Top Learning Management Systems for Training Providers in 2024
Discover the top learning management system for training companies, chosen based on features, cost of ownership and future development pathway.
Finding the right Learning Management System (LMS) can differentiate between smooth, efficient training and an administrative headache. Whether you're a small training provider or managing a large-scale corporate education program, the right LMS streamlines course delivery, enhances learner engagement, and ensures compliance with industry standards.
The LMS market has evolved significantly, offering solutions that range from simple, user-friendly platforms to highly customisable systems designed for large enterprises. 2024 has brought even more innovative solutions to the table, and with so many options out there, choosing the right LMS for your specific needs can be overwhelming. That's why we’ve compiled a list of the top LMS platforms that are not only highly rated but also offer powerful features tailored to the needs of training providers. Whether you're focused on delivering short courses or managing large-scale corporate training, these LMS platforms can help simplify operations, improve learner outcomes, and save you time.
Why Choosing the Right LMS Matters
An LMS isn't just a tool for managing courses; it’s the backbone of your training operation. The right platform helps you:
1. Maximising Learner Engagement
A well-chosen LMS uses gamification, mobile access, and social learning tools to engage learners. Engaged learners are more likely to complete courses and retain information, boosting job performance.
2. Supporting Compliance and Reducing Risk
For organisations in regulated industries like healthcare or finance, compliance is non-negotiable. The right LMS ensures training is documented, tracks compliance, and keeps your team audit-ready, helping avoid costly penalties.
3. Saving Time and Resources
The right LMS can automate much of the administrative work that goes into running a training program. Tasks like enrolments, progress tracking, certificate generation, and compliance reporting can be handled automatically, freeing up your team to focus on other essential tasks.
4. Providing Actionable Insights
Modern LMS platforms offer analytics to track learner progress and course effectiveness. These insights help refine content, close skill gaps, and improve training outcomes.
5. Scaling with Your Organisation
As your organisation grows, so do your training needs. A scalable LMS ensures that you can add new learners, create additional courses, and integrate new tools without overhauling your entire system.
A well-suited LMS is more than just a repository for training materials; it’s a strategic asset that drives learner success and supports your organisation's goals.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore the top LMS platforms available in 2024 and how they can support your training programs.
Best Learning Management Systems for 2024
Selecting the right LMS can transform the way you deliver training, ensuring it's not just effective but also engaging and scalable. Each platform brings its strengths, from automation to personalised learning paths, and making the wrong choice can mean missing out on significant time and cost savings. In 2024, the LMS market is packed with options tailored to a wide range of needs, whether you're looking for advanced analytics, robust compliance tracking, or seamless integration with existing tools. Here is a list of some of the best LMS platforms available in the market today:
1. Docebo
Rating: Docebo has an average rating of 4.3/5 across various review platforms like G2 and Capterra.
Docebo is a top-tier LMS that leverages AI to deliver personalised learning experiences at scale. It is particularly well-suited for organisations that manage complex training environments, offering features like customisable learning paths, social learning, and powerful analytics. It stands out for its ease of integration with third-party apps, supporting over 400 integrations with tools such as Salesforce and popular HR platforms.
Large enterprises favour Docebo because it can manage not only internal staff training but also external customer and partner training, making it highly versatile.
Key Features
- AI-powered Learning: Offers AI-driven content recommendations, tailoring training to individual users' needs.
- Social Learning: Enables peer-to-peer interaction, fostering collaborative learning environments.
- Multi-audience Support: Ideal for organisations managing training for different groups like employees, customers, and partners.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Provides detailed data insights to track learner progress, course effectiveness, and engagement.
- Integrations: Seamlessly connects with over 400 third-party tools, including Salesforce and major HR systems.
Pricing
Custom pricing, based on requirements, typically starts around $900 to $1,300 per month (Approximately $1,323 to $1,911 AUD per month), depending on user count and features.
Best For
Docebo is best suited for large enterprises needing a scalable, customisable LMS that supports internal and external training audiences.
2. Absorb LMS
Rating: Absorb LMS has a strong average rating of 4.6/5 on review platforms like G2 and Capterra, praised for its ease of use and powerful features.
Absorb LMS offers a user-friendly, flexible solution for organisations of all sizes. It's known for its comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities, making it ideal for compliance-heavy industries. The platform also features customisable learning paths, eCommerce functionality, and support for mobile learning, which makes it highly adaptable for organisations that need to offer paid courses or manage complex training needs.
Absorb’s strong focus on reporting and ease of use makes it a great fit for organisations that require detailed insights into learner progress and performance.
Key Features
- Customisable Learning Paths: Create tailored learning experiences for different groups within the organisation.
- eCommerce Integration: Sell courses and manage payments directly through the platform.
- Advanced Reporting: Track learner progress, compliance, and overall course effectiveness through detailed reports.
- Mobile Learning: Learners can access training from any device, enhancing flexibility.
- Gamification: Engage learners with points, badges, and leaderboards to encourage participation.
Pricing
Absorb LMS typically follows a custom pricing model. Basic plans typically cost around $599 per month, and premium packages can cost up to $1,699 (approximately $880 to $2,495 AUD per month).
Best For
Absorb LMS is a strong choice for mid-sized to large organisations that need flexible, customisable solutions with advanced reporting and eCommerce options.
3. TalentLMS
Rating: With an average rating of 4.6/5 on platforms like G2 and Capterra, TalentLMS is praised for its ease of use, affordability, and customisation options
TalentLMS is a versatile, cloud-based platform designed to meet the training needs of small to medium-sized businesses. Its key appeal lies in its simplicity and ease of use, making it one of the most accessible LMS platforms for organisations without a dedicated IT team. With built-in gamification features and customisable learning paths, TalentLMS offers a balanced mix of essential features at an affordable price. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses looking to create engaging, on-demand learning experiences without heavy technical input.
One standout feature of TalentLMS is its free tier, allowing smaller organisations or start-ups to offer basic training without a financial commitment.
Key Features
- Course Authoring Tools: Easily build courses with drag-and-drop functionality, supporting various content formats, including SCORM and xAPI.
- Gamification: Engage learners with badges, points, and leaderboards, boosting motivation and course completion rates.
- Mobile Learning: Fully optimised for mobile devices, allowing learners to access content from anywhere.
- Custom Branding: Customise the platform’s appearance to match your organisation’s branding.
- Multi-lingual Support: Ideal for global teams, TalentLMS offers multi-language capabilities to cater to a diverse learner base.
Pricing
TalentLMS offers a free plan for up to five users and ten courses, with paid plans starting at $69 per month (approximately AUD 107). This flexibility makes it one of the more affordable options, especially for small businesses.
Best For
TalentLMS is ideal for small to medium-sized organisations looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses that need a simple platform to deliver training across distributed or remote teams.
4. Moodle
Rating: Moodle holds an average score of 4.2/5 across platforms like G2 and Capterra, praised for its flexibility and customisation options
Moodle is one of the most well-known open-source learning management systems, widely used by educational institutions and organisations worldwide. Its flexibility and extensive customisation options make it ideal for those with in-house technical expertise to tailor the platform to their needs. Moodle offers a highly modular structure, allowing organisations to add plugins and integrations based on specific requirements.
Moodle is popular in both academic and corporate settings, offering support for blended learning, mobile learning, and advanced reporting. Given its open-source nature, Moodle is also cost-effective, as it does not charge licensing fees, though it may require more investment in setup and maintenance.
Key Features
- Open-Source Customisation: Completely flexible and adaptable, with thousands of plugins available to enhance functionality.
- Blended Learning: Supports both online and offline learning, making it ideal for hybrid learning environments.
- Mobile-Friendly: The Moodle mobile app allows learners to access courses on the go, even in offline mode.
- Extensive Integrations: Integrates with a wide range of tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and various content management systems.
- Advanced Reporting: Provides insights into learner activity, course completion, and performance metrics.
Pricing
The open-source version is free, but hosting can range from $80 to $500 per month (Approx. $117.60 to $735 AUD per month) for MoodleCloud solutions.
Best For
Moodle is ideal for educational institutions or organisations with in-house technical resources that require a flexible, highly customisable LMS.
5. Canvas LMS
Rating: Canvas LMS maintains an average rating of 4.5/5 on platforms like G2 and Capterra, praised for its intuitive design, mobile accessibility, and integration capabilities.
Canvas LMS is a widely used platform, especially within the higher education sector. It is known for its clean, modern interface and extensive integrations with other tools, making it easy for educators to design and manage courses. Canvas is cloud-based, meaning it’s accessible from any device and location, which suits the needs of both remote learners and instructors.
One of Canvas's key advantages is its strong support for collaborative learning, which includes discussion forums, peer reviews, and group assignments. The platform’s intuitive design allows both administrators and learners to quickly get up to speed, reducing the learning curve often associated with LMS platforms.
Key Features
- Mobile Learning: Canvas has a dedicated mobile app that allows learners and educators to manage their courses from smartphones or tablets.
- Collaborative Tools: Includes built-in tools for group projects, discussions, and peer-to-peer reviews, making it ideal for social learning environments.
- Content Authoring: Instructors can create courses with multimedia, quizzes, and assignments directly within the platform without requiring third-party tools.
- Integration Support: Integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other third-party tools.
- Cloud-Based: Offers the flexibility of accessing content from any device with internet access, without the need for additional installations.
Pricing
Canvas LMS operates on a subscription-based model, with pricing dependent on the number of users and specific organisational needs. Costs typically start from around $200 per user annually (Approximately $294 AUD).
Best For
Canvas LMS is best suited for educational institutions, universities, and organisations looking for a modern, user-friendly platform with strong mobile and collaborative features.
6. D2L Brightspace
Rating: D2L Brightspace holds an average rating of 4.3/5 on platforms like G2 and Capterra, with users praising its flexibility, adaptive learning features, and accessibility focus
D2L Brightspace is a powerful and flexible learning management system, primarily used in higher education but increasingly adopted by corporations for employee training. Brightspace excels in delivering personalised learning experiences with its intuitive user interface and advanced analytics. The platform is designed to meet the needs of both educators and administrators, providing the tools to create interactive and engaging learning environments.
One of Brightspace’s unique features is its support for competency-based education, allowing organisations to design learning paths based on skill development and mastery rather than simply course completion. This makes Brightspace particularly effective for training programs focused on continuous employee development.
Key Features
- Competency-Based Education: Build learning paths based on skill mastery, helping learners progress at their own pace.
- Advanced Analytics: Offers real-time insights into learner performance, with the ability to track engagement and identify at-risk learners.
- Mobile Learning: Fully mobile-optimised, allowing learners and instructors to access courses on any device.
- Content Authoring Tools: Create interactive courses using quizzes, videos, and multimedia elements, all within the platform.
- Integration with Third-Party Tools: Integrates seamlessly with popular business and productivity tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
Pricing
D2L Brightspace operates on a subscription-based model, with pricing dependent on the number of users and organisational requirements. For small institutions or organisations, Pricing starts at around $4 per user per month (approx. $5.88 AUD), with higher tiers depending on the number of users.
Best For
D2L Brightspace is ideal for educational institutions, universities, and large organisations focused on competency-based learning and employee development.
7. LearnUpon
Rating: LearnUpon boasts a solid average rating of 4.6/5 across popular review platforms like G2 and Capterra, known for its flexibility, multi-audience support, and ease of use
LearnUpon is designed to cater to organisations with complex, multi-audience training needs. It’s highly scalable and supports a variety of use cases, from employee onboarding to customer and partner training. One of its key strengths is the ability to create different learning portals for various audiences, each with tailored content and branding. This makes LearnUpon ideal for larger businesses or organisations that need to deliver training to multiple learner groups.
LearnUpon also automates many administrative tasks, such as course enrolment, progress tracking, and reminders, making it a powerful tool for organisations looking to streamline their training management.
Key Features
- Multi-portal Support: Create distinct portals for different groups, such as employees, customers, or partners, with customised branding and learning paths.
- Automation Tools: Automate tasks like enrolments, course assignments, and reminders, reducing the administrative workload.
- Advanced Reporting: Customisable reports provide insights into learner progress, engagement, and course effectiveness.
- SCORM & xAPI Support: LearnUpon supports various content formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of e-learning materials.
- Mobile Learning: Fully responsive design ensures learners can access courses on any device, from desktop to mobile.
Pricing
LearnUpon doesn’t offer publicly available pricing, but it’s generally positioned at a mid-to-high price range, reflecting its advanced features and multiple audience support. Pricing is typically based on the number of learners and features required, and you’ll need to contact their sales team for a customised quote.
Best For
LearnUpon is best suited for mid-to-large-sized organisations that need a scalable solution for training multiple audiences. It’s particularly useful for businesses that deliver training to both internal employees and external partners or customers.
8. Litmos
Rating: Litmos has an average rating of 4.2/5 on platforms like G2 and Capterra. It is praised for its ease of use and quick setup but received some criticism for limited customisation.
Litmos is a cloud-based LMS, initially owned by SAP, that focuses on corporate training with strong capabilities in compliance, sales, and customer service training. Its quick deployment and ease of use have made it a popular choice among businesses that need to rapidly roll out training programs. Since its acquisition by Francisco Partners in 2022, Litmos has continued to expand its offerings, catering mainly to organisations with compliance-heavy training needs, such as in healthcare, finance, and retail.
A major advantage of Litmos is its integration capabilities, particularly with Salesforce, making it highly useful for businesses focused on sales and customer education. Its library of pre-built content and strong mobile learning support make it easy for organisations to deploy courses without needing to develop them from scratch.
Key Features
- Pre-built Content Library: Provides an extensive library of ready-to-use courses, making it easy to get started without developing custom content.
- Mobile Learning: Fully optimised for mobile devices, ensuring learners can access courses anywhere, on any device.
- Compliance Management: Strong features for managing compliance training in regulated industries, such as healthcare and finance.
- Salesforce Integration: Seamless integration with Salesforce, ideal for sales training and customer service education.
- Automated Notifications: Send reminders and alerts to learners about upcoming deadlines and incomplete courses.
Pricing
Litmos typically offers subscription-based pricing, starting at around $6 per monthly user (approx. $8.82 AUD). Costs may vary depending on the number of users and the required features.
Best For
Litmos is ideal for organisations that need quick, easy-to-deploy training solutions, particularly in compliance-heavy industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail. It’s also highly effective for businesses that rely on Salesforce integration for sales and customer service training.
9. Cornerstone OnDemand
Rating: Cornerstone OnDemand holds a solid average rating of 4.3/5 on platforms like G2 and Capterra.
Cornerstone OnDemand is a comprehensive LMS designed to integrate learning with talent management and employee development. It’s particularly well-suited for large enterprises with complex training needs, offering tools for performance management, employee development, and compliance. Cornerstone OnDemand doesn’t just deliver training; it also helps organisations track employee growth, skill gaps, and career progression, making it an ideal solution for companies focused on long-term talent development.
This platform stands out because it allows organisations to map learning paths to career development goals, offering a seamless experience that ties learning directly to employee success.
Key Features
- Performance Management: Integrates learning with performance reviews, allowing businesses to track employee progress and development.
- Compliance Training: Advanced tools for tracking compliance across various industries, ensuring regulatory standards are met.
- Talent Management: Aligns training with career development and succession planning, helping organisations nurture future leaders.
- Advanced Analytics: Offers in-depth reporting and insights into learner performance and engagement.
- Customisable Learning Paths: Create tailored learning experiences that align with employee roles, skills, and career goals.
Pricing
Cornerstone OnDemand operates on a quote-based pricing model, typically starting around $6 per user per month, depending on the organisation's size and feature requirements.
Best For
Cornerstone OnDemand is best suited for large enterprises that need to integrate learning with broader talent management and employee development initiatives.
10. iSpring Learn
Rating: iSpring Learn boasts an average rating of 4.6/5 on review platforms like G2 and Capterra, praised for its ease of use, PowerPoint integration, and affordability
iSpring Learn is an LMS designed for businesses that already rely on Microsoft tools, making it a perfect fit for organisations that need easy integration with Microsoft Office. iSpring is best known for its ability to quickly convert PowerPoint presentations into interactive online courses, which significantly reduces content development time.
iSpring Learn is user-friendly and ideal for organisations with smaller training teams that need an LMS capable of supporting corporate training, compliance, and onboarding programs without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Key Features
- PowerPoint Integration: Easily convert PowerPoint presentations into engaging online courses with multimedia support.
- Video Conferencing: Built-in video conferencing tools for live training sessions and virtual classroom experiences.
- Detailed Reporting: Provides insights into learner progress, course completion rates, and assessment results.
- Mobile Learning: Fully mobile-optimised, ensuring learners can access content on any device.
- Compliance Training: Track compliance training requirements and ensure your organisation meets industry standards.
Pricing
iSpring Learn offers a transparent pricing model, starting at $2.29 per user per month (Approx. $3.37 AUD), making it one of the more affordable LMS platforms. It also offers a free trial so organisations can test its features before committing.
Best For
iSpring Learn is perfect for small to mid-sized organisations, particularly those that use Microsoft Office and need a simple, user-friendly LMS for corporate training and compliance.
RTOPilot – The All-in-One Solution for Short-Course RTOs
If you're an Australian RTO looking for a tool designed specifically for your needs, RTOPilot offers an integrated LMS that streamlines both student management and training delivery. Tailored for short-course RTOs, RTOPilot helps you manage enrolments, track student progress, ensure AVETMISS compliance, and even automate certificate issuance. What makes RTOPilot stand out is its no-fuss setup—you can be up and running in under 10 minutes.
Key Features:
- Automated enrolments, compliance checks, and USI verification.
- Integrated LMS functionality for course creation, assessments, and progress tracking.
- Real-time progress tracking and automated certificate generation.
- Built-in tools to simplify AVETMISS reporting and corporate/group bookings.
With RTOPilot, you get all the benefits of a powerful LMS combined with features that simplify RTO operations. RTOPilot brings everything together in one place—student management, compliance, and learning delivery—giving you a simplified way to manage your RTO.
Conclusion
The right Learning Management System (LMS) can revolutionise how your organisation delivers training. Whether it's automating enrolments, simplifying compliance, or ensuring students stay on track with engaging content, an LMS is essential to modernising your training operations.
Each platform—whether it’s Docebo with its AI-driven personalisation, TalentLMS for its simplicity, or Canvas with its collaborative learning features—brings unique strengths to the table. But what’s most important is finding the right balance between functionality and usability for your specific needs. The right LMS can streamline your processes, help you meet compliance standards effortlessly, and deliver better outcomes for your learners.
In the coming times, the demand for flexible, intuitive, and scalable learning platforms will only grow. Take the time to evaluate your needs, consider future growth, and choose a platform that will not only meet but exceed your expectations.
If you're a training provider looking to streamline your enrolment process, effortlessly manage compliance, and deliver training that leads to better outcomes, RTOPilot can help. Our platform is designed specifically for short-course RTOs, offering a suite of tools that simplify everything from enrolments to AVETMISS reporting. With a solution built for your needs, you can save time, reduce administrative costs, and improve student success rates.
Get started with RTOPilot today and experience an LMS tailored to your RTO’s needs. Whether you’re looking to save time, cut costs, or enhance student outcomes, RTOPilot’s all-in-one platform is designed to help you succeed. Sign up now and see how your RTO can streamline operations in under 10 minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right LMS involves understanding your RTO's specific needs. Start by identifying the essential features your organisation requires, such as compliance tools, reporting, and learner engagement options. Then, consider your budget and pricing models and shortlist LMS vendors who offer solutions that match your criteria. It’s also a good idea to request demos or free trials to experience the platform firsthand before making a decision.
Cloud-based LMS platforms are accessible from anywhere and require minimal setup, making them highly scalable and easy to manage. They typically come with automatic updates and backups, reducing the need for IT infrastructure and maintenance, making them a popular choice for RTOs that offer flexible, remote learning solutions.
There is no single "best" LMS for all organisations, as the right choice depends on your specific needs. However, top-rated LMS systems for RTOs often include:
- Moodle: Known for its flexibility and scalability, especially for those needing customisation.
- Canvas: Offers an intuitive interface and comprehensive features, making it a popular choice for educational institutions.
- TalentLMS: Known for its ease of use and built-in integrations, ideal for organisations that require a balance of features and simplicity.
The best LMS is one that aligns with your RTO’s learning goals, compliance requirements, and budget.
For online and blended learning, look for an LMS that supports flexible content delivery, including live sessions, recorded lectures, quizzes, and group discussions. It should also integrate with in-person training schedules and offer robust reporting features to track both online and offline progress.
Yes, a well-implemented LMS can improve student completion rates by offering features like automated reminders, progress tracking, and access to course materials anytime, anywhere. These tools keep students engaged, help them stay on track, and reduce dropout rates.
Is your RTO future-ready?
See how RTOPilot can help.
Designed to help you spend less time and save money in running your RTO.