The Best Learning Management Systems
Here’s the list of the best learning management systems I’ll cover in this article, with detailed tool summaries below:
-
TrakstarBest learning management system for auto-enrollment
-
Kallidus LearnBest learning management system for launching corporate training quickly
- iSpring Learn
Best learning management system for enterprise organizations
- SkyPrep
Best learning management system for personalized customer support
- Absorb LMS
Best learning management system for AI-generated training recommendations
- 360Learning
Best learning management system for peer-to-peer and collaborative learning
-
TovutiBest learning management system for virtual classroom experiences
- Docebo
Best learning management system for using AI to transform existing content into learning resources
-
LearnDashBest learning management system for hosting courses through WordPress
- SkillSoft
Best learning management system for skill-based leadership and development programs
Learning management systems can add a lot of value to your organization. They act as a structural framework you can tailor, depending on your learner's needs. They include custom course creation tools, and pre-loaded learning libraries curated by experts. They also include employee engagement features to keep your learners motivated too.
Upskilling your workforce is always a worthwhile investment. Yet, finding the right LMS system can be a challenge, with so many options on the market. This article summarizes the best learning management systems available today.
Do you have general questions about how learning management systems work or how to pick the best LMS system for your organization? If so, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions section below. Otherwise, keep reading for detailed LMS software summaries to help guide your search.
How I Selected the Best Learning Management Systems
You may be curious how I selected the best learning management systems for this list? I'm happy to explain. To build this top 10 list, I evaluated and compared a long list of top-ranking LMS platforms with positive user ratings. I then examined each system in greater detail, using the selection criteria below as my guide.
In addition to my criteria below, I also drew on my years of HR experience as a central support person for my organization's employee training and learning & development (L&D) programs. In that role, I organized internal and external training, maintained training and compliance records, and prepared our training-related statistics. This experience gave me additional insights that helped me narrow this list down even further.
Selection Criteria
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my shortlist of the best learning management systems for this article:
Usability:
Let's face it — employees aren't always super jazzed about completing internal training. That's why it's essential that your LMS creates a positive and engaging user experience (UX) for them.
To assess a software system's usability, I look at the organization of their user interface (UI). I check to see how their menus are organized, and how easy it is for users to find their way around the system, without needing advanced training.
I also look for features that simplify the system from a platform administrator's perspective. This includes features like user-friendly content creation tools, and pre-loaded content libraries. Both user groups also benefit from systems with learning paths, or courses that are grouped for specific roles or teams.
Advanced Learner Engagement Features:
To really pull together the best LMS systems, I paid very close attention to each system's standout features. There are many LMS systems on the market, but I specifically chose systems with better than average learner engagement features to help you make your training programs memorable.
Learner engagement features includes things like training gamification, employee leaderboards with training scores, and internal communication tools that keep students engaged. Beyond that, some systems allow learners to collaborate within the LMS, ask questions and add comments, or encourage peer-based learning.
Mobile Accessibility:
LMS systems need to work for many types of business models, including workforces who aren't always sitting at a desk. Pretty much all of us have phones in our pockets throughout the day. That's why it's important that your learning and training content is mobile-friendly too.
All the tools in this list are cloud-based and accessible from mobile devices or tablets (both Android and iOS). This means your staff can access the learning materials they need, from anywhere, at any time. Some of the more advanced systems support offline learning via mobile devices too, in case you're off the grid.
Compliance Monitoring Tools:
Compliance monitoring is an important aspect of most internal employee training programs. This is especially true for organizations working in potentially dangerous industries with employees in safety-sensitive positions. Some training is considered legally mandatory. That's why you absolutely need an LMS system that automatically tracks training compliance for you.
What does that mean exactly? Basically, you want an LMS system that will chase down incomplete training on your behalf automatically, rather than relying on your HR staff to follow up on loose ends. Some training may come with expiry dates, and you want a system that can automate those reminders as well. On top of that, you want a system that automates compliance reports for you, in case you get audited by a safety inspector unexpectedly.
Software Integrations:
Software integrations can improve your internal HR processes by automatically sharing real-time data across all the HR platforms you use. When it comes to learning management, ideal software integrations include your HR management and performance management systems.
By integrating with your core HR data, you can take advantage of automatic enrollments for new employees based on their role or department. Once you add them to your HR + payroll system, your LMS will automatically know which training courses they need to complete.
Performance management integrations are also helpful from a managerial perspective. They give managers up-to-date information about each employee's training status, without going through your HR department.
Value for Price:
Any software system that creates a better employee learning experience is a valuable addition to any HR team's tech stack. However, it still needs to be cost-effective.
The LMS systems in this list come in a variety of price points that make them suitable for many business types, from small businesses all the way up to enterprise organizations. They are all SaaS products, which means you pay a monthly subscription to access them, generally based on the number of users you have. For some systems, pricing details are only available upon request. However, you can still get a sense of the features they include with each pricing plan by taking a closer look at their website.
I also recommend taking advantage of a free trial, if available, before you commit to a contract. I've noted free trial details below for each system in this list, or in the very least, a free demo as a secondary assessment option.
People Managing People is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click through links on our site — learn more about how we aim to stay transparent.
Overviews of the 10 Best Learning Management Systems
Below is a brief description of each learning management system I chose for this article. I've explained why I picked each system, and summarized the key features that showcase each tool’s best use case. I've also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface too.
Trakstar
Best learning management system for auto-enrollment
Trakstar is a comprehensive, cloud-based talent development platform for HR professionals that offers performance management (Trakstar Perform), applicant tracking (Trakstar Hire), workforce analytics (Trakstar Insights), and a learning management system (LMS) called Trakstar Learn.
Why I picked Trakstar Learn: I appreciate Trakstar Learn’s auto-enrollment function which helps expedite the course enrollment process once you have new employees to train. Rather than enrolling employees individually, you can select a subset of courses (e.g., onboarding) and assign them to groups of employees, teams, or departments to be enrolled with a single click. The LMS then automatically sends out all the online learning materials to your learners by email.
The course content creation tool is one of the easiest to use and most versatile in the industry, allowing users to create not just simple course content, but also multimedia content, gamification, and other online training materials. The reporting and compliance features allow HR teams to conduct document compliance training, as well as evaluate departmental success and monitor progress across the entire workforce.
Trakstar Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include tools to create employee training courses, learning pathways, onboarding programs, and upskilling content, as well as built-in quizzes and assessments to ensure your employees are fully digesting the information they need. The system also supports modern multimedia content for learners, while the easier upskilling process helps improve employee retention and boost engagement.
Integrations are available natively with ADP Workforce Now, ej4, Paylocity, BambooHR, GoToWebinar, Ramco, Shopify, UKG Pro, Zoom Webinars and many single sign-on (SSO) applications.
Kallidus Learn
Best learning management system for launching corporate training quickly
With Kallidus Learn you can distribute personalized learning experiences for your employees at scale. Their learning solution works for companies of any size, and includes over 100 ready-to-go courses to get your internal training program up and running quickly.
Why I picked Kallidus Learn: I chose Kallidus Learn because they offer more than just an e-learning and LMS platform. They also have additional modules that address the full employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding, as well as modules to recruit and attract top talent, monitor employee engagement, and assess employee performance.
Kallidus Learn Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include blended learning formats (a combination of online, in-person, video, and social learning), plus tools to create personalized course content for each user (or groups of users) to create a more relevant learning experience. Their platform is also mobile accessible so learners can access course material from any device, anywhere. To ensure training compliance, the system also has an auto-assign and reminder feature that sends personalized follow up emails to any employee who hasn't completed their training, to keep your company compliant.
Integrations are available with Meta for Business, Microsoft Office, Natural HR, Rewards Gateway, Tazio, and Yammer.
iSpring Learn
Best learning management system for enterprise organizations
iSpring Learn is a learning management system with advanced features and a scalable pricing structure that make them a great choice for enterprise organizations.
Why I picked iSpring Learn: I added iSpring Learn to this list due to several of their features which add value for enterprise-level organizations. First off, the appearance of their LMS portal is completely customizable, including white label branding to create a unified employee experience for your staff. Secondly, their Localization feature allows you to develop training in English, and have it translated into other languages for your international branches and subsidiaries. Lastly, while it is typically a cloud-based SaaS subscription model, they also offer on-premise installation too if you prefer to host their software on your own private network, which is a helpful option for organizations with very tight data security protocols.
iSpring Learn also helps you enhance employee engagement throughout your entire company with colorful badges, dynamic leaderboards, and gamification features. In addition, learners and course authors can communicate via direct messages or in the designated Q&A sections to become more involved in the learning process.
iSpring Learn Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include multimedia formats (PPT, SCORM, video, audio and supplementary files like PDF, .doc and .xls), unlimited storage space, navigation aids, skill-testing questionnaires and quizzes, customizable design elements, detailed user statistics, the ability to build learning tracks (combined courses or learning programs), notifications, automatic assignments, a shared events calendar, productivity monitoring tools, gamification and communication features, an a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
Integrations are available natively with ADP, BambooHR, Salesforce, Workday, and Zoom. Or, additional integrations can be configured using their REST/SOAP API.
SkyPrep
Best learning management system for personalized customer support
SkyPrep is a powerful learning management system (LMS) that helps organizations train their employees, customers, and partners with ease. Their easy-to-use and intuitive platform that was developed to make the learning experience engaging and effortless for both admins and learners alike.
Why I picked SkyPrep: I included SkyPrep because they're well-known for their best-in-class customer support. Every client on a paid plan is paired with a dedicated and knowledgeable Customer Success Manager who creates a personalized action plan to help you get the most out of their LMS system. Whether you're looking for an LMS to onboard employees, train customers on your products, keep up with compliance requirements, or sell your courses online, SkyPrep makes the training experience easy and seamless.
SkyPrep Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include course creation tools, customizable branding, role-based training workflows, advanced reporting, and learner engagement features like gamification. Their multi-tenant feature also allows you to set up sub-portals for each client, brand or branch of your business all under one account. SkyPrep's modern design, simplified navigation, and efficient user workflows make everything uncomplicated, from viewing information and accessing different features in the platform, to completing tasks.
Integrations are available natively with 25+ software applications, including ADP, BambooHR, BigBlueButton, Ceridian Dayforce, Cisco Webex, ClickMeeting, Google Suite, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, Office 365, Paylocity, PayPal, Salesforce, Shopify, Stripe, UKG Pro and Zoom. You can also access additional custom integrations using their API, or by connecting a paid Zapier plan.
Absorb LMS
Best learning management system for AI-generated training recommendations
Absorb LMS is an award-winning learning management system with smart administrative features, high quality learner engagement tools, and even ecommerce options to sell your custom built courses online. It helps bring new hires up to speed faster, then uses powerful artificial intelligence (AI) to customize the learner experience for each employee—anticipating their needs and connecting them to relevant training.
Why I picked Absorb LMS: Their system empowers organizations to deliver engaging employee training that meets the needs and standards of every learner, giving them the skills needed to stay modern and relevant in today's fast-paced world. Its modern design includes an intuitive dashboard with multi-language support and is in full accordance with WCAG 2.0 standards, making your online employee development program as inclusive as it is effective.
Absorb LMS Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include content libraries, training checklists, learner engagement and experience tools, smart administration features, eCommerce functions, AI-based training recommendations, e-signatures, and a mobile app that can support offline learning as well.
Integrations are available natively with ADP, BambooHR, ClearCompany, Namely, Salesforce, Webex, Zoom, and single sign-on (SSO) applications.
360Learning
Best learning management system for peer-to-peer and collaborative learning
360Learning is a learning management system designed for peer-to-peer, collaborative learning. In addition to their LMS, they also offer solutions for employee onboarding, employee coaching, frontline (deskless) workforce training, global training management, and customer training too.
Why I picked 360Learning: I included 360Learning because their platform is unique in creating a space that enables your team members to share their knowledge internally without having to build complex time-consuming courses. This type of knowledge sharing improves team collaboration and internal knowledge transfer, helping to upskill your entire workforce easily.
For example, a sales leader could create tutorials about sales best practices that the entire sales team can then study these tutorials to improve their skills. Or, as another example, someone from your product team could quickly create a course explaining new software updates. This ensures everyone in your business stays on top of the latest product features.
360Learning Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include plenty of tools to simplify course creation, built-in video and screen recording features, cheat sheets that simplify text doc creation, and multiple question formats for assessments. In addition, co-authoring features allow anyone in your company to add their own expertise.
360Learning also helps ensure staff get an engaged learning experience. You can organize live training and events, offer discussion forums, react to posts, and gamify learning with leaderboards and achievements. And your people can learn anywhere via desktop or mobile apps.
Integrations are available natively with Google Chrome, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and Slack.
Tovuti
Best learning management system for virtual classroom experiences
Tovuti is an LMS with plenty of useful features. You can easily create courses and lessons with assessments to measure progress. And your admin team can create reports to get all the data they need about course participation.
The tool is white label. This means you can replace all the Tovuti branding with your own so it looks like your own technology. It also offers plenty of options for gamification which can help improve learner retention. Hand out badges, create games, and highlight leaderboards to encourage participation.
You can create a virtual classroom to let participants learn together. It has video conferencing functionality so people can communicate and interact with each other. There is also a chatbox and the ability to share and make notes on learning resources. It’s a good way to create a blended learning experience that combines classroom and independent learning.
Tovuti doesn’t publicize pricing, but you can find out more by heading to the website.
Docebo
Best learning management system for using AI to transform existing content into learning resources
Docebo is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based learning platform that makes it easy for organizations to create custom learning journeys for their people. It includes an intuitive content creator and access to a wide library of existing courses and resources.
Why I picked Docebo: Their LMS system stands out due to its intuitive content creator tool called Shape. Shape uses AI to automatically create course materials based on your existing internal or external knowledge sources. For example, you can paste a blog post URL into the content generator and it will turn this into slides. The content this tool generates is highly customizable so you can get it to match your exact needs. Once finished, you can translate it into multiple languages so anyone in your organization can benefit from the lessons.
Docebo Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a multitude of content creation tools, workflow automations, custom domains, audit trails, gamification, certifications, social learning, mobile learning, and a customizable learning analytics dashboard with 20+ drag-and-drop widgets to track your key performance indicators (KPIs). You can also supplement your own lessons with learning resources from Docebo’s content library. The library contains thousands of courses on a huge variety of business topics. It’s easy to import these into your company app so employees can access them on the go.
Integrations are available natively with 400+ software systems through the Docebo Connect Integrations Marketplace.
LearnDash
Best learning management system for hosting courses through WordPress
LearnDash is an LMS platform that lets you create your own courses on WordPress websites. It’s mainly used by creators who sell courses, but businesses who want to create their own courses for employees can also use it too.
Why I picked LearnDash: I included them in this list because they offer a unique option to host courses (and monetize them) off of an existing WordPress website. This makes them a good choice for any professional firm that wants to supplement their main revenue streams by hosting some online courses on the side. Basically, it's a great platform to generate passive income using training content you already have and own.
It’s easy to get started by installing the software on your WordPress site. The tool has all the features you’d expect from a corporate LMS including the ability to create multiple courses and structure them to your needs.
LearnDash Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include drag-and-drop course building tools, advanced quiz and assessment options, dynamic content (e.g., drip feed lessons or linear progression paths), course prerequisites, badges and certificates, leaderboards, discussion forums, assignments, detailed reports and analytics, and group management tools.
Integrations are available natively with eCommerce platforms and other popular tools such as BuddyPress, ConvertKit, Easy Digital Downloads, Gravity, MailChimp, PayPal, Slack, Stripe, WooCommerce, and Zapier. They also have a REST API to support any other custom integrations you may need too.
SkillSoft
Best learning management system for skill-based leadership and development programs
Skillsoft is a learning management platform designed to help organizations create leadership and development programs at scale. Their system comes with a deep library of leadership-focused educational material that is cloud-based, meaning your staff can easily access the material any time, including from mobile devices.
Why I picked Skillsoft: In addition to their leadership and development focus, they also have a valuable tool to help you run skill assessments for your entire workforce. This feature - called Percepio - works by inviting key staff to complete skill-based assessment questionnaires focused around key competencies. Based on their quiz scores, Skillsoft will then take the next step and recommend the next training courses each employee should pursue within their library of pre-build courses.
Skillsoft Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a library of 7,000 courses covering business topics like leadership development, digital transformation, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), engineering, programming, project management, security, and compliance. If you have specific needs, you can also host your own learning content within the platform, or you can add courses from external providers like YouTube or Coursera. Other features include digital badges, learning impact analytics, multimedia content, and sequenced learning paths.
With so many courses to choose from, it may seem overwhelming, but Skillsoft has tools that help guide employees on their own personal learning journey. Your people can choose from hundreds of curated learning paths and highlight topics they are interested in to receive custom recommendations.
Integrations are available natively with 360Learning, Cornerstone, Degreed, Microsoft 365, Moodle, Saba, SAP SuccessFactors, SumTotal, and Workday.
Need Expert Help Selecting The Right Learning Management System (LMS) Software?
People Managing People has joined forces with the software comparison platform Crozdesk.com to assist you in finding the best tool for your needs. Crozdesk’s Learning Management System (LMS) Software advisors can create a personalized shortlist of software solutions with unbiased recommendations to help you identify the solutions that best suit your business's needs. Through our partnership you get free access to their bespoke software selection advice, removing both time and hassle from the research process.
It only takes a minute to submit your requirements and they will give you a quick call at no cost or commitment. Based on your needs you’ll receive customized software shortlists listing the best-fitting solutions from their team of software advisors (via phone or email). They can even connect you with your selected vendor choices along with community negotiated discounts. To get started, please complete the form below:
10 Best Learning Management Systems Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top learning management system selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best system that works for your budget.
| Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trakstar Best learning management system for auto-enrollment | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 2 |  Kallidus Learn Best learning management system for launching corporate training quickly | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 3 |  iSpring Learn Best learning management system for enterprise organizations | 30-day free trial | From $2.99/user/month billed annualy | Visit Website |
| 4 |  SkyPrep Best learning management system for personalized customer support | 14-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 5 |  Absorb LMS Best learning management system for AI-generated training recommendations | Free trial + free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 6 |  360Learning Best learning management system for peer-to-peer and collaborative learning | 30-day free trial | From $8/user/month | Visit Website |
| 7 |  Tovuti Best learning management system for virtual classroom experiences | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 8 |  Docebo Best learning management system for using AI to transform existing content into learning resources | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 9 |  LearnDash Best learning management system for hosting courses through WordPress | Not available | From $199 one-site license | Visit Website |
| 10 |  SkillSoft Best learning management system for skill-based leadership and development programs | 30-day free trial | From $45/user/month | Visit Website |
Other Great Learning Management Software
Here are a few more options that didn't make the best learning management systems list. They're also great products and solid options if the tools above didn’t satisfy all your needs:
- Eduflow
Best learning management system for peer-to-peer feedback
- BetterUp
Best learning management system for access to quality coaching
- Hone
Best learning management system for leadership training
- Leapsome
Best learning management system for combining learning, performance, and engagement
- TalentLMS
Best learning management system for mobile learning
- eloomi
Best learning management system for external partner training
- Moodle
Best learning management system available on open source
- LearnUpon
Best learning management system for training internal and external audiences
- Thinkific
Best learning management system with a no-code course builder aimed at creators
- D2L Brightspace
Best learning management system for easy course creation and collaborative learning
- Google Classroom
Best free learning management system for schools
- Blackboard for Business
Best learning management system for higher educational institutions
Learning Management Systems: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions you may have about learning management systems, how they work, and how they can add value to your internal HR learning and training initiatives:
Learning Management Systems Make Learning Easy
LMS tools are the easiest way to bring learning resources to your entire organization. They help you easily create courses and share them with your teams, or access quality training resources from pre-existing course libraries. You just need to choose a platform that suits your needs.
Other Resources
Still craving a bit more information? Here are some of our other top articles covering learning management, and how to do it right:
- How A Learning Management System Can Benefit Your Business
- 5 Employee Learning Trends to Shape Your Learning Strategy
- A Culture of Learning Has Two Enormous Organizational Benefits
- 18 Key Learning Management System Features You Need to Know
For more information and insight about how to manage your people, sign up for our free People Managing People newsletter too.
Related List of Tools: Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Small Businesses