5 Top-Rated Free Learning Management Systems

Learning and development providers often find managing educational content and monitoring user progress time-consuming. A learning management system can simplify these tasks, efficiently managing and delivering online educational programs while tracking learner progress.

If you want to try out the tool before investing, we suggest you start with a free trial or free version to assess the software's fit for your needs.

To simplify your software search, this article highlights, in alphabetical order, five top-rated free learning management systems based on verified user reviews.

All featured products offer a free trial, a forever free version, or both. They are dedicated learning management systems and include course management, course tracking, and tests as core features.

We selected products for this article based on their average ratings between June 2022 and June 2024, which may differ from their current overall average ratings.

1. Absorb LMS

Absorb LMS offers all of its features in the free trial. This tool includes generative AI capabilities that automatically research the defined course topics, create a structure, and generate the courses, saving your time and resources. Absorb LMS features an ‘Intelligent Assist’ tool that leverages the natural language processing technology to fulfill user requests. For example, you can ask the tool to generate a report on a test result and it will automatically generate the report and present it on your screen.

Free trial features*:

• Mobile app: Allow your employees or students to access training materials, track progress, and interact with peers and instructors via smartphone. The app supports offline content access, real-time notifications for updates, and seamless integration with the desktop version. 

• eCommerce portal: The portal allows you to set up course catalogs, manage pricing, and process payments to sell your courses. It also supports promotions, coupons, and multiple payment methods to enhance sales and allows for easy tracking of transactions and enrollments.

• Content library: Get access to a vast selection of pre-built courses covering diverse topics such as compliance, safety, and professional development. This resource enhances learning experiences with various delivery methods (online tutorials, live webinars, and self-paced modules) and interactive elements (quizzes, simulations, and discussion forums) suited to different learning styles. 

Cost to upgrade: Available upon request from vendor

Customer support options: Knowledge base, chat, and emails

Absorb LMS

4.5 out of 5 stars

324 reviews

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2. Learning Lab

Learning Lab is a no-code learning platform offering a free 14-day trial. It features a drag-and-drop interface that enables you to design, customize, and manage e-learning courses without any programming skills. This platform gives you complete control over layout, colors, and features, making it adaptable to your business needs. It also includes an authoring tool that supports creating various interactive and engaging educational content, from page-based courses to quizzes, without needing coding expertise.

Free trial features*:

• Gamification: Introduce game-like elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards to boost engagement and learning outcomes. Employees or students can achieve goals, earn rewards, and compare their progress on leaderboards, making training more interactive and enjoyable.

• Webinars: Host live, interactive sessions directly within the platform. You can conduct real-time training, workshops, and presentations, engaging participants with tools such as Q&A, polls, and chat functions. 

• Chat and forum: Facilitate real-time and asynchronous communication among learners to enhance interaction and foster community building. You can engage in discussions, share insights, and ask questions, creating a collaborative learning environment.

Cost to upgrade: $1399.15* per month

Billing cycle: Monthly

*Converted from CHF to USD on June 11, 2024, using xe.com

Customer support options: Inquiry via web form

Learning Lab

4.9 out of 5 stars

48 reviews

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3. Thinkific

Thinkific offers both a free version and a free trial. The free version includes limited functionalities of the tool while the free trial offers all the features for 30 days. You can use Thinkific to build and engage with your audience in a shared online learning space. This feature enables seamless integration with your courses, providing interactive tools, such as @mentions, notifications, and discussion threads to foster collaboration and connection. Additionally, Thinkific offers tools to track community activity and monetize access, enhancing the learning experience and business growth opportunities.

Free features*:

• Digital downloads: Offer downloadable content such as PDFs, videos, and audio files alongside your courses. You can sell these downloads as standalone products or include them as part of your training materials.

• Live events: Host and manage live sessions directly within the platform. You can easily schedule and deliver webinars, workshops, and live classes, engaging with your learners in real time. 

• Reporting and analytics: Get detailed insights into your courses and learners. You can track progress, engagement, and completion rates to understand how your content performs and identify areas for improvement. This feature also allows you to monitor sales and student demographics.

Free trial features*:

• Drag-and-drop course builder: Create and organize your courses by adding, moving, and arranging course elements, such as videos, quizzes, and text blocks with simple drag-and-drop actions. This feature simplifies course creation, making it accessible even if you have no technical background.

• Website builder: Design and customize a website to market your courses and digital downloads without coding skills. You can select themes, customize layouts, and add your branding elements using a simple drag-and-drop interface. 

• Member profile: Allow community members to create their custom profiles. The profile can include their name, photo, company, professional title, and timezone. It personalizes the learning experience, facilitates connections among learners, and enhances community engagement by allowing members to recognize and interact with one another.

Cost to upgrade: $36 per month

Billing cycle: Monthly

Customer support options: Emails and chatbot

Thinkific

4.4 out of 5 stars

204 reviews

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4. Vedubox

Vedubox offers a free trial of the tool which includes all the functionalities. You can use this tool to conduct training and test the learners virtually. It includes a question pool and supports different exam formats, including multiple-choice, open-ended, and true/false that you can use to create tests. The tool instantly evaluates the tests and generates exam reports. It further allows you to track the users’ progress and engagement with detailed training reports.

Free trial features*:

• Certification: Create and distribute personalized certificates for courses, workshops, or training events. You can customize certificates using ready-made templates or upload your own designs. 

• Online proctoring: Prevent cheating by using the tool’s advanced AI feature to monitor and control student behavior during tests. You can conduct secure, credible exams from anywhere, enhancing the reliability of the assessment process. 

• Mentoring appointments: Schedule personalized one-on-one sessions between trainers and learners. These appointments are facilitated through video conferencing and offer direct, tailored guidance to meet individual learning needs.

Cost to upgrade: $324 ($1.62 per user per month)

Billing cycle: Monthly

Customer support options: Knowledge base, emails, chat, and phone support

Vedubox

4.9 out of 5 stars

27 reviews

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5. Workleap LMS

Workleap LMS allows you to try the tool for 14 days with its free trial and helps you build, manage, and monitor employee training programs. This tool lets you design learning paths to guide employees through their training. Additionally, it includes requalification management features, allowing you to set course due dates and remind employees to refresh their skills periodically. This helps ensure that your workforce remains up-to-date with their training and skill sets.

Free trial features*:

• Multiple course authors: Collaborate with multiple team members to create and manage your training content. This feature facilitates teamwork, enhances course quality, and speeds up content creation by leveraging the expertise of various instructors.

• Drip content: Set specific days or dates for module and lesson availability, controlling the pace at which learners access new content. This method ensures learners have time to absorb and act on training course content. 

• Ongoing course reminders: Enhances your business's employee and customer training programs by automatically sending reminders to employees. This function ensures staff members are aware of pending deadlines, available lessons, and incomplete modules.

Cost to upgrade: $1,800 per year

Billing cycle: Annual

Customer support options: Resource library and inquiry form

Workleap

4.8 out of 5 stars

115 reviews

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What is the cost to upgrade from a free learning management system to paid software?

LMS software upgrades can be as low as $10 per month or up to $459+ per month, depending on various factors—number of users, deployment model, business size, integration capabilities, customization options, and more. Most LMS solutions typically include the following subscription plans:

• Free trials: Range from 14 to 30 days and give users temporary access to either complete or limited software features. These no-cost trial plans are ideal for businesses that wish to try out a tool before purchasing it. 

• Free versions: Offer perpetual access to limited software features. These free plans are ideal for small businesses or individuals on a budget.

• Entry-level plans: Start at $10 per month and offer access to standard features. They are recommended for small businesses or teams with basic feature requirements, such as online course creation, online learning, and content libraries. 

• Mid-tier plans: Range from $47 to $279 per month and offer advanced features such as reporting and analytics, user management, and multilingual support. They are suitable for businesses that have outgrown basic LMS solutions but don’t require the full range of functionality offered by enterprise-level tools.

• High-end plans: Cost over $459 per month and offer a range of advanced capabilities, including unlimited access to entry-level and mid-tier features, priority customer support, gamification, and advanced reporting. They are suitable for large businesses that need a customized solution.

Frequently asked questions when selecting a free learning management system

Here are some questions to ask software providers to find the best learning management system.

• What are the training and support options offered by the vendor in the free plan of the tool?

Training and support options are crucial to effectively implement and utilize the LMS tool. Good support ensures you can quickly resolve any issues, while comprehensive training helps your team effectively use all the system's features. This not only maximizes your investment but also enhances the overall learning experience for users, leading to better educational outcomes and productivity within your business.

• What are the gamification elements of the free LMS platform?

Gamification elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, motivate learners by making the learning process more interactive and rewarding. This can lead to increased participation, higher retention rates, and a more dynamic and enjoyable learning experience overall. Ultimately, this boosts the effectiveness of your training programs and the development of your team.

• Does the free plan support mobile accessibility?

Ensure the LMS platform's mobile accessibility. This feature allows you and your team to access training materials anytime, anywhere. It supports learning on the go, fitting into diverse schedules and environments, thus increasing the likelihood of consistent training engagement and completion. This flexibility can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your educational programs and cater to the modern workforce's preference for mobile interactions.