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In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, eLearning has become an essential avenue for individuals and organizations to enhance their knowledge and skills. Learning Management Systems (LMS), commonly known as eLearning platforms, have gained immense popularity due to their ability to facilitate online learning, offer certifications, and cater to a variety of learning needs.
Whether you’re an instructor looking to create online courses or a learner seeking to expand your knowledge, this article unveils the 23 best eLearning platforms with comprehensive cost and price plans. Read on to find the ideal platform that fits your budget and learning objectives.
eLearning Platforms: Transforming Learning in the Digital Age Learning Management Systems (LMS) have revolutionized the way we acquire knowledge and skills. An eLearning platform is essentially a software application that enables learners and instructors to connect virtually, making education accessible beyond the traditional classroom setting. These platforms offer a range of features, from creating and delivering online courses to tracking progress, administering quizzes, and issuing certifications.
Comparing Pricing and Plans: Your Guide to Choosing the Right LMS When considering an eLearning platform , one of the critical factors to evaluate is the pricing structure. The cost-effectiveness of these platforms can significantly impact individuals, educational institutions, and businesses alike. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of 23 top eLearning platforms and their price plans, empowering you to make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
1. iSpring Learn LMS iSpring Learn LMS offers cloud-based eLearning software with pricing plans designed to accommodate various user requirements. With a focus on ease of use and integration, iSpring Learn LMS provides a robust solution for organizations aiming to deliver engaging learning experiences.
START $2.29 BUSINESS $3.14 Features: Training Management management automation Analytics Content Management iSpring Suite authoring toolkit Support Features: Training Management Analytics Content Management iSpring Suite Max authoring toolkit 360-Degree Performance Appraisal Corporate Portal API Support
2. Adobe Captivate Adobe Captivate stands out as a robust authoring tool dedicated to facilitating eLearning development. With its versatile features and user-friendly interface, Adobe Captivate empowers content creators to craft engaging and interactive learning experiences. This software caters to a variety of requirements through its diverse pricing options, ensuring that individuals and organizations can find a plan that aligns seamlessly with their specific needs.
Edu Discount Subscription Annual commitment and monthly payments are required; early termination will attract a cancellation fee.* Full License
Additionally, a 30-day free trial is also available, enabling users to explore the software’s capabilities before making a purchasing decision. It delivers a comprehensive set of features for creating interactive and impactful online courses.
3. Blackboard Blackboard stands as a pioneer in the eLearning arena, known for its reliability and scalability. While pricing may vary based on the institution’s size and needs, Blackboard provides a robust learning management system capable of facilitating collaborative learning experiences.
The pricing for Blackboard Learn commences at an annual rate of $9500.00, with no availability of a complimentary version. However, Blackboard Learn does provide the opportunity to explore its features through a free trial period.
They offer a 30-day trial period that comes with no obligations and doesn’t require any credit card information. To gather further details about their pricing structure, you can easily get in touch with them to acquire more comprehensive information about their offerings.
4. Google Classroom Google Classroom, a part of Google Workspace for Education, revolutionizes the eLearning landscape with its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Google tools. The platform offers collaborative learning opportunities , making it an attractive option for educators and learners alike.
Google Classroom is available as a complimentary offering for individuals who possess a personal Google account. Moreover, it is provided at no cost to institutions utilizing either Google Workspace for Education or Google Workspace for nonprofits. Typically, educators and students can avail themselves of Google Classroom through the employment of a Google account bestowed upon them by their educational institution.
Google Classroom Pricing Overview
Pricing Edition Price Billing Features Education Fundamentals $0 Cloud – Basic classroom tools Google Workspace for Education $3 per student Cloud – All Education Fundamentals features Standard per year – Advanced security and analytics Teaching and Learning Upgrade $4 Cloud – Google Workspace for Education Standard features Google Workspace for Education Plus $5 per student per year Cloud – Teaching and Learning Upgrade features
Pricing Details: Google Classroom offers multiple pricing editions to cater to different educational needs. Each edition comes with its own set of features and benefits:
Education Fundamentals: This edition is perfect for getting started with basic classroom tools. It includes assignments, grading, communication, and announcements. Institutions can take advantage of a 30-day free trial to explore its features.Google Workspace for Education Standard: For $3 per student per year, this edition builds on Education Fundamentals, offering enhanced administrative controls, advanced security, analytics, and access to the Teaching and Learning Upgrade. Teaching and Learning Upgrade: At $4 per license per month, this upgrade complements Google Workspace for Education Standard. It brings advanced communication and collaboration tools, enhancing the teaching and learning experience.Google Workspace for Education Plus : For $5 per student per year, this comprehensive edition includes all the features of the Teaching and Learning Upgrade. It adds professional development resources, along with enhanced security and analytics. Google Classroom’s pricing model ensures that educational institutions of varying sizes and needs can find a suitable plan. The Education Fundamentals version even offers a 30-day free trial for qualifying institutions, allowing them to explore its capabilities before making a decision.
For the most up-to-date pricing information, please visit Google Workspace for Education Editions.
5. Docebo Docebo stands out as a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS), distinguished by its focus on tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences across various languages. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise aiming to elevate employee training and growth, Docebo’s versatile pricing plans are designed to accommodate organizations of all sizes.
To gain a comprehensive grasp of Docebo’s pricing models, simply fill out the inquiry form available on their official website and proceed by selecting the “Submit” option. Following this step, the adept Docebo team will promptly connect with you through the provided Business Email to furnish you with additional insights and details. It’s important to note that pricing starts at a competitive rate of $900 per month.
6. iSpring Suite iSpring Suite complements the iSpring Learn LMS by providing authoring capabilities. It’s an all-in-one toolkit for creating interactive eLearning content with PowerPoint integration, offering value for educators and businesses aiming to create engaging courses. Businesses, Freelancers, and Academics have different prices and plans. The pricing for Academic is listed below.
iSpring Suite iSpring Suite Max Features: eLearning authoring toolkit 24/7 Technical Support Features: eLearning authoring toolkit Text to speech Content Library Online collaboration tool 24/7 Technical Support
7. Lectora Lectora Inspire is an advanced authoring tool that empowers instructional designers to create interactive courses. Lectora’s features enable the development of immersive learning content that meets diverse learning needs. Prospective purchasers can review the pricing details provided below for those who are prepared to make a purchase. Alternatively, individuals who aren’t yet prepared to make a purchase can take advantage of Lectora’s 30-day trial period, allowing them to explore the software’s features before committing.
Licensing Options Per Author per year Pricing $117 per month$1,398 USD billed annually Features Included – Lectora® Online: An online version of the authoring tool.
8. Moodle Moodle , an open-source learning platform, offers cost-effective solutions for educators. While the platform itself is free, there might be costs associated with hosting and customization, making it an attractive option for institutions seeking budget-friendly alternatives.
The option to contribute through one-time donations or monthly contributions is available, and you also have the opportunity to make purchases from the Moodle Shop. These efforts aid in sustaining Moodle’s ongoing commitment to enhancing online learning experiences. Importantly, any profits generated from these purchases directly support the development of the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).
Tier Starter Premium Price $180 AUD Annual Customized Pricing Users Up to 50 Hundreds to Millions Storage 250 MB Extra Storage Available Support Self-Service Knowledge Base 24/7 Real-Time Expert Support Hosting Type Standard Hosting Plans Premium Hosting Solutions Features – Personalized Site NameVideo Conferencing – Enhanced Security
Key Differentiators:
Starter Plan is perfect for smaller-scale deployments with a focus on affordability and ready-to-go features. Premium Plan caters to larger-scale needs, offering scalability, enhanced security, real-time expert support, and a wide range of advanced customization options. Both plans offer excellent value and are tailored to different user requirements, ensuring a comprehensive hosting solution for Moodle users at various scales.
9. Schoology Schoology provides a collaborative platform for K-12 schools and higher education institutions. While pricing details may vary, Schoology’s focus on engagement and communication contributes to enriching the eLearning experience. Arrange a discussion with a Schoology sales representative to request a personalized demonstration tailored to your specific preferences. This session will provide you with insights into how Schoology’s platform aligns with your individual needs and requirements.
Pricing Model Freemium One-time Purchased License License Free Paid Starting Price N/A Varies per Implementation Free Trial No No Included Free to educators in K-12 public and private schools, colleges and universities worldwide Additional Cost Cost per student: $10 (One-time fee)
10. TalentLMS TalentLMS caters to a wide range of users, from small businesses to enterprises, with its scalable pricing plans. Its user-friendly interface and features like gamification and SCORM support make it a versatile choice for creating engaging courses. Below are standard monthly plans.
Tier Starter Basic Plus Premium Monthly Price $89 $189 $369 $569 Users Up to 40 Up to 100 Up to 500 Up to 1000 Branches N/A 1 branch 3 branches 15 branches Courses Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Email Support Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Priority Custom Homepage Included Included Included Included Single Sign-On N/A Included Included Included Custom Domain N/A Custom domain + SSL Custom domain + SSL Custom domain + SSL Custom Reports N/A N/A Included Included Account Manager N/A N/A N/A Included Automation N/A N/A N/A Included Live Chat Support N/A N/A N/A Included
11. Canvas by Instructure Canvas is a widely used LMS that focuses on educational institutions, from K-12 schools to universities. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of tools for instructors to create, manage, and deliver online courses. Canvas provides features such as discussion boards, assignments, quizzes, grading, and collaboration tools.
Canvas offers different pricing plans based on the size and needs of the institution. While some features might be tailored more towards educational institutions, Canvas has also been adopted by businesses and organizations for training purposes due to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set.
Canvas LMS also offers a paid account with enhanced features, though specific pricing details are not publicly disclosed by Instructure. To obtain accurate pricing information tailored to your institution’s requirements, it’s recommended to directly contact Canvas LMS for a personalized price quote.
12. LearnDash LearnDash is a WordPress-based LMS that enables the creation of online courses. With customizable pricing plans, it’s an excellent option for entrepreneurs, educators, and businesses looking to offer engaging online training.
LearnDash Pricing Plans Features Price Single Site Plan 1 WordPress site $199/year 10-Site Plan Up to 10 WordPress sites $399/year Unlimited Plan Unlimited WordPress sites $799/year
13. Schoox Schoox focuses on employee training and development with its comprehensive LMS. Pricing is customizable based on the organization’s needs, and the platform emphasizes creating a personalized learning experience.
Plan Light Professional Enterprise Price $6/User/Month $5/User/Month Custom Users Up to 300 employees Up to 300 employees Up to 1000 employees Features Learning Engagement Learning Engagements Includes features of Professional
14. Thinkific Thinkific offers a user-friendly platform for creating and selling online courses. Its pricing plans cater to a wide range of users, from individual entrepreneurs to businesses looking to monetize their expertise.
Plan Features Price Free – Test-drive Thinkific for free $0 USD/mo Basic – Gain access to core features and essential tools $36 USD/mo Start – Unlock additional features designed for student engagement $74 USD/mo Grow – Grow your online business with more advanced tools $149 USD/mo
15. Teachable Teachable, similar to Thinkific, empowers course creators to build and market their online courses. With customizable pricing plans, it provides a platform for sharing knowledge and generating income.
Plan Price (Monthly) Price (Annually) Features and Benefits Free $0 – – No credit card is requiredteachable : pay with integrated payment processing Basic $39 $468 – All Free plan features plus: Pro $119 $1,428 – All Free plan features plus: Pro+ $199 $2,388 – All Free plan features plus:
16. LearnWorlds LearnWorlds stands out with its focus on interactive and engaging learning experiences. While pricing tiers vary, the platform’s emphasis on gamification and multimedia integration adds value to the eLearning process.
Plan Starter Pro Trainer Learning Center Pricing $24/Month $79/Month $249/Month $5 per course sale No transaction fees No transaction fees Features – Create CoursesPayment gateways – Increase engagement – Boost the learning experience
17. WizIQ
WizIQ offers virtual classroom solutions and course creation tools. Its pricing plans cater to educators and organizations looking to deliver live online classes and self-paced courses. Feel free to reach out to them to gather more details regarding the pricing that aligns with your specific requirements. Additionally, you have the option to inquire about scheduling a demonstration.
LMS Pricing Tiers Starter Plan Elite Plan Infinite Plan Monthly Cost $1/user Custom Pricing Custom Pricing Features – Create and run online courses – Everything in the Starter plan and more features – Everything in the Elite plan and more features
By using this table, the information is presented in a structured manner, allowing readers to easily compare the features of each pricing tier and make an informed decision based on their requirements and budget.
18. Litmos Litmos, a SAP company, provides a scalable LMS solution for employee training and customer education. Pricing varies based on user requirements, making it suitable for businesses of different sizes.
Once you’re prepared to make a purchase, you can obtain the pricing information by completing and submitting the provided form. This process ensures that you receive accurate pricing tailored to your needs.
Foundation Suite Premier Suite Platinum Suite Features: Features: Features:
19. Skillshare Skillshare follows a subscription-based model, granting users access to a wide range of courses for a monthly fee. This platform is ideal for learners seeking to explore diverse topics and skills. Whether you’re keen on creative arts, practical crafts, technology, or personal development, Skillshare’s subscription approach offers a cost-effective means to quench your thirst for knowledge and growth.
Features Premium Plan Team Plan Classes 35,000+ 35,000+ Join the community Yes Yes Offline watching Yes Yes Supports the community Yes Yes Refunds 7 days No Free trial 1 month No Team management features No Yes Payment Plans Annual Billing $168 USD Skillshare for Teams $159 USD (working out at $14 a month) (per user/per year)
20. Coursera Coursera partners with universities and institutions to offer online courses and degrees. While it provides free courses, its pricing structure includes subscription plans for learners who wish to earn certifications and degrees.
The cost of the service is determined by the specific courses that a user chooses to pursue in order to obtain certificates. This personalized approach allows users to pay for courses that align with their individual preferences and goals.
Coursera Plans Features Pricing (Monthly) Subscription Plan – Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses $59/month (Annual) Subscription Plan – Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses $399/year 14-day money-back guarantee
21. Udemy Udemy is a well-known platform that hosts a vast library of courses created by individual instructors. While some courses are free, others require payment, allowing learners to choose courses that align with their interests.
Whether you’re seeking to explore introductory subjects or delve deeply into advanced topics, the choice between free and paid courses provides the flexibility necessary to create a learning path that resonates with you.
Udemy Pricing
Typical Course Price Range $11.99 – $199.99 per course Personal Subscription Plan Starting at $16.58/month Pro Subscription Plan Starting at $16.58/month Discounts and Sales Events Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Course Creator Sales
22. LinkedIn Learning Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers a subscription-based model for accessing a vast collection of courses. With a focus on professional development, it’s an excellent resource for individuals seeking to enhance their skills. If you’re an individual looking to get started, you have the option to initiate a 1-month trial period absolutely free. This trial comes with the freedom to cancel at any point you wish.
Subscription Choices Annual Plan Monthly Plan Trial Period 1-month free trial 1-month free trial Followed by Charges $17.22/month* $34.45/month* Reminder Before Trial Ends Reminder 7 days before the trial conclusion Reminder 7 days before the trial conclusion
23. edX edX, similar to Coursera, collaborates with universities to provide online courses and degrees. The platform caters to various learning preferences by offering both free audit options for courses, which provide access to course materials without certification and paid alternatives that grant learners the opportunity to earn verified certificates or even pursue full-fledged degrees.
This approach enables individuals to tailor their learning experience based on their aspirations, whether they’re looking for skill enhancement, career advancement, or academic achievement.
edX Course Access
Auditing Courses Free Verified Learning Pathway Requires Payment Verified Certificate Fee per Course $50 – $300
Making the Right Choice for Your eLearning Journey Choosing the right eLearning platform involves careful consideration of your learning needs, budget, and desired features. Whether you’re an educator aiming to deliver engaging online training or an individual seeking to acquire new skills, the landscape of eLearning platforms offers a solution tailored to your goals.
By comparing the cost and pricing plans of these 23 top platforms, you’re well-equipped to embark on a successful eLearning journey that aligns with your aspirations.
Conclusion The eLearning ecosystem offers a myriad of options to cater to diverse learning needs. From cloud-based LMS solutions to authoring tools, these platforms empower both educators and learners to engage in meaningful online learning experiences.
By understanding the pricing structures and features of these 23 eLearning platforms , you can make an informed decision that not only fits your budget but also enhances your learning journey.
Explore, compare, and embark on your path to success through the world of eLearning. Read our additional invaluable resources, which are designed to offer you a deeper well of information and insights
FAQs Q: What is an LMS? A: An LMS stands for Learning Management System. It is a software platform that allows organizations to centralize, manage, and deliver online learning programs to teachers and students.
Q: What are the benefits of using an LMS? A: Using an LMS has several benefits. It allows for easy automation of learning programs, making it easy to track progress and results. It also centralizes all educational materials, making it easy for teachers to access and share with students. Additionally, an LMS is fully customizable and allows for advanced features such as leaderboards and badges.
Q: Are there any free LMS platforms available? A: Yes, there are several free LMS platforms available. Some popular ones include Google Classroom and Docebo. These platforms offer basic features and are suitable for small-scale learning programs.
Q: What are the best learning platforms available? A: There are many LMS vendors in the market, each offering different features and price plans. Some of the best learning platforms include iSpring Learn LMS, Adobe Captivate, Blackboard, and Lectora. These platforms have advanced features, and a wide range of templates, and are suitable for both individuals and businesses.
Q: Can I upgrade from a free LMS to a paid one? A: Yes, most LMS platforms offer upgrade options. When you upgrade, you usually gain access to additional features and a larger content library. Upgrading is recommended if you have a growing number of users or if you need more advanced features for your learning program.
Q: Are LMS platforms easy to use for both teachers and students? A: Yes, most LMS platforms are designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. They are built with both teachers and students in mind, ensuring a smooth learning experience for all users. The platforms often provide tutorials and support resources to assist users in getting started.
Q: Can an LMS be used for business training? A: Yes, Many LMS platforms offer specialized features for business owners and training managers. These features allow businesses to create and deliver training sessions to employees and track their progress. LMS platforms are especially beneficial for businesses with multiple locations or remote employees.
Q: Can an LMS support multiple languages? A: Yes, most LMS platforms support multiple languages. This means that you can create courses and deliver content in different languages, catering to a global audience. It is important to check if the LMS platform you choose supports the specific languages you need.
Q: Do LMS platforms work on different screen sizes? A: Yes, LMS platforms are designed to be responsive and work on different screen sizes. They can be accessed and used on computers, tablets, and mobile devices, allowing users to learn anytime, anywhere.
Q: What are software reviews and how can they help in choosing an LMS? A: Software reviews are feedback and evaluations provided by users or experts who have used LMS platforms. They provide insights into the features, usability, and performance of different platforms. Reading software reviews can help you make an informed decision when choosing an LMS as it gives you a glimpse of what to expect.
