly important.

Assessment management

Manage and update a database of assessment or testing materials.

Blended learning

Supports curriculums that combine in-person classes with online or virtual courses.

Certification & licensing

Track the certification or licensing requirements of learners, employees, or stakeholders

Content library

Store and search for all types of learning content and assets.

Gamification

Add game-like elements to encourage participation and reward accomplishments.

Learning paths/tracks

Personalize the order in which different learning courses are taken and completed.

Mobile learning

Gives learners the option to read materials and complete courses on phones or tablets.

SCORM compliance

Works with courses designed using the SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) technical standard.

Synchronous learning

Manage real-time experiences where participants engage in learning activities simultaneously.

User management

Manage user accounts, profiles, roles, permissions, and other details.

According to Harvey, a lot of buyers also look for “some type of timed element” that requires learners to be in a section of a learning course for a set amount of time before they can move on to another section. This ensures learners can’t just skip through a course quickly without learning the material.

Benefits and competitive advantages of using LMS software

Having employees with the right skills is critical to succeeding as a business. In a Gartner survey, 57% of HR leaders said skills shortages were undermining their ability to sustain corporate performance. [3] Businesses need better tools to upskill their employees and prepare them to face new and more complex challenges. 

When buyers call us looking for LMS software, a majority of them (56%) are using manual methods or no methods at all to deliver training courses. [4] An LMS offers clear benefits here, as it allows companies to deliver their employee training more efficiently and effectively.

Eschenburg adds that an LMS allows businesses to offer more “on-demand type training” that doesn’t require instructors and trainees to be together in a room at the same time—allowing for more flexibility.

In addition, reviewers say having LMS software has other benefits, including:

  • Bringing learning into the digital age: Digitizing course materials ensures increased scalability and efficiency on the administration side (no more printing out hundreds of tests and reading materials each week!) and makes the courses more interactive and engaging for learners.

  • Improved collaboration and knowledge sharing: Teaching or training staff can use course authoring tools to align more closely on learning content, while social learning features like forums and user-generated content allow learners to contribute their own thoughts or knowledge more seamlessly.

  • Better insights and learning personalization: Analytics features allow administrators to see more clearly which learners are struggling across different courses, allowing them to customize a learning path to bring learners up to speed. 

Integrating an LMS with other software has advantages, too. For example, if a business integrates its LMS with a performance management system, it can use performance metrics and reviews to recommend specific training courses to employees to improve upskilling initiatives.

How to choose the best LMS software for your business

Step 1: Define your requirements

We surveyed 3,500 software buyers for Software Advice’s 2025 Tech Trends Survey, and found that the most common thing regretful software buyers would do to avoid regret on their next purchase is to define their goals and desired outcomes more clearly. [5]  

Meeting with stakeholders and outlining your specific needs at the outset is critical, as it will guide you toward the system that aligns with your present operational demands and supports your long-term goals. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Understand the total cost of LMS software

While the cost to license the software is the biggest component baked into the LMS price, it’s not the only one. Other factors that can impact the cost of LMS software include:

  • The number of users you have

  • The features you require

  • How much storage you need

  • Implementation or data migration costs

  • The level of technical support offered

For context, the average budget of the LMS buyers our advisors have spoken to in the past year is $2,434 per month. Here’s a chart of how this breaks down for some common LMS buying industries:

Average-budget

Focus on important features

LMS platforms often have a lot of functionality, some of which you might not even need or want. Before you invest in a system that’s too complex and expensive for your needs, work with stakeholders to home in on the features that matter most. Here are some examples:

  • Heavily regulated industries that require workers to keep up with their certifications should prioritize features that can remind employees when certifications need to be renewed and track when they’re completed.

  • Companies looking to upskill their employees and teach them high-productivity strategies should look at social learning and gamification features to incentivize them to use the system more than necessary. Mobile learning features are also important for this group.

  • Schools looking to improve quizzing and testing administration should consider assessment features, anti-cheating measures, and reporting capabilities.

Be aware of potential LMS challenges

Implementing an LMS has several benefits, but there are also some challenges. According to reviewers, some of the most common challenges with LMS software include uploading large files, getting courses to display correctly on different types of devices, and setting the right filters to generate accurate reports.

Knowing these are common issues, you can consider them when researching products or talking to vendors. You can also start looking into workarounds (like using a compression tool on those larger files).

Plan around your integration needs

Depending on what type of buyer you are, you may want to integrate your new LMS with existing software systems.

If you’re a part of the school authority, you may have a student information system that houses grades, attendance, and other important data. Integrating the tool with your LMS is critical to getting a full picture of a student’s performance.

Businesses can also consider a few possible integrations. If you have compliance software that tracks worker certifications, you’ll need to pull certification data from your LMS. Integrating your LMS with a performance management system can tie training progress to performance goals. And an integration with your collaboration software can make your LMS more prominent and accessible to employees during their day-to-day. 

Leverage the knowledge of your IT department and keep your integration needs top-of-mind when weighing your options.

Step 2: Make your LMS software shortlist

With over 800 different LMS options to choose from on Software Advice alone, it can be daunting to make a shortlist of options that fit your needs and budget. But with the right resources and support, it doesn’t have to be.

Get qualified help from an advisor

At Software Advice, our advisors, like Ryan Eschenburg and Daniel Harvey, have experience helping hundreds of schools and businesses identify LMS solutions that match their needs and budgets.

If you need help, you can either schedule a phone call with an advisor or chat online with one right now. In just a few minutes, your advisor will help you identify a shortlist of LMS options that best align with your requirements.

Explore our list of LMS FrontRunners

If you’re not ready to speak to an advisor, or simply want to do the research yourself, we recommend checking out our LMS FrontRunners report. Only products that are rated highly by verified users qualify to make this list, so you can use it to get an idea of what the most sought-after LMS products are on the market.

Step 3: Pick your best option

Once you have your shortlist finalized, it’s time to talk to vendors, schedule demos, and take advantage of free trials. Here are some tips to draw benefits at this stage.

Have actual users attend demos and use the software

Ease of use is a critical factor in software adoption, and no one will understand how easy a system is to use than an actual user. So, if you have an employee or learner on hand who can take the time to attend demos and get their hands on different products during the free trial period, take advantage of it.

Ask the right questions

Vendors use demos as an opportunity to show their products in the best light possible. To truly understand if an LMS is worthwhile or not though, you need to ask vendors important questions like: 

  • What security features do you have in place to protect our data?

  • What kind of customer support do you offer during implementation and afterward?

  • How often do you update your LMS software and what updates are you planning for your next release?

  • What kinds of pre-made training content assets do you offer? And, is there a cost to using them?

  • How do the analytics and reporting functions work?

Eschenburg says the pre-made content aspect is especially important, as some vendors may not offer certain types of courses, or may only provide them through a partner.

Don’t dawdle

We find that most successful buyers (57%) take three months or less to evaluate software options, while most regretful buyers (54%) take five months or more. While it’s important to gather all the information you need and give each product a fair shake, you’re more likely to make a bad purchase if you wait or can’t make up your mind.

Once you’ve done your due diligence, make a purchase decision quickly.

To help you keep track of how vendors answered questions and how you can rate your different options, check out our ultimate software vendor evaluation guide.

Step 4: Make the most of your LMS software

Once you’ve made your LMS purchase, you’ll begin the implementation process. Whether you’re switching from one LMS to another or going from manual methods to your first digital system, here are some important considerations you’ll want to pay attention to during this process:

  • Data migration: If you have existing training courses, you need to ensure they’re in the right format to work with your new LMS. The most common formats for LMS courses are SCORM, AICC, and xAPI—of which, we prefer xAPI.

  • Training: Once you have the new system in place, you’ll want to make sure both your instructors and your learners fully understand how to use it. If possible, lean on your new LMS provider to run staff training sessions and provide training materials. Be aware that this will take some time, so plan on holding multiple training sessions and refresher courses until everyone feels confident.

  • Marketing: As weird as it sounds, new software needs to be marketed internally—especially when it’s first implemented. Schedule regular emails to inform learners about the new system's benefits and what kinds of courses they can take. If users constantly bring up the same issues, talk to your vendor immediately to see if they can be remedied to avoid user dropoff.

For more information, read our five critical steps to a successful software implementation.

Software related to LMS

Depending on which LMS you choose, you may need to supplement some features with related software systems to provide the best learning experience. Some types of software that are closely related to LMS, but may or may not be included in your LMS system, include:

  • Course creation software: These are tools specific to creating engaging learning courses that can then be delivered through an LMS.

  • Learning content management system (LCMS): Geared toward learning content developers and designers, an LCMS is a software platform where learning content can be stored and managed.

  • Mobile LMS software: These are LMS platforms built solely with the mobile user experience in mind.

  • School management software: School management software goes beyond LMS functionality to help school administrators with day-to-day operations.

  • Talent management software: These are more comprehensive HR software suites that usually include LMS functionality alongside other applications to manage, engage, and develop employees.

  • Employee training software: Employee training software includes LMS tools and other platforms that can help with training employees.

More resources for your LMS journey


About our contributors

Author

Brian Westfall is an associate principal analyst at Software Advice, covering human resources, with a focus on recruiting, talent management, and employee engagement. Over the past decade, Brian’s research on the intersection of talent and technology has been featured in Bloomberg, Fortune, SHRM, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal. Brian’s research and analysis is informed by more than 250,000 authentic user reviews on Software Advice and over 20,000 interactions between Software Advice software advisors and HR software buyers. Brian also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of HR leaders and practitioners so he can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services.

Editor

Parul Sharma is a content editor at Software Advice with expertise in curating content for various niches, including SaaS, digital marketing, and search engine optimization. With over half a decade of experience in content writing and editing, Parul has the expertise to simplify complex terms into engaging, valuable content for targeted audiences. She completed her graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Delhi University and was awarded the Dr. Asha Sahni Memorial Award for being the highest scorer in her graduating class.

Parul has contributed to the news, lifestyle, education, and health verticle of DNA India, India’s premier media channel. Outside of work, she can be found curating healthy recipes, coloring in mandala books, and spending quality time with her family.

Advisors

Ryan Eschenburg is a senior advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2014, and he is based in Austin, TX.

Ryan works directly with small-business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking HR and learning management software through one-to-one conversations and provides a short list of potential matches. 

His favorite part of being a software advisor is helping buyers ease their stress and save time during their software search.

Daniel Harvey is a software advisor. He joined Software Advisor in 2015, and he is based in Austin, TX. Daniel works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking HR and learning management software through one-to-one conversations and provides a short list of potential matches. His favorite part of being a software advisor is providing insight and information to individuals who are typically very busy and crunched on resources and time.


Sources

  1. Software Advice software pricing data: Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of the production date, are included in the pricing analysis. Read the complete methodology.

  2. Software Advice reviews data: Software Advice reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. Read the complete methodology.

  3. Market Guide for Corporate Learning Technologies, Gartner

  4. Software Advice advisor call notes: Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Software Advice’s advisor team had with small-to-midsize businesses seeking LMS software. For this report, we analyzed phone interactions from the past year as of the production date. Read the complete methodology.

  5. Software Advice’s 2025 Tech Trends Survey was conducted online in August 2024 among 3,500 respondents in the U.S. (n=700), U.K. (n=350), Canada (n=350), Australia (n=350), France (n=350), India (n=350), Germany (n=350), Brazil (n=350), and Japan (n=350), at businesses across multiple industries and company sizes (five or more employees). The survey was designed to understand the timeline, organizational challenges, adoption & budget, vendor research behaviors, ROI expectations and satisfaction levels for software buyers. Respondents were screened to ensure their involvement in business software purchasing decisions.

Your Guide to Top Learning Management System Software, January 2025

At Software Advice we recognize there are many ways to research and discover the right technology for your needs. Our FrontRunners report provides a data-driven assessment of products in a particular software category to determine which ones offer the best Usability and Customer Satisfaction for small businesses. To create FrontRunners, we consider only recent, published user reviews for individual software products in order to score on two primary dimensions: Usability on the x-axis and Customer Satisfaction on the y-axis. Read the full methodology here.

Learning Management System FAQs

  • What are the three major types of learning management systems?

    The three major types of learning management systems are cloud-based LMS, on-premise LMS, and open-source LMS. These systems are deployed in different ways: cloud-based LMSs are deployed through a web browser, on-premise LMSs are deployed and downloaded on local hardware, and open-source LMSs are deployed through customizable source code.

  • What is an example of an LMS?

    Some examples of an LMS are Absorb LMS (the LMS rated most highly out of the most popular tools), TalentLMS (the most affordable option among the most popular tools), and LinkedIn Learning (the LMS rated the best for ease of use out of the most popular LMS tools).

  • What is the difference between LMS and MIS?

    While a learning management system (LMS) focuses on delivering learning courses to students or employees, a management information system (MIS) helps with the administration of a school or business at large. Another name for an MIS in the education sector is school management software.

  • What is an enterprise learning management system?

    An enterprise learning management system is an LMS designed for businesses. It helps them deliver, track, and report on employee training courses. Enterprise learning management systems often have unique features that help businesses, such as integrations with performance management software.

  • What is an effective learning management system?

    An effective learning management system is one that gives learners a ton of flexibility with how they consume learning content, and gives instructors a ton of options to create engaging learning experiences. It also provides administrators with helpful data visualizations so they can improve learning outcomes over time.

Related Learning Management System Software