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22 Best Learning Management Systems (LMSs) in 2025

Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and learning platforms act as centralized hubs for organizing and managing learning, empowering organizations to foster a culture of continuous learning and development. 

You can think of LMSs and learning platforms as the central nervous system of organizational knowledge. Beyond organizing learning materials, modern learning platforms come equipped with robust insights that help capture the ROI of learning, reshaping how companies think about development.

What makes these systems so powerful is their ability to maintain institutional knowledge through active collaboration, knowledge sharing, and management rather than passive storage. The best learning platforms turn learning from an occasional event into an organizational habit. 

But what are the best options out there for enterprises? Before we dive into that, let’s first take a look at what’s a learning management system (LMS).

What is a learning management system?

A learning management system or LMS is a software used to plan, deliver, track, manage and evaluate learning activities. They power everything from professional development and compliance training for employees, customers, partners, and/or members across organizations like government, enterprises, healthcare and higher education institutions, and non-profit companies.

An LMS consists of two main parts:
A front end or user interface (UI) with which users interact, andA backend (where the server and API layer are) that administrators operate

We can use LMS systems to supplement and track in-person instruction, deliver online courses, or as part of a blended learning approach.

Top LMS software and learning platforms also come equipped with features to identify skill gaps and training needs using data analytics, and reporting as well as artificial intelligence.

There are many different types of LMSs, including open-source, cloud-based, mobile, and headless learning – where the front end operates independently from the backend.

In general, an LMS is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product, but there are different licensing and pricing models to fit different needs.

Related: What is an LMS? (Learn everything about Learning Management Systems—features, benefits, common use cases and more.) 

Global LMS market and statistics

The global LMS market is set to grow by USD 87.1 billion by 2033, thanks to an average compound annual growth rate of 17.9% in the demand for LMSs. 

This growth is fueled by three key trends:

  • Widespread online learning or e-learning adoption
  • Remote work normalization
  • AI and other technological advancements

But this market expansion reflects a fundamental business reality: organizations that prioritize learning outperform those that don’t:

Infographic with three data points: 62% of employees would leave jobs lacking learning opportunities 90% of organizations cite retention as their top concern and their number 1 strategy is providing learning opportunities Companies with strong learning cultures report 57% higher retention rates.

Despite this growth, challenges remain. Users consistently report frustration with poor system integration and suboptimal interfaces—issues that AI-powered personalization is beginning to address.

As talent retention becomes increasingly critical, investing in learning infrastructure isn’t optional: it’s essential for organizational survival and growth.

LMS most popular options

We’ve sifted through hundreds of learning platforms to identify the 22 standout solutions that truly deliver for enterprises. Our rankings come from fresh 2024 to 2025 ratings across trusted sources like G2, Capterra, Gartner, and e-Learning Industries.

The LMS world moves fast! That’s why we’ve focused on the most recent feedback through February 2025 to capture how these platforms perform right now, not the past decade.

The marketplace includes both established platforms with extensive adoption and promising newcomers. But it’s important to highlight that not only that glitters is gold! 

Newer solutions often show higher initial ratings due to smaller sample sizes, and early-adopter enthusiasm, while widely-implemented platforms reflect feedback from diverse enterprise environments at scale.

Scatterplot showing learning platform standings across G2, Capterra, Gartner and eLearning Industries from 2024 to 2025
PlatformAverage rating* (/5)Best ForTop FeaturesPricing
Docebo4.5Personalized adaptive learning, scalability, versatility, extensibility and performanceCommunities (social learning), AI authoring tool, Learning Intelligence (reporting & analytics), Gamification, e-Commerce, Headless Learning, workflow automationUpon request. Offers free LMS to small non-profits through OWL
iSpring Learn4.4Fast onboardingCourse builder, learning paths, certifications, gamification, skills appraisalStarts at $6.64 user/mo billed annually
Absorb LMS4.4CustomizationLearning Paths, Content Creation, e-Commerce portalAverages $19,576
LearnUpon4.6Friendly course creationCourse creation, automated workflows, gamification, learning pathsContracts can start as low as $15,528
Litmos4.3Performance AI assistant, Content authoring, gamification, mobile learning, reporting and analyticsUpon request
360Learning4.7Collaborative learningAI-authoring tools, enrollment automation, skills profile, collaborative learning, learning evaluationCan start at $8/registered user per month
Cornerstone4.4Corporate trainingCourse builder, Learning Paths, eCommerceContracts can start as low as $10,334
Continu4.5Corporate trainingSmart segmentation (content tailored by department, role, and location), AI-driven recommendations, automations, e-CommerceUpon request
Adobe Learning4.6PersonalizationLearning paths, Content creation, GamificationFree 30-day trial; pricing upon request
Skillsoft4.4Skills-based organizationsInteractive skills benchmarks, personalized feedback coaching, content repositoryContracts can start as low as $10,316
Seismic Learning4.5Sales enablementSales content repository, coaching, content automation, sales intelligence Contracts can start as low as $8,998
Degreed4.4Workforce upskillingPersonalized paths, workflow automation, skill data mapping, conversational AI coaching, personalized learning recommendationsUpon request
Tovuti LMS4.4Employee trainingPersonalized paths, customization and branding, data reporting, AI content creationUpon request
Intellum4.3Customer educationPersonalized learning paths, customization and branding, e-Commerce, scalability, certifications, mobile learningContracts can start at $30,055
Axonify4.6Frontline workforce enablementPersonalized learning paths, reporting and analytics, gamification, multilingualUpon request
Sana4.9AI-driven learningLearning analytics, hybrid learning, AI content creationHas a free version.
Cypher Learning4.6Internal and external trainingE-commerce, gamification, social learning, reporting, automationUpon request
Skilljar4.6Corporate customer educationNative analytics, strategic insights, e-Commerce, content creationContracts may start at $22,173
Thrive Learning4.7Employee trainingAI content creator, AI assistant, AI search, AI-driven personalizationFor 1-150 users, contracts can start at $19,650
Canvas4.1Remote learningGamification, Analytics dashboard, Learning pathsFree trial available; pricing upon request
Moodle4.0Academic settingsCourse builder, Instructor-Led Training, learning paths, gamification, certificationsFree trial available; can start at $200 for 50 users per year
SC Training (formerly EdApp)4.7Frontline employee trainingWorkflow automations, certifications, progress tracking, search functionalityFree version available. Premium plans start at $24 per seat per month

*Average rating across G2, Capterra, Gartner and eLearning Industries using reviews from January, 2024 to February, 2025.

**Pros and Cons based on G2 reviews

Now that we’ve peeked at the best LMS solutions for enterprises right now, let’s dive into each of these LMSs and learning platforms in more detail, including looking at their individual ratings throughout G2, Caperra, Gartner and eLearning Industries and the total reviews analyzed from 2024 to February, 2025.

22 Best LMS providers reviewed

Docebo

Docebo ratings

Best suited for: Performance-focused enterprises seeking an AI-driven learning platform that excels in experiential learning for diverse audiences at scale while consolidating your tech stack

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Communities (social learning), AI authoring tool, Learning Intelligence (reporting & analytics), Gamification, e-Commerce, Headless Learning, workflow automationSSO, Workday, MS Teams, Salesforce, Zoom, HubSpot, WordPress, Slack, Shopify, Gong, Honorlock, and plenty more.
Create custom integrations with APIs and webhooks.

About Docebo

Docebo is a leading AI-powered learning platform designed for enterprises seeking scalable, personalized, and data-driven learning experiences. 

Known for its strong automation, AI content authoring, AI-driven recommendations, and robust integrations, Docebo streamlines learning management while enhancing learner engagement and efficiency of the learning process. 

It supports diverse learning needs, from employee training to customer and partner education, with a flexible, white-labeled interface. 

Key strengths include its deep analytics, extended enterprise capabilities, and seamless integration with various business tools, making it a powerful choice for organizations prioritizing innovation and scalability in learning.

Most common likes and dislikes(Pros & Cons)Most common use cases
– Customization
– Great support
– Ease of use
– Could be complex for small businesses
– Extended enterprise
– Employee training
– Customer education
– Partner enablement
– Sales enablement
– Member training

iSpring Learn

iSpring Learn ratings

Best suited for: Mid-market businesses to enterprises looking for a user-friendly platform that can quickly deploy employee onboarding while handling other use cases like customer and partner learning

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Course builder, learning paths, certifications, gamification, skills appraisalSSO, CourseBoost, MS Teams, Zoom, Salesforce, Shopify. Create custom integrations through APIs.

About iSpring Learn

iSpring Learn is a cloud-based LMS designed for businesses that need a quick-to-implement platform for corporate training and e-learning. 

This LMS’s comprehensive feature set includes course building tools for instructional designers and subject matter experts. Plus iSpring Learn comes equipped with a skills appraisal feature that allows admins and users alike to track their knowledge gains.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– 24/7 support
– Course creation
– Ease of use
– Integration issues
– Course management issues
– Employee training
– Customer education
– Partner enablement

Absorb LMS

Absorb LMS ratings

Best suited for: Mid-market and enterprise businesses looking for a highly customizable learning platform that supports personalized training experiences while offering scalability and a broad range of integrations.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Learning Paths, Content Creation, e-Commerce portalWorkday, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, HubSpot, and others

About Absorb LMS

Absorb LMS is a cloud-based learning platform designed to help organizations tailor employee, customer, and partner training with advanced customization options. 

Built for corporate learning, Absorb comes equipped with an extensive course content library and content creation tools to make it easy to deliver engaging, learning experiences at scale.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– 24/7 support
– Course creation
– Ease of use
– Integration issues
– Course management issues
– Limitations in reporting capabilities
– Difficulties managing large libraries of courses
– Corporate learning
– Customer education

LearnUpon

LearnUpon LMS ratings

Best suited for: Businesses looking for friendly course creation

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Course creation, automated workflows, gamification, learning pathsHubSpot, Degreed, BambooHR, SSO, Salesforce, Google Meet, Zoom, MS Teams, Gong, Shopify, and more. Create custom integrations with APIs and webhooks.

About LearnUpon

Known for its easy-to-use course builder, LearnUpon is a cloud-based LMS that is mostly used by small to mid-market businesses, according to G2.

However, this LMS solution is designed to tackle multiple use cases from employee onboarding to customer education and partner enablement. 

With plenty of integrations and the ability to create custom ones, LearnUpon seamlessly connects with your tech stack to deliver a myriad of engaging, learning experiences.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Course creation 
– Customer support 
– Difficult customization 
– Course management issues
– Employee upskilling
– Onboarding
– Customer retention
– Partner performance

Litmos

Litmos ratings

Best suited for: Performance-focused mid-market businesses and enterprises

Top FeaturesIntegrations
AI assistant, Content authoring, gamification, mobile learning, reporting and analyticsSalesforce, MS Teams, Zoom, Skillsoft, Shopify. Create custom integrations with APIs and webhooks.

About Litmos

Litmos is a cloud-based LMS designed to provide businesses with deep insights into learner progress and training effectiveness. 

Focused on reporting and analytics, Litmos enables organizations to track performance, measure engagement, and ensure compliance with ease. It also comes equipped with automated workflows, customizable dashboards and plenty of integrations.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Course creation 
– Customer support 
– Reporting issues 
– Integration issues 
– Limited customization
– Corporate learning 
– Customer education 
– Partner enablement 

360Learning

360Learning ratings

Best suited for: Organizations looking to enhance collaboration in learning

Top FeaturesIntegrations
AI-authoring tools, enrollment automation, skills profile, collaborative learning, learning evaluationBambooHR, Canva, Cornerstone, Coursera, Google Drive, MS Teams, Salesforce, Skillsoft, Slack, and more. Custom integrations can be requested.

About 360Learning

Known for its collaborative learning approach, 360Learning enables teams to co-create training courses, share knowledge, and drive engagement through peer-driven learning. 

This cloud-based LMS combines traditional training with social learning features, allowing businesses to upskill employees quickly while fostering a culture of continuous learning. 

With built-in authoring, AI-driven recommendations, and detailed analytics, 360Learning streamlines content creation and knowledge sharing across organizations.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
  – Ease of use  
– Course creation  
– Customer support  
– Collaborative learning  
– Limited customization  
– Navigation issues  
– Content tool limitations
– Employee training 
– Customer education 
– Partner enablement

Cornerstone Learning

Cornerstone ratings

Best suited for: Enterprises looking for an established LMS to fuel corporate training

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Course builder, Learning Paths, eCommerceMultiple integrations including Adobe Connect, APIs, import loads, and content subscriptions

About Cornerstone Learning

Focused on corporate training, the Cornerstone LMS enables organizations to manage, deliver and track training programs thanks to a centralized content hub, automations, and personalized learning paths.

This LMS solution also comes equipped with reporting functionalities to track the right metrics, and AI features that enhance personalization. An established LMS provider, Cornerstone recently introduced Cornerstone Galaxy, to meet the AI needs of today’s learners.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– High level of customization
– Complexity issues
– Limited integrations
– Poor customer support
– Corporate learning 
– Customer education 
– Partner enablement

Continu

Continu ratings

Best suited for: Enterprise looking for a modern learning platform catered to the demands of today’s workforce

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Smart segmentation (content tailored by department, role, and location), AI-driven recommendations, automations, e-CommercePopular integrations like Slack, Google Calendar, Zoom, SSO and more.

About Continu

Designed for enterprise organizations, Continu offers an end-to-end solution for training, onboarding, and upskilling teams. The platform comes equipped with AI-powered features and workflow automations that make both in-person training and remote learning a breeze.

Continu boasts a customer satisfaction rating of 96% thanks in part to user-friendly interface and plenty of integrations. Plus, with reporting and analytics tools, businesses can track and finetune the learning impact of their training programs.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use
– Course creation
– Content management issues
– Employee training 
– Employee development 
– Customer education

Adobe Learning

Adobe learning manager ratings

Best suited for: Enterprises looking for a robust learning platform that seamlessly integrates with the Adobe ecosystem.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Learning paths, Content creation, GamificationExtensive set of APIs and connectors. Easily integrates with all Adobe products.

About Adobe Learning Manager

Designed for enterprises, Adobe Learning Manager provides a scalable solution for employee, customer, and partner training. The platform offers AI-driven personalization, automation, and immersive learning experiences to enhance engagement. 

With seamless integration into Adobe tools like Creative Cloud and Adobe Experience Manager, organizations can streamline content creation and deliver dynamic training. Plus, its advanced reporting and analytics features help businesses track learning outcomes and optimize training programs effectively.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Customization
– Ease of use
– Large learning curve due to extensive customization
– Poor reporting capabilities
– Employee training

Skillsoft

Skillsoft ratings

Best suited for: Skills-based organizations looking to drive workforce development with multimodal learning experiences

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Interactive skills benchmarks, personalized feedback coaching, content repositoryCornerstone, Moodle, Degreed, Google Workspace, and more.

About Skillsoft

Designed for organizations focused on skills development, Skillsoft offers a comprehensive learning platform with an extensive library of courses, certifications, and interactive, blended learning experiences. 

The platform leverages AI-driven recommendations, an AI-powered coach, and adaptive learning to personalize training for employees at all levels. In addition to all that, the platform also enables businesses to track skills while also having access to world-class content so they can drive continuous growth while addressing skill gaps.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Content diversity
– Ease of use
– Integration issues
– Reporting issues
– Employee training

Seismic Learning

Seismic Learning ratings

Best suited for: Sales-driven organizations looking to enhance sales enablement through data-driven, personalized learning.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Sales content repository, coaching, content automation, sales intelligence Gong, BambooHR, MS Teams, Salesforce, Slack, Zoom, Hubspot, and more. 

About Seismic Learning

With a focus on sales enablement, Seismic Learning provides a dynamic training platform that equips sales teams with the knowledge and skills needed to close deals effectively. 

The platform leverages AI-driven insights, adaptive learning paths, and real-time coaching to personalize training and reinforce key selling techniques. 

In addition, it seamlessly integrates with sales tools, enabling businesses to track performance, measure content effectiveness, and continuously optimize their enablement strategies.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Engaging content
– Ease of use
– Limited customization
– Sales and revenue staff training and development

Degreed

Degreed ratings

Best suited for: Organizations focused on upskilling and continuous workforce development through personalized learning.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Personalized paths, workflow automation, skill data mapping, conversational AI coaching, personalized learning recommendationsLearnUpon, Coursera, Docebo, and more.

About Degreed

Designed for businesses prioritizing skill development, Degreed offers a comprehensive learning experience platform that connects employees to a vast ecosystem of courses, articles, videos, and peer learning. 

The platform leverages AI-driven recommendations and skill analytics to identify skill gaps, and create personalized learning paths that align with both individual career growth and organizational goals. 

Plus, Degreed enables businesses to track skill progression in real time, ensuring employees stay agile and prepared for the future of work.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Personalized paths 
– Integration issues 
– Limited reporting
– Employee onboarding 
– Employee development 
– Upskilling and reskilling

Tovuti LMS

Tovuti LMS ratings

Best suited for: Organizations looking for an all-in-one platform to streamline employee training and development.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Personalized paths, customization and branding, data reporting, AI content creationGong, Docusign, HubSpot, MS Teams, SSO, Salesforce, Shopify, slack, Zoom and more. Plus custom integrations through APIs.

About Tovuti LMS

Designed with a focus on employee training, Tovuti LMS offers a comprehensive solution that simplifies course creation, delivery, and tracking. 

The platform includes built-in course authoring tools, interactive learning experiences, and gamification to boost engagement and retention. 

In addition, Tovuti LMS provides robust automation and reporting features, allowing organizations to efficiently manage training programs while ensuring employees stay up to date with critical skills and compliance requirements.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Course creation 
– Customer support 
– Limited customization 
– Limited reporting
– Employee training from onboarding to development

Intellum

Intellum ratings

Best suited for: Organizations looking to elevate customer education with a scalable and data-driven learning platform.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Personalized learning paths, customization and branding, e-Commerce, scalability, certifications, mobile learningSSO, Salesforce, Zoom, Slack, Skillsoft, Coursera, Spree, Honorlock, Workday and more.

About Intellum

Known for customer education, Intellum provides a robust platform that helps organizations create, deliver, and measure impactful learning experiences for all learners, including customers and partners. 

The platform supports personalized learning paths, interactive content, and AI-driven insights to enhance engagement and retention. 

Leveraging the industry’s largest team of education specialists, Intellum empowers businesses to excel in their customer education initiatives from customer onboarding to product adoption.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Customization 
– Customer support 
– Poor search functionality 
– Content management issues
– Customer education 
– Partner education

Axonify

Axonify ratings

Best suited for: Organizations looking to empower their frontline workforce with personalized, bite-sized learning.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Personalized learning paths, reporting and analytics, gamification, multilingualWorkday, MS Teams and more.

About Axonify

Built with frontline workers in mind, Axonify delivers a microlearning-based platform that helps employees build knowledge and skills in just a few minutes a day. 

The platform leverages AI-driven personalization, gamification, and reinforcement learning to ensure training is engaging, effective, and easily accessible on any device so they can learn in the flow of work.

In addition, Axonify provides real-time insights to track performance and measure the impact of learning, helping organizations boost productivity and drive business outcomes.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Customization 
– Customer support 
– Limited reporting
Employee training from onboarding to development with a focus on frontline workers

Sana

Sana ratings

Best suited for: Businesses looking to leverage AI-driven learning for personalized and automated workforce development.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Learning analytics, hybrid learning, AI content creationSSO, BambooHR, Workday, Slack, MS Teams, Salesforce, Microsoft Power BI, HubSpot, Salesforce, Coursey, Udemy. Plus custom integrations through APIs.

About Sana

Sana offers an intelligent learning platform that automates content creation, personalizes learning paths, and provides real-time performance insights. 

Through AI-driven recommendations, real-time search, and collaborative learning, Sana empowers businesses to deliver dynamic training experiences at scale. 

Pioneering AI-driven learning, Sana also comes equipped with AI agents that act as your personal assistant, guiding you through your own, unique learning journey.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Ease of course creation 
– Customer support 
– Some content creation limitations 
– Integration issues 
– Bit of a learning curve
– Employee training 
– Sales enablement

Cypher Learning

Cypher learning ratings

Best suited for: Organizations seeking an end-to-end solution for internal and external training, skills development, and cross-training.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
E-commerce, gamification, social learning, reporting, automationSSO, PayPal, Stripe, Coursera, Udemy, MS Teams, Zoom, and more. Plus custom integrations through APIs and webhooks.

About Cypher Learning

Designed to help businesses train teams more effectively, Cypher Learning offers a comprehensive platform equipped with content and course creation tools, AI-powered personalized recommendations, and seamless cross-training capabilities. 

The platform makes it easy to deliver and manage both internal and external training programs, ensuring employees, customers, and partners develop the right skills. 

This LMS’s intuitive interface is easy for users and admins alike to navigate, and branding and integrations provide a connected, unique experience.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Customer support 
– Limited customization 
– Integration issues 
– Some reporting limitations
– Employee training 
– Customer education 
– Partner enablement 
– Vendor training

Skilljar

Skilljar ratings

Best suited for: Enterprises seeking to accelerate customer onboarding and product adoption through curated educational experiences.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Native analytics, strategic insights, e-Commerce, content creationSSO, Zoom, Salesforce, Zendesk, and more.

About Skilljar

Recently acquired by Gainsight, and designed for corporate customer education, Skilljar helps businesses turn every customer into a product expert with seamless, scalable training programs. 

The platform enables organizations to create, deliver, and track engaging learning experiences that improve onboarding, retention, and product adoption. Plus, it makes it easy for businesses to monetize their learning initiatives, turning their customer education from a cost center to a profit engine.

This learning platform also leverages analytics and Salesforce to connect the dots between NPS, adoption and customer retention.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Customer support 
– Easy to implement  
– Integration issues 
– Some reporting limitations
 – Customer education 
– Partner enablement

Thrive Learning

Thrive Learning ratings

Best suited for: Organizations looking for an all-in-one AI-powered learning platform to modernize employee training.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
AI content creator, AI assistant, AI search, AI-driven personalizationSSO, MS Teams, Slack, Hubspot, Salesforce, Workday, Udemy and more. 

About Thrive Learning

Thrive Learning makes it easy for employees to share knowledge, collaborate, and upskill in a dynamic environment by combining traditional learning management with social learning, AI-driven personalization, and content creation tools. 

This LMS solution even includes a Whatsapp Coach and dynamic search functionality so you can learn on the go. With other features like, Skills and Goals to track learners’ skills and growth, gamification, and localization, Thrive Learning empowers businesses to meet any learner needs no matter where they are in the world. 

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Content quality 
– Engagement 
– Limited reporting 
– Some integration issues
– Employee onboarding 
– Employee development 
– Upskilling 
– Compliance

Canvas

Canvas LMS ratings

Best suited for: Organizations and educational institutions seeking a robust platform for remote learning and virtual collaboration.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Gamification, Analytics dashboard, Learning pathsIntegrates with other educational software; comes equipped with APIs

About Canvas

Canvas offers a flexible and user-friendly learning management system that supports virtual classrooms, online assessments, and collaborative learning experiences.

The platform provides seamless integrations, mobile accessibility, and powerful automation to enhance engagement and streamline course delivery. 

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Customization
– Ease of use
– Primarily for educational sector
– Limited features and integrations
 – Student learning 
– Employee training

Moodle

Moodle ratings

Best suited for: Organizations and educational institutions looking for an open-source, customizable LMS for flexible learning.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Course builder, Instructor-Led Training, learning paths, gamification, certificationsIntegrates with other educational software and other popular apps; comes equipped with APIs

About Moodle

Designed to support a wide range of learning environments, Moodle is an open-source learning platform that provides full customization and scalability for online education and corporate training. 

The platform offers robust course management, collaborative learning tools, and extensive integrations to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. 

A big plus is Moodle’s strong community support which empowers admins to continuously improve their training programs and empower student progress.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Integrations 
– Can be too complex for people without coding abilities 
– Some customization issues
– Student learning 
– Employee training

SC Training (previously EdApp)

SC Training ratings

Best suited for: Organizations looking to streamline frontline employee training with mobile-first, bite-sized learning.

Top FeaturesIntegrations
Workflow automations, certifications, progress tracking, search functionalityPower BI, SSO, Google Drive and Calendar; comes equipped with APIs

About SC Training

SC Training (formerly EdApp) offers a mobile-first platform that delivers microlearning, and gamification on-the-go to keep employees engaged and informed.

The platform enables businesses to create and deploy training quickly, ensuring workers have access to critical knowledge anytime, anywhere by leveraging automations and AI-driven course creation.

SC Training also comes equipped with real-time performance insights to help organizations improve retention, performance, and compliance across their frontline teams.

Most common likes and dislikesMost common use cases
– Ease of use 
– Content diversity 
– Reporting limitations 
– Limited integrations
– Employee onboarding 
– Employee development 
– Compliance

Factors to consider when choosing an LMS

Finding the right learning platform isn’t just about features.

It’s about finding a partner in your organization’s growth journey.

Here’s what to look for:

1. The Essentials

Your LMS should feel intuitive from day one. Look for clean, accessible, modern interfaces that work for everyone across all devices. 

Your ideal platform should also connect seamlessly with existing systems like HRIS, CRM software, and productivity tools, and come equipped with SCORM, xAPI, and AICC compatibility so your content works everywhere it needs to.

Finally, choose an AI learning solution that is capable of providing comprehensive reporting while automating the tedious stuff so you can focus on the right things, like delivering data-driven, personalized, adaptive learning experiences.

2. The Growth Enablers

As you grow, your LMS should scale up and stay flexible—supporting self-paced, instructor-led, and blended learning formats. Look for one with a great content library and creation tools so your team can build engaging courses and hit compliance targets faster.

With remote work booming, make sure it’s mobile-friendly so everyone can learn anytime, anywhere, while fostering collaborative learning. Social learning features like discussion boards and mentorship programs let your people learn from each other, boosting both engagement and knowledge retention.

Don’t forget to make it fun! Gamification elements—like leaderboards, badges, points, and challenges—encourage participation and motivation. An LMS with built-in gamification fosters a more engaging and rewarding learning experience.

3. The Differentiators

When selecting a learning solution, reliable support is crucial for smooth implementation and ongoing maintenance. Evaluate providers based on their customer service quality, including response times, available training resources, and dedicated account management options.

Security considerations are equally important, especially in industries handling sensitive information. Prioritize an LMS with strong encryption, secure authentication, and compliance with relevant standards like GDPR, SOC 2, or HIPAA.

As for finances, understand that LMS pricing models range from subscription-based to pay-per-user plans. Be vigilant about potential hidden costs—implementation fees, support charges, and additional integrations—to avoid budget surprises down the road.

By carefully assessing these factors, organizations can select an LMS that not only meets current needs but also evolves with their long-term learning and development goals.

Learn more about LMS features and LMS requirements

Key Insights

The LMS landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with AI-driven learning, automation, and personalized training experiences becoming essential for enterprises. As organizations prioritize workforce upskilling, customer education, and frontline enablement, selecting the right LMS is more critical than ever.

So ask yourself these questions: Is it keeping up with the future of learning (is it AI ready)? 

Is it mobile-friendly? 

Does it support existing training content? 

Is it scalable, and can it integrate seamlessly with your current tools? 

Does it have robust reporting capabilities to prove business impact?

By considering these questions, organizations can choose an LMS that aligns with their strategic goals, fosters continuous learning, and delivers measurable results.

Each of these factors is crucial in choosing an LMS that aligns with your business priorities—reasons why over 3,800 companies globally rely on Docebo as their learning partner. 

Infographic saying want to see why 30 million learners choose Docebo? Take a tour of the platform today.

FAQs

What is the difference between an LMS and a learning platform?

A learning platform goes beyond a traditional LMS by integrating features from learning experience platforms (LXPs), AI-driven personalization, skills intelligence, and social learning to create a dynamic, experiential learning ecosystem. 

While an LMS focuses on structured course delivery, tracking, and compliance, a modern learning platform combines administration with personalization, offering AI-powered recommendations, collaborative learning, and flexible content formats like microlearning and video. 

How do I choose the best LMS for my organization?

Choosing the best LMS for your organization requires looking at your organization’s specific needs and requirements. 

In general, these days, it’s best to look beyond a traditional LMS system to a modern learning platform that combines AI-driven personalization, automations, and seamless integrations to support evolving enterprise learning needs. 

What is the best learning platform for online learning?

The best learning platform for online learning is one that prioritizes mobile learning and seamless integrations to ensure accessibility, engagement, and scalability. A mobile-friendly LMS allows learners to access training anytime, anywhere, on any device, supporting remote work and just-in-time learning. 

Features like offline access, push notifications, and microlearning make learning more flexible and convenient. Additionally, strong integrations with HR systems, CRM platforms, collaboration tools, and content providers ensure that learning is embedded into existing workflows, enabling learning in the flow of work.

You may also want to consider headless learning, which decouples the front end from the back end, empowering organizations to fully customize the learning experience, integrate training across digital platforms, and deliver content in a more personalized and scalable way.

Infographic saying want to see why 30 million learners choose Docebo? Schedule a demo today.

Maria Rosales Gerpe

L&D Content Writer

What Will Determine L&D Success in 2025? Here Are Our 10 Predictions

The year 2024 was marked by constant change: cows can now get the flu, and there was much economical and geopolitical upheaval. 

It was also a transformative year for Learning & Development (L&D), full of AI experimentation and skill gap challenges brought by labor shortages. 

Taking in the knowledge gained throughout 2024, how will we find success in 2025? Let’s explore the trends and strategies shaping the future.

TL;DR: How to Stay Ahead in L&D in 2025

Let’s dive in!

L&D Experts Will Get Selective About AI

As they should. 

In 2024, we went from 5% to 95% of companies experimenting with AI in just one year. Experimentation is a natural quality of L&D professionals, but whereas 2024 was all about testing the waters, 2025 will be about implementation.

This year, L&D leaders will take a more discerning approach. Not just any AI product will do. L&D professionals will prioritize AI solutions that align with both business objectives and learner needs. AI-driven platforms capable of streamlining automation, delivering robust analytics, and providing insights to tackle strategic goals will take center stage.

On the learner side, hyper-personalization will dominate. AI-powered learning platforms or learning management systems (LMSs) that offer tailored recommendations and bespoke learning paths will play a crucial role in driving learner engagement. 

Generative AI tools, such as LMSs or learning platforms with AI-driven content creation, will also gain traction for their ability to create microlearning or bite-sized e-learning content quickly and efficiently, enabling L&D teams to scale learning programs with minimal effort.

As artificial intelligence matures, L&D programs will integrate more and more the right AI tools—those that enhance both learning experiences and operational efficiency.

Learner Engagement Will Matter More Than Ever

In a recent newsletter, Josh Bersin noted that, “40% of workers are worried about job stability (with AI the #1 fear factor), and 77% expect their employer to help. I haven’t seen this level of “expectation” put on employers in a long time.” Employees are concerned about the future of work and are looking to their employers for guidance. 

To address these challenges, fostering a culture of continuous learning will be paramount. Continuous learning has been shown to improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention. In fact, organizations with strong learning cultures are 92% more likely to innovate.

In 2025, employee training will shy away from a one-size-fits-all by incorporating hyperpersonalization through AI-driven personalized learning paths. Skill training through knowledge sharing and social learning will also be fostered to further improve the employee experience and create more engaging learning environments while preserving organizational know-how.

Immersive learning technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), will also become essential tools for engagement and upskilling. These advancements provide hands-on, simulations or experiential learning opportunities that not only captivate learners but also accelerate skills development. 

Forget boring assessments, gamification, microlearning, and interactive training content will continue to drive engagement by making all learning from employee onboarding and workplace learning to customer education and partner enablement more accessible and enjoyable.

Analytics Will Be Front and Center

In 2024, L&D practitioners made significant strides in moving beyond being mere “ticket takers”—those who simply fulfill training requests—to becoming strategic business partners. In 2025, this trend will solidify as analytics take center stage.

At Inspire 2024, sessions on analytics and performance were among the most attended, underscoring the growing interest in data-driven decision-making. L&D leaders will increasingly use real-time analytics to demonstrate the impact of learning programs on business goals. 

And this will benefit them: 70% of learning practitioners who are valued by their leaders are more likely to design and make recommendations based on evidence-informed principles compared to only 14% of learning practitioners that don’t. 

However, analytics isn’t just about data or metrics; it’s about context. L&D professionals will need to secure a seat at the table—at multiple tables, in fact. Engaging with stakeholders across sales, customer experience, and HR will be key to accessing the right data and understanding how learning initiatives contribute to broader organizational success.

Upskilling Will Be a Top Priority

The skills gap is a growing concern. The World Economic Forum predicts that 44% of workers‘ skill sets will be disrupted within the next five years. For this reason, upskilling and reskilling are not just buzzwords—they’re imperatives. 

A recent report from Together highlighted that the top priorities for L&D and HR professionals in 2025 include leadership development, reskilling and upskilling, employee engagement and retention.

As new technologies evolve and disrupt traditional roles, organizations will need to focus on developing the employee skills that will keep their workforce competitive. This includes not only technical skills but also soft skills like adaptability, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. Personalized learning paths, supported by AI-powered tools, will foster employee development, enabling employees to acquire new skills at their own pace, in the flow of work and on-demand.

L&D teams will also need to collaborate closely with managers and leaders to identify skill gaps and design targeted training programs. Organizations that prioritize upskilling will be better equipped to navigate disruptions and seize new opportunities.

Learning in the flow of work will be more seamless

In 2025, learning in the flow of work will become increasingly effortless as AI automations and hyper-personalized workflows take center stage. By integrating learning directly into employees’ day-to-day tasks, organizations can provide immediate access to training resources without disrupting productivity. This approach enables employees to acquire skills as they encounter challenges, ensuring that learning becomes a natural part of their workflow.

Social learning will play a vital role in this transformation. According to the 70-20-10 rule of learning, 20% of knowledge is gained through social interactions. Leveraging tools such as collaborative platforms, discussion forums, and team-based learning exercises, organizations can foster peer-to-peer knowledge sharing that enriches the overall learning experience. This not only enhances engagement but also accelerates the adoption of new skills.

Additionally, the availability of real-time analytics will allow organizations to track and refine these in-flow learning strategies. By understanding which methods resonate with employees, L&D teams can optimize their approaches and ensure learning aligns with business objectives.

Microlearning will continue to dominate

Microlearning, already a popular trend, will solidify its place as a cornerstone of L&D in 2025. With AI-driven authoring tools now widely accessible, creating and delivering microlearning modules will become faster and more efficient than ever. These bite-sized learning experiences are designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules, making it easier for employees to engage with training content on demand.

The flexibility of microlearning also makes it ideal for addressing specific skill gaps or knowledge areas. Employees can access short, targeted lessons exactly when they need them, boosting retention and ensuring the immediate application of newly acquired skills. This format is especially effective for mobile learning, allowing employees to train anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.

Furthermore, microlearning’s modular nature enables organizations to continuously update and customize content in response to evolving business needs or technological advancements. Combined with gamification elements like quizzes, points, and badges, microlearning will keep employees engaged and motivated to complete their training.

There will be a growing focus on training for soft skills

In the age of AI and automation, soft skills have emerged as a crucial differentiator in the workplace. As machines take over routine tasks, human-centric skills such as leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence will be more important than ever. In 2025, organizations will double down on soft skills training to prepare their workforce for the future of work.

Leadership development, in particular, will be a key area of focus. As teams become more diverse and remote work continues to expand, leaders will need to master skills like adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and team building. Training programs will incorporate simulations, role-playing exercises, and coaching sessions to enhance these competencies.

Soft skills training will also extend to areas like problem-solving, creativity, and conflict resolution, equipping employees to navigate complex, dynamic work environments. By integrating immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), organizations can create realistic scenarios that allow employees to practice and refine their skills in a safe, controlled environment.

In a world increasingly dominated by AI, the ability to connect, empathize, and lead will set top performers apart. Organizations that prioritize soft skills training will be better positioned to foster innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.

Companies will tackle the knowledge management problem

In the first episode of Leaders in Learning, Josh Bersin talks about the knowledge management problem. “I don’t think there’s any choice for CEOs, CHROs, and CFOs to invest more and more in [knowledge management].”

He adds, “one of the clients we’re working with right now is a large defense contractor in the UK. They’re a 55,000-person company. They make jet engines and missile systems and all the information about how to do that is in the heads of baby boomers who are leaving, and the young engineers can’t learn it fast enough!”

In 2025, we’ll see companies prioritize knowledge management systems (KMS) or tools like LMSs with KMS capabilities to drive collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. These solutions will play a key role in preserving institutional knowledge, streamlining workflows, and supporting employees in navigating complex work environments.

KMS or learning platforms with KMS capabilities will enable organizations to centralize their information and make it easily accessible to employees. This will help businesses reduce redundancy, ensure consistency, and improve decision-making processes. With the integration of AI and automation, knowledge management solutions will also offer smarter search capabilities and personalized recommendations, allowing employees to find relevant information faster.

Moreover, knowledge management solutions like learning platforms will enhance organizational learning by promoting knowledge sharing and retention. They will foster collaboration through tools like discussion boards, wikis, and file-sharing platforms, enabling teams to build on each other’s expertise. In the face of growing employee turnover and remote work trends, knowledge management will ensure critical institutional knowledge does not go by the wayside, remains within the organization, and is continuously updated for future use.

By investing in robust knowledge management solutions, companies in 2025 will not only address immediate operational challenges but also set themselves up for long-term success in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training will become more pressing

According to a recent newsletter by Josh Bersin, “A major study in Bloomberg just showed that the top 84 companies in the US reduced white collar headcount by 127,418 people last year. (And more than a quarter of these were black, so the new “anti-DEI” movement is directly impacting black workers.)”

That’s right: 2024 saw a lag in DEI training programs that will need to be addressed in 2025. The newer generations are becoming more and more diverse, which means that the workforce of the future must represent that. In 2025, organizations will see a further shift in DEI training to foster inclusive workplace cultures and address the growing demand for equity in the workplace. 

As the global workforce becomes more diverse, employees expect their organizations to not only acknowledge but actively promote inclusivity. DEI initiatives will need to extend beyond traditional compliance training to focus on embedding inclusive practices into everyday workflows.

To foster a more inclusive environment, L&D professionals can leverage immersive learning technologies such as virtual reality (VR) simulations to create realistic scenarios, helping employees build empathy and develop skills like cultural competence and unconscious bias awareness. 

AI-powered platforms will also play a role in personalizing DEI training to cater to the unique needs of different employee groups. By prioritizing DEI, companies will improve employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational success.

L&D teams will look to foster employee well-being

In 2024, we saw plenty of surveys and studies showcase a growing negative sentiment in worker generations like Millennials and GenZers. For this reason, employee well-being will become a key focus in L&D strategies for 2025 as organizations recognize the link between well-being and productivity. The rise of hybrid work environments and the increasing pace of technological change have led to higher levels of stress and burnout. 

L&D teams will integrate well-being initiatives into their learning programs to address these challenges. For example, training programs will include modules on stress management, mindfulness, and work-life balance, helping employees develop resilience and emotional intelligence. 

Gamification and bite-sized learning modules will also be utilized to reduce cognitive overload and make learning more engaging. Additionally, AI-driven platforms will provide personalized recommendations for well-being resources based on individual employee needs. By fostering a holistic approach to employee development, organizations can create healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces.

Shaping the Future of L&D in 2025

The L&D landscape in 2025 will be defined by strategic choices and innovative solutions. From leveraging AI to fostering engagement and addressing the skills gap, the key to success lies in staying agile and focused on outcomes.

Organizations that embrace these L&D trends will not only navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing work environment but also position themselves as leaders in their industries. By investing in the right technologies, cultivating impactful learning experiences, and using analytics to demonstrate impact, L&D professionals can drive meaningful change and contribute to organizational success.

The road ahead is full of opportunities for those ready to innovate and adapt. This all starts with the right tools. Take a tour of the Docebo platform and request a demo for a great start to the year.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, learning, and achievement. 

Frequently asked questions

What L&D areas are most important in 2025?

The most critical L&D areas in 2025 include:

  1. Upskilling and Reskilling: With rapid technological advancements and evolving job roles, organizations will focus on equipping employees with both new technical skills and essential soft skills like adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
  2. Personalized Learning: Leveraging AI to deliver tailored learning paths and experiences that align with individual needs and organizational goals.
  3. Analytics and Data-Driven Insights: Using real-time analytics to measure the effectiveness of learning programs and link them to business outcomes like employee retention, performance, and organizational success.

What can I do in 2025 to set me up for success in the future?

To set yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond, consider these steps:

  1. Stay Agile and Adaptable: Embrace continuous learning and be open to acquiring new skills and competencies as roles and technologies evolve.
  2. Leverage AI Tools: Use AI-powered tools for automating workflows, generating learning content, and creating personalized training experiences.
  3. Focus on Data and Metrics: Develop a strong understanding of analytics to measure learning impact and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.
  4. Engage with Cross-Functional Teams: Secure a seat at different business tables (e.g., sales, customer success, HR) to align learning initiatives with broader organizational goals.
  5. Explore Immersive Technologies: Familiarize yourself with VR, AR, and gamification to incorporate innovative and engaging learning methods into your programs.

How are companies integrating AI into their L&D strategy?

Companies are increasingly embedding AI into their L&D strategies to enhance both efficiency and effectiveness. Here’s how:

  1. AI-Driven Personalization: AI is used to create tailored learning paths and recommendations for individual learners based on their roles, performance, and preferences.
  2. Automated Content Creation: Generative AI tools help create bite-sized learning modules, quizzes, and other training content quickly and efficiently.
  3. Advanced Analytics: AI-powered analytics provide real-time insights into learner engagement, skill gaps, and program effectiveness, helping organizations optimize their L&D efforts.
  4. Immersive and Experiential Learning: AI supports VR and AR applications, offering learners realistic and hands-on training simulations.
  5. AI Chatbots and Support: Intelligent chatbots provide on-demand assistance, answer learner queries, and guide users through their learning journey.
  6. Automation of Administrative Tasks: AI streamlines repetitive tasks such as scheduling, reporting, and tracking certifications, freeing up L&D professionals to focus on strategic initiatives.

Maria Rosales Gerpe

L&D Content Writer

LMS Evaluation Criteria and Checklist for 2025

Most organizations use a learning management system (LMS) because LMSs are game changers for business. As essential hubs for managing learning, LMSs play a pivotal role in everything from lowering employee turnover to maintaining a continuous compliance culture. 

But finding the right LMS or learning platform isn’t easy. A quick search of G2, the popular online software marketplace, for “learning management system” will yield at least 1000 results

how long it takes to decide on the right lms

Plus, typically, the selection process to find an LMS is a lengthy one: on average, it takes up to six months to research and decide. Before launching a new LMS, an organization will typically begin evaluation planning, put forth a request for proposal (RFP), and proceed with the evaluation of LMS vendors before finally selecting a vendor and migrating or implementing the new LMS.

lms implementation timeline

Whether you’ve been through this process before and are now looking to migrate to a new system, or whether you’re just embarking on the LMS evaluation process for the first time, this guide will help you figure out,

  • how to plan for the right LMS, 
  • what sort of LMS evaluation criteria to look for, and 
  • what LMS features to look for right now.

Let’s begin!

What is an LMS Evaluation checklist?

Every learning platform or LMS evaluation starts with planning, which includes specific desired LMS evaluation criteria or an LMS evaluation checklist.

The LMS evaluation checklist is a template document containing criteria or a rubric that will help you evaluate different aspects of various LMSs or learning platforms to help you decide which one is the best fit for your organization’s needs.

The LMS evaluation checklist is informed by the needs of the organization and acts as a guide to help you evaluate different LMSs or learning platforms. Knowing the needs of the organization and your learning programs is vital to a successful LMS evaluation. 

Your strategic goals at a minimum may include things like reducing the cost of delivery of learning programs, retaining and attracting talent, and increasing engagement.

But maybe this time, your company is scaling up and looking into customer education, or partner enablement, and needs an LMS or learning platform with versatility for multiple use cases.

Or maybe, your previous platform was unable to prove ROI to stakeholders, and you’re looking for robust reporting and data analytics to help you address this challenge.

Whatever your organization needs are, defining your strategic goals will ensure you remain focused throughout the LMS evaluation process, and will better guide you in developing your LMS evaluation criteria.

Why do you need an LMS Evaluation Criteria?

Having an LMS evaluation criteria or LMS evaluation checklist will allow you to systematically compare options based on key factors that are informed by the specific needs of your enterprise. Such options include features, functionalities, pricing, and customer support.

The most valuable reason for an LMS evaluation criteria is consistency, ensuring your learning and development team focuses on the critical features that will address your organization’s needs.

Consistency ensures there are no distractions or added resources due to unforeseen situations, meaning you’ll save time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Best LMS evaluation checklist

There are many LMS evaluation checklists out there, but the best LMS evaluation checklist includes these 15 essential criteria.

best lms evaluation checklist

Let’s explore each individually.

User experience

User experience includes many things such as:

  • an intuitive user interface that ensures usability ease, and higher engagement
  • accessibility, meaning an LMS or learning platform capable of delivering content in various formats to accommodate different learning styles and disabilities
  • Customization and whitelabeling options that ensure your LMS or learning platform captures the branding and messaging of your organization
Questions you should ask:

  • Is the interface intuitive and easy to navigate?
  • Does the platform support accessibility features?
  • Can it be customized to reflect our branding?

Scalability

True scalability in an LMS involves more than increasing users—it demands robust storage, adaptable integrations, and automation to manage growth efficiently. 

Platforms offering headless LMS architecture are particularly suited for scalability, as they decouple the backend and frontend, enabling organizations to add features or expand their user base without overhauling the entire system.

Questions you should ask:

  • Can the platform handle growth in users and courses?
  • Does it support robust storage and automation for scaling?

Automations

With automations, you can bypass pesky administrative tasks like user grouping, and notifications, leaving you free to focus on things that matter, such as optimizing the learning process.

Questions you should ask:

  • Can repetitive tasks like enrollments and notifications be automated?
  • What administrative processes does the LMS or learning platform save time on?

System consolidation

Beyond centralizing all training courses to one platform, a robust LMS or modern learning platform ensures that your tech stack is integrated and compatible, enabling a well-functioning, seamless system.

Questions you should ask:

  • Can the LMS or learning platform centralize all learning content?
  • Does it integrate seamlessly with our current tech stack?

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Thanks to AI-powered features, some LMSs and learning platforms can enable personalized learning in your organization through recommendations and tailored learning paths. Plus some learning platforms now come equipped with AI-driven content authoring for course design, and even assessment generation, allowing for quick content generation.

Questions you should ask:

  • Does the platform offer AI-powered recommendations for learners?
  • Is AI available for content authoring or assessment generation?

Track and manage content

Managing course content creation, certifications, and retraining efficiently is perhaps the most important aspect of an LMS or learning platform. Look for features that simplify your workflow: intuitive drag-and-drop tools that make course building a breeze, a robust library of ready-to-use learning objects, and a thriving content marketplace filled with high-quality, top-tier courses to keep learners engaged and ahead of the curve.

Questions you should ask:

  • Does course creation come with drag-and-drop functionality?
  • Is there a content library or marketplace available?

Localization

Enterprises often have scalability and global needs that require the right localization features. An LMS or learning platform that gets localization right should be able to support multiple languages and global payment gateways.

Questions you should ask:

  • Does the platform support multiple languages?
  • Does the platform come equipped with global payment options?

Integration and Interoperability

Any LMS or learning platform worth its salt should comply with SCORM, AICC and xAPI standards. These functional requirements not only allow you to deliver, track, and report on learning activities across systems but also ensure content can move freely without losing its functionality. SCORM ensures content functions consistently across platforms, while xAPI expands tracking to include diverse learning experiences, even outside the LMS. Prioritizing these standards guarantees flexibility, scalability, and the ability to integrate effortlessly with your existing tools and systems.

Questions you should ask:

  • Does the platform comply with SCORM, AICC, xAPI standards?
  • Can it integrate with our existing tools (e.g., HRIS, CRMs)?

Mobile learning

Learners need to be able to learn on the go, in the flow of work, so the right learning platform to suit your enterprise needs should be accessible on mobile devices.

Questions you should ask:

  • Is the platform accessible on mobile devices?
  • Can users learn on the go, in the flow of work?

Platform integrations

Modern LMSs and learning platforms should seamlessly integrate with the tools your organization already relies on, such as HRIS systems, Salesforce, and Microsoft Teams. Start by identifying the tools your team uses most and ensure the learning platform supports these integrations out of the box. Additionally, look for learning platforms that offer customizable integrations, allowing you to tailor the system to fit your organization’s unique needs and workflows.

Questions you should ask:

  • Does the LMS integrate with tools like Microsoft Teams or Salesforce?
  • Are customizable integrations supported?

Gamification

Learner engagement is key to user adoption and retention. Gamification can help with that by incorporating game elements into your courses and learning materials like quizzes and evaluations.

Questions you should ask:

  • What game element features does the LMS include?

Content Marketplace

A robust content marketplace gives you access to a wide range of pre-built courses and learning materials, saving you valuable time and resources that would otherwise be spent creating content from scratch. These ready-made courses, often developed by industry experts, ensure high-quality learning experiences and allow you to quickly address skills gaps or training needs. By leveraging a diverse marketplace, you can complement your custom content, scale your training efforts efficiently, and keep learners engaged with fresh, relevant material.

Questions you should ask:

  • Is there access to expert-designed, pre-built courses?

Reports and analytics

Beyond content management and integrations, reporting and analytics are vital features of any LMS or learning platform. They provide customizable reports and dashboards that give you real-time, clear insights into the performance of your learning programs. By tracking key metrics, you can align learning goals with business outcomes, measure progress, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your training initiatives.

Questions you should ask:

  • Does the platform provide customizable reports and dashboards?
  • What sort of metrics can you track?
  • Can you align learning goals to business outcomes?

Support

Reliable, ongoing support and regular updates are essential for ensuring the smooth operation and long-term success of any LMS or learning platform. From troubleshooting technical issues to providing guidance on new features or updates, a strong support system helps maximize the platform’s value, keeps it running efficiently, and ensures your team can focus on delivering impactful learning experiences.

Questions you should ask:

  • Is there 24/7 support available?
  • Is there migration support?

Pricing and Budget

When evaluating an LMS or learning platform, it’s important to consider both the upfront costs and long-term value. Look for transparent pricing models that align with your budget, including features like flexible payment options, scalability as your organization grows, and no hidden fees. A well-chosen platform balances affordability with functionality, ensuring you get the best return on investment for your learning initiatives.

Questions you should ask:

  • What is the pricing model?
  • What sort of add-ons do you have?

How to plan for an LMS evaluation

Having a plan in place for an LMS evaluation ultimately ensures a smooth LMS implementation and launch, and increases the chances of LMS user adoption.

In about two months, establish the following key steps for an LMS evaluation plan:

How to plan for an LMS evaluation

Let’s go over it in more detail. 

Define your strategic goals

Before diving into selecting your ideal learning platform or LMS software, it’s important to pause and assess your current situation. Follow the steps below to define your strategic goals.

  • Take Inventory Before You Dive In: Start by evaluating your current training process—what’s working, what’s not, and where the gaps lie. Break down how training operates today and capture insights into the learner experience to pinpoint areas for improvement.
  • Define Your Future Goals: Once you’ve taken stock of your current process, it’s time to look ahead. What do you want your training programs to achieve? Define clear goals for learning outcomes and the ideal user experience. These will act as your roadmap, helping you identify which LMS vendors align with your vision and can support your team’s objectives.
  • Focus on Your Learners: Finally, keep your learners at the heart of your decision-making. Whether you’re focused on customer education, partner enablement, corporate training, sales enablement, or employee onboarding and compliance training, ask yourself: What will keep learners engaged? Where have previous programs fallen short, and how can we improve? 

By keeping your audience’s learning needs front and center, you’ll be well-equipped to choose an LMS that delivers an impactful experience.

Build your LMS evaluation project team

These are the folks who help you navigate the needs of your learners, what it is that you want to accomplish, technical requirements that need to be considered, and will ultimately help ensure the LMS provider gives you everything you need and more.

In a nutshell, your team will be committed to making sure no wrong choices are made, and that you have chosen the best LMS for your use case and audiences.

This type of operation requires people in different departments, since this is definitely beyond the scope of just one person, or even a single department. Your IT department, HR department, Learning and Development (L&D) team, and any staff who uses/will use the LMS or its data should have representation on your LMS requirements team.

Depending on your use case, you may also want to consult your people in Partner Enablement, Customer Enablement, and Sales Enablement. These are the people who will help to get what you and your audiences need from the right LMS.

Conduct a stakeholder survey and consider external consultants

Understand your audience’s needs and preferences by gathering feedback or conducting surveys. Ask yourself who’s your audience? Admins (IT staff, instructional designers) and learners (students, employees, customers, partners) should come to mind. 

When you truly understand your audience, you can design targeted surveys and designate focus groups to get the insights you need. More importantly, you’ll gain a clear picture of the frontend and backend features your LMS or learning platform must have to deliver maximum impact.

Some audiences will be too broad such as employees. It’s best to group them into cohorts that represent your audience the best before sending out surveys.

You may also want to consider involving external consultants or industry experts if this is your first time looking for an LMS or learning platform. External consultants can guide you the right questions to ask to get the most out of your future learning solution.

Set a timeline for the LMS evaluation process

Setting a clear timeline for your LMS evaluation process is crucial for a smooth transition. Begin by determining when the new system needs to go live, then work backward to outline key milestones, including evaluation, vendor selection, migration, and user training. 

Allocate time for testing and creating a buffer period to address potential delays, ensuring all courses and users are ready before full adoption. 

Collaborate with your vendor to understand their role in the migration process, from transferring content to offering technical support, as this will influence your schedule. 

Regularly revisit your timeline to stay on track, and use it as a roadmap to ensure a seamless and successful implementation.

Define LMS evaluation criteria based on organizational needs and RFP requirements

Your organization’s needs may not align perfectly with every feature offered by a vendor, so now is the time to identify which vendor capabilities truly match your expectations. 

For instance, some goals might require changes within your business processes rather than relying solely on an LMS or learning platform. 

Focus on practicality and clearly define your priorities for learner engagement—whether it’s a more intuitive user experience, AI-driven recommendations, or social learning features.

Use this opportunity to refine your requirements, ensuring they are specific and actionable. A well-defined list will help you craft a compelling, concise RFP that resonates with stakeholders and drives effective decision-making.

Design a weighed rubric to score the criteria

Creating a weighted rubric is essential for objectively evaluating LMS options and ensuring your chosen platform aligns with your organization’s priorities. Start by listing all the criteria that matter most, such as user experience, scalability, integrations, reporting capabilities, and cost.

Assign a weight to each criterion based on its importance to your goals—for example, compliance tracking might be critical for a healthcare organization, while social learning features may rank higher for a collaborative workplace.

Use a scoring system (e.g., 1-5 or 1-10) to rate each vendor against these criteria, multiplying the scores by their assigned weights. This approach allows you to quantify the value of each LMS and compare options side by side. 

A weighted rubric not only adds structure and clarity to the decision-making process but also helps stakeholders stay aligned and focused on what truly matters for your organization’s success.

Continue reading to understand the most important LMS features you should consider to make sure your customers, partners, sales reps, or employees can benefit from a revamped and modern online learning experience.

Other key LMS features to add to your LMS evaluation criteria

  • Webinars & Video Conferencing: Host virtual events and training directly within the LMS via web conferencing integrations.
  • Blended Learning: Combine traditional learning methods with digital tools for a multi-faceted approach to your learning content.
  • Cloud-Based Access: Allow users to access training anytime, anywhere with cloud LMS solutions.
  • e-Commerce: Sell courses seamlessly with built-in e-commerce features or integrations.
  • Social Learning: Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing through forums, chats, and user-generated content.

Now over to you: Choosing the right learning platform

Choosing the right learning platform is about more than just technology—it’s about finding a partner that aligns with your organization’s goals and supports your long-term success. This is exactly what MidFirst Bank, a privately owned financial institution based in Oklahoma City, wanted from their vendor.

MidFirst Bank needed a solution that could address their diverse workforce, streamline compliance reporting, and scale across multiple business units. Docebo proved to be that partner, offering not just a robust platform but also a collaborative approach that empowered MidFirst Bank to transform their learning ecosystem. 

With improved onboarding, enhanced compliance, and automation, saving $11,000 annually, Docebo helped the bank focus on growth and innovation rather than administrative burdens. 

So, as you begin your LMS evaluation process, start by identifying the features that will make the biggest impact, such as AI-driven recommendations, seamless integrations, or compliance tracking. Involve stakeholders and end-users in the decision-making process, ask vendors tough questions, and explore case studies to ensure their platform meets your needs. 

And remember that, like Docebo did for MidFirst Bank, the ideal vendor will prioritize your success, provide ongoing support, and help you innovate, making your investment a catalyst for growth and transformation.

Want to learn more about the Docebo platform? Take a tour of the platform, and request a demo to learn why over 3,800 institutions worldwide trust Docebo to deliver their learning programs.

LMS Evaluation FAQs

What are the top five LMS evaluation criteria?

When evaluating an LMS or learning platform for an enterprise organization, focus on these five key factors:

  • Scalability to grow with your organization
  • Automations to streamline administrative tasks
  • Integrations with your existing tools
  • Content management for easy course creation and delivery
  • Reports & analytics to measure performance and align learning with business goals

These elements are essential to ensure the platform supports your organization’s needs both now and in the future.

How much does an LMS or learning platform cost?

The cost of an LMS varies based on factors like pricing models, features, and organizational needs. Common pricing models include:

  • Pay-per-user
  • Pay-per-active-user
  • Pay-as-you-go
  • Licensing or subscription plans
  • Open-source options

For example, pay-per-user models can range from $8 to $30 per user per month, while subscription plans for large enterprises may start around $15,000 per year. Additional costs may include setup fees, customization, maintenance, and support services. To know more, please read our
Pricing Models guide.

What questions should be asked during the initial meeting with LMS vendors?

When performing an LMS selection, ask these key questions to ensure the platform meets your needs:

Scalability:

  • Can the platform scale as our organization grows, and what are the limits on users or courses?
  • How does the pricing change as we scale?

Automations:

  • What administrative tasks can be automated, such as user enrollments, notifications, or reporting?
  • Can the platform accommodate workflows with our existing tools (e.g., HRIS or CRMs)?

Integrations:

  • Does the LMS integrate seamlessly with our current systems, such as Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, or HRIS platforms?
  • Are there APIs or customizable integration options for unique requirements?

Content Management:

  • Does the platform offer easy-to-use tools like drag-and-drop course builders or AI-authoring capabilities?
  • What content formats are supported, and is there access to a content marketplace for pre-built courses?

Reports and Analytics:

  • How customizable are the reporting tools and dashboards?
  • Can the platform track learner progress, engagement, and align these metrics with business goals?

Support and Updates:

  • What kind of ongoing support is included, and are updates part of the plan?
  • Is 24/7 support available, and what are the typical response times?

Pricing and Budget:

  • What pricing model do you use (e.g., pay-per-user, subscription, active users)?
  • Are there additional costs for implementation, support, or scaling?

Asking these questions will give you a comprehensive understanding of the LMS vendor’s capabilities and how well they align with your organization’s requirements and goals.

How do you do an LMS evaluation?

Here’s a structured approach to guide you through this process:

1. Define Organizational Goals and Learning Objectives:

  • Identify Primary Use Cases: Determine whether the LMS will be used for employee training, customer education, compliance, skill development, or academic purposes.
  • Set Clear Objectives: Establish what you aim to achieve with the LMS, such as improving learner engagement, reducing training costs, or enhancing content accessibility.

2. Engage Stakeholders:

  • Gather Input: Involve key stakeholders, including HR, IT, department heads, and end-users, to understand their requirements and expectations.
  • Prioritize Needs: Collaboratively rank the importance of various features based on stakeholder input to ensure the LMS meets diverse needs.

3. Create a Feature Wishlist:

  • Must-Have Features: Identify essential functionalities that are non-negotiable for your organization’s operations.
  • Nice-to-Have Features: List additional features that would enhance the user experience but are not critical.

4. Utilize an LMS Evaluation Checklist:

  • Structured Assessment: Use a comprehensive checklist to systematically evaluate each LMS against your predefined criteria.
  • Customization: Tailor the checklist to reflect your organization’s unique requirements and priorities.

5. Assess Technical Requirements:

  • Integration Capabilities: Ensure the LMS can seamlessly integrate with existing systems like HRIS, CRM, and communication tools.
  • Scalability and Performance: Evaluate whether the LMS can accommodate your organization’s growth and handle increased user loads.

6. Evaluate User Experience (UX):

  • Intuitive Interface: Look for a user-friendly design that facilitates easy navigation for both administrators and learners.
  • Accessibility and Mobile Support: Confirm that the LMS is accessible across various devices and complies with accessibility standards.

7. Consider Support and Training:

  • Vendor Support: Investigate the level of customer support provided, including availability, response times, and support channels.
  • Training Resources: Check for the availability of training materials to assist in onboarding and ongoing usage.

8. Analyze Cost and Return on Investment (ROI):

  • Transparent Pricing: Seek clear information on pricing models, including any hidden costs or add-ons.
  • Value Assessment: Balance the cost against the features offered to determine the overall value and potential ROI.

9. Request Demos and Trials:

  • Hands-On Evaluation: Engage in product demonstrations and utilize trial periods to experience the LMS’s functionality firsthand.
  • Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from actual users during the trial to assess satisfaction and identify potential issues.

10. Review Vendor Reputation and Future Roadmap:

  • Track Record: Research the vendor’s history, customer reviews, and case studies to gauge reliability.
  • Innovation and Updates: Inquire about the vendor’s commitment to future developments and feature enhancements.

Maria Rosales Gerpe

L&D Content Writer

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