When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Finding the best learning management systems (LMS) is key to supporting your employees throughout their career journey. These platforms help you train, educate, and upskill your current workforce – creating a happier, more capable team without the high costs of constant new hires. On top of that, LMS tools enable corporate organizations to offer compliance training, customer education, and even monetize content with ease.
But with thousands of LMS options out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve done the legwork: researching, testing, and combing through reviews to bring you a list of the best learning management systems available today. Keep reading to find the perfect fit for your organization.
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Best Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Small Businesses 2024
Why You Can Trust Our LMS Reviews
Techopedia is committed to providing comprehensive, unbiased reviews. We uphold a strict editorial policy, focusing on factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. We ensure that each learning management system is thoroughly tested by considering crucial business factors that may affect its efficiency.
Our content is created by leading industry experts and reviewed by a team of seasoned editors to ensure compliance with the highest standards in reporting and publishing. I’m an experienced technology writer with expertise covering HR topics, business software, IT security, and finance for small and medium-sized businesses. My strong analytical skills enable me to effectively test, analyze, and communicate the uniqueness of software solutions tailored to specific business needs.
What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?
A learning management system (LMS) is a software tool used to create, organize, and deliver educational and training content. It supports two main types of content: synchronous (real-time activities like webinars or live discussions) and asynchronous (self-paced materials like videos, presentations, or documents). The goal of an LMS is to provide a central place where learners can access and interact with their learning materials anytime, from anywhere.
LMS users include small business owners, schools, content creators, teachers, and organizations. The diversity of its users also makes its purpose of use vary, from training and onboarding to compliance. At the end of training, learning management platforms provide quizzes and assessments and an analytics feature to track results.
Key Features of Learning Management Software
Learning management software helps content creators and businesses offer flexible learning processes. However, there are important features you need to look out for in learning management software.
- Content Management –?LMS must offer users the flexibility to create content in any format with easy-to-use drag-and-drop tools. The software must be reliable to manage all your training content in one place.
- Assessment Flexibility –?This feature ensures you can evaluate trainees’ performance with tools to assess them. Many LMSs offer different assessment options, such as quizzes, questionnaires, and projects.
- Automated Notifications –?This feature is suitable for organizations that must continuously keep up with compliance training. The notifications serve as a personal monitor, giving employees a nudge whenever new training is available in the course library. Having this functionality automated makes the notification easier and saves HR from spending time checking on employees.
- Reporting –?This feature empowers you with the right information to understand the impact of every training on learners and how to make necessary adjustments. This feature includes tracking learner progression and engagement, survey responses, exam results, career path framework, and more.
- Mobile Compatibility – A mobile-compatible learning interface facilitates learning on the go. LMS, with this feature, supports offline mode through mobile apps, facilitating learning flexibility.
- Integrations –?This involves combining other relevant business tools with your LMS. With this feature, you can automatically transfer specific data pertinent to the training material. It also allows you to manage everything in one place.
Top Learning Management Systems Reviewed
I’ve evaluated the best learning management systems, considering factors such as features, pricing, ease-of-use, user reviews, and integrations to help you make an informed decision for your business.
Miratech Trakstar — Best For Enterprises
| Free Trial | Demo |
|---|---|
| Price From | Custom |
| Top 3 Features | Auto-enrolment support, Cross-Functionality with Top Content Creation Tools, Quizzes & Assessment |
Pros
- Easy-to-navigate interface
- Integrates with the Trakstar ecosystem
- Compatibility with other content platforms like YouTube and Canva
- Supports auto-enrollment
Cons
- The UI could be better
- Limited integration with Salesforce
Connecteam — Best For Small Businesses
| Free Trial | 14-day free trial |
|---|---|
| Price From | $29/month for the first 30 users + $0.5 / month for each additional user |
| Top 3 Features | Mobile App, Knowledge Center Feature, Training & Onboarding |
Pros
- Free to use for small business users
- Unlimited course creation
- Multiple quiz formats
- Integrates well with Zapier
Cons
- Its reporting capability is limited
- Its comprehensive features may be overwhelming for beginners
SkyPrep — Best For Monetizing Your Training Content
| Free Trial | 14-day free trial |
|---|---|
| Price From | Custom |
| Top 3 Features | Multiple Dashboards, Dedicated Portals, Workflow Automation |
Pros
- Offers workflow automation tools
- Supports easy content authoring
- Offers AI-assessment builder
- Robust customization capabilities
Cons
- Customer support could be better
- Its report functionality needs advanced features
- Lack of price transparency
WeSchool — Best For Schools and Educational Institutions
| Free Trial | Free plan for K12 and universities |
|---|---|
| Price From | $44/month for 25 users |
| Top 3 Features | Interactive Learning Features, Customizable Learning Paths, Advanced Learning Analytics |
Pros
- Free plan for schools
- Offers customizable learning paths
- Learners’ calendar to facilitate and manage learning
- Affordable price plans
Cons
- Confusing communication options
- Difficulty in importing content from a lesson
- The course management needs improvement
iSpring Learn — Best For Corporate Training
| Free Trial | 30-day free trial |
|---|---|
| Price From | $2.55/user/month, billed annually |
| Top 3 Features | AI Assistant, Mobile App, Training Management |
Pros
- Offers easy-to-use authoring tools
- 24/7 live tech support
- Supports offline learning
- High level of integration
Cons
- Requires a dedicated admin or team to manage it
- It has a high learning curve
Deel — Best for Career Development
| Free Trial | Demo |
|---|---|
| Price From | $20/month/employee |
| Top 3 Features | Career Paths, Automation, Competency-based Performance Reviews |
Pros
- AI workflow
- Intuitive interface
- Integrates with Deel HR
- Automation that streamlines career path designing
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited capability with its mobile app
eloomi — Best for Skill Mapping
| Free Trial | Demo |
|---|---|
| Price From | Custom |
| Top 3 Features | API & Integrations, Content Marketplace, eloomi AI |
Pros
- Supports multiple languages
- Supports single sign-on
- Easy-to-use knowledge base
- Offers social learning to improve knowledge sharing
Cons
- Integrating eloomi with an external course provider requires a little workaround
- Customization options could be more advanced
Absorb LMS — Best AI-powered LMS
| Free Trial | Demo |
|---|---|
| Price From | Custom |
| Top 3 Features | Advanced Integrations, Artificial Intelligence, Integrated eCommerce Module |
Pros
- Advanced AI capabilities
- High level of customization
- Multitudes of templates
- Good customer support
Cons
- Limitation with quiz varieties
- The website navigation needs improvement
The Best Learning Management Systems Compared
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Free Trial | Reporting | Top Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trakstar | Enterprises | Quote-based | Demo | Yes | Auto-enrolment support, Cross-Functionality with Top Content Creation Tools, Quizzes & Assessment |
| Connecteam | Small Businesses | $29/month for the first 30 users + $0.5 / month for each additional user | 14-day free trial | Yes | Mobile App, Knowledge Center Feature, Training & Onboarding |
| SkyPrep | Monetizing Your Training Content | Quote-based | Demo | Yes | Multiple Dashboards, Dedicated Portals, Workflow Automation |
| WeSchool | Schools and Educational Institutions | $44/month for 25 users | Demo | Yes | Interactive Learning Features, Customizable Learning Paths, Advanced Learning Analytics |
| iSpring Learn | Corporate Training | $2.55/user/month, billed annually | Yes, 30-day free trial | Yes | iSpring’s AI Assistant, Mobile App, Training Management |
| Deel | Career Development | $20/month/employee | Demo | Yes | Career Paths, Automation, Competency-based Performance Reviews |
| eloomi | Skill Mapping | Quote-based | Demo | Yes | API & Integrations, Content Marketplace, eloomi AI |
| Absorb LMS | AI-powered LMS | Quote-based | Demo | Yes | Advanced Integrations, Multiple Use Case, Integrated eCommerce Module |
| Groundwork1 | Email-based employee training | $29/month up to 50 users | Free version | Yes | Newsletter |
| TalentLMS | Ready-made course templates | $89/month up to 40 users | Free version | Yes | Templates & easy-to-use platform |
Other Learning Management Systems (LMS)
I also evaluated the following LMS systems, and while they performed well, they didn’t quite make it to the top picks. However, they’re still solid options worth considering.
- 360Learning – Offers collaborative learning with automated training and enrollment, starting at $8/user/month for up to 100 users, with a 30-day free trial.
- LearnUpon – An AI-powered learning platform with custom pricing available upon request, featuring AI bots for teaching.
- isEazy LMS – Focuses on course content development with an authoring tool, starting at $422.75/month for up to 100 users, with a demo available.
- Tovuti – A platform for employee training with an emphasis on ease of use, offering custom pricing and no free trial.
- Easy LMS – Designed for consultants conducting training sessions, starting at $105/month with a 7-day free trial and multiple customer portals.
- Constructor – Specializes in improving critical thinking in children with AI-powered personalized learning, offering custom pricing with no free trial.
- CoreAchieve – Provides advanced reporting and PowerBI integration, starting at $175/month for up to 50 users, with a free version available.
- KMI LMS – A custom LMS software solution with white-label options, offering custom pricing on request and no free trial.
- EdApp – Features AI-assisted course creation with a starting price of $2.95/user/month and a free version available.
- Civica Learning – Focuses on continuous professional development with custom pricing on request and both internal and external training options.
- Moodle – Known for its integrations, including 2000+ plugins and Zapier support, starting at $120/month for up to 50 users, with a free version available.
How We Review And Test HR Products
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular HR products on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Features: We examine each product’s features to determine what capabilities are offered, and how well it performs crucial HR management tasks, such as tracking a sick leave.
- Integrations: We evaluate the integrations of each piece of HR software to determine how well it fits in with other key pieces in a business’s software stack, and whether its functionality can be expanded as required.
- User Experience: Usability is paramount when it comes to HR software. That’s why we put ourselves in the shoes of a new user, testing each platform to gain a firsthand understanding if the platform is easy to use or requires onboarding.
- Price and Value for Money: Our approach to pricing involves a thorough review of the structure and plans offered by each platform. Beyond just the initial cost, we delve into the details to assess affordability and value for money.
- Security: We dig into the security policies of each company, interrogating the safeguards they have in place to ensure the software protects user data properly.
- Compliance: A critical requirement for most HR departments, we assess HR software on whether it offers local compliance when it comes to payroll, taxes, and more.
- Reporting and Documentation: We look at the reporting and documentation capabilities of each software to make sure they offer comprehensive data sets, takeaways, and collaboration options for documentation.
Types of Learning Management Systems
There are several types of learning management systems, each suited to different needs and requirements. The type you choose will depend on factors like your business size, technical capabilities, and specific training goals. From cloud-based solutions to custom-built platforms, understanding these types will help you select the LMS that best fits your organization’s unique needs.
- Installed LMS – Hosted on your organization’s servers. These types require more maintenance but give you more control over security and customization. They’re ideal for companies with dedicated IT teams.
- Web-based LMS –?Hosted in the cloud and accessible through a web browser. They offer easy access from anywhere and are generally easy to maintain. Absorb LMS is a great example, known for its ease of use and scalability.
- Open-source LMS – Free to use and highly customizable. Good fit for small to medium-sized businesses with technical expertise to modify the platform to suit specific needs.
- Enterprise LMS –?Designed for large organizations, enterprise LMS are built to handle complex training needs at scale. For example,?Trakstar?is a robust enterprise LMS, ideal for multiple teams and global operations.
- Custom LMS – Tailored specifically to an organization or business needs and requirements. They provide flexibility but are often more expensive and require longer development times.
- Mobile LMS – Optimized to be used on all smartphones and tablets, making them great for remote workforces or schools. For example, Connecteam offers excellent mobile compatibility for easy learning.
Benefits of Using LMS Software
Having LMS software is synonymous with having an educational institution library but in a virtual setting. With LMS, many organizations have successfully automated onboarding and employee training processes.
Other benefits you can gain from using LMS software include the following:
- Learning Material Centralization –?You can organize all your content in one location. Instead of manually handling learning resources, LMS provides a digital content library where you can categorize each content based on internal team criteria. This way, you can quickly assign training to employees.
- Tracking and Reporting –?Unlike tracking employee learning progress with spreadsheets, LMS provides a visual report interface where you quickly oversee your team’s learning progress, performance, and areas of improvement. This helps you make data-driven decisions to support your team better.
- Employee-led Training Approach –?Unlike external training facilities, you can leverage an LMS to build courses based on different departments, teams, and employee needs. Also, you have access to diverse testing options, including quizzes and surveys, to understand the training outcome.
- Reduced Training Cost –?LMS allows organizations to build customized internal training instead of buying external courses for each employee. It also reduces the cost of hard-copy training manuals, traveling fees, and overall training budgets.
- Learning Flexibility –?The LMS content library offers employees access to training materials, allowing them to progress through courses at their own pace. Employees or trainees can spend more time on challenging topics and move quickly through areas they already understand. This accommodates different learning styles and schedules.
Trends in Learning Management Systems 2024
As technology evolves, organizations are continuously saddled with the responsibility to keep their employees updated. As a result, organizations are using LMS. This is because learning management systems empower businesses with every tool needed to access external industry-specific courses, build in-house courses, and more. However, some factors affect how these systems evolve to meet organizational needs.
Below are the trends in learning management systems in 2024:
- Gamification Learning Approach –?As people’s attention spans dwindle, learning materials must captivate learners’ attention more through creative activities. Gamification is one of the approaches that can help learners enjoy learning as it infuses games and fun in the form of points, badges, leaderboards, and interactive challenges. This motivates trainees to keep learning and compete while meeting organizational and career goals. Many LMS now include this feature in their platform to help course creators gamify their course material.
- Personalized Learning –?Many AI-driven learning management systems help provide customized learning pathways based on specific criteria to ensure learners get targeted support. This allows organizations to cater to each employee’s needs at a cost-effective rate.
- Advanced Reporting –?Understanding employee performance and engagement rate is critical to organizational growth. Therefore, leaders and HRs are continually tracking the impact of training on each employee to help them make informed decisions. LMS has evolved to ensure HRs can analyze learning progress rates, engagement levels, and impact across the team and individuals. This helps leaders become more innovative in planning training content.
- Bite-Sized Learning –?This also emphasizes the need to quickly grab and retain learners’ attention using shorter, focused content than dense modules. Also, as most employees undergoing training for career development are busy with their daily work, it’s imperative to have an LMS with a microlearning option for creating training material.
How to Choose the Best LMS Tool
With plenty of options in the market, choosing the best LMS tool may be time-consuming, especially when unfamiliar with a learning management system.
Here are a few factors to consider when selecting an LMS software:
Consider the LMS price, starting with its base price per user and other additional add-ons that may be critical for your use case. LMS can get expensive. Carefully inspect the pricing plan to check affordability, scalability, and if the features are worth the price. Understand your spending budget and seek an LMS option that matches.
Have a clear idea of why you’re investing in an LMS. Is it for employee training? Is it for teaching students? Both are completely different audiences with different learning requirements.
Before selecting an LMS, take some time to list out what you need from your LMS—the content types, test and assessment options, reporting features, and delivery methods.
Most LMS offers a free trial, so take full advantage of it to understand its features (and glitches) and get answers to all your questions. Understand the platform’s ease of use to ensure your team won’t have to spend many hours understanding the system.
Understand the availability of the software provider’s customer support. Consider factors such as support hours, communication channels, and user reviews to ensure you’ll have the assistance you need when required.
FAQs
What is the most commonly used LMS?
Is Google Classroom an LMS?
What’s the difference between a learning management system (LMS) and a training management system (TMS)?
Why are learning management systems necessary?
Do learning management systems support mobile learning?
How much does a learning management system cost?
References
- Communicator Glossary (istc.org.uk)
