Online learning is trending nowadays. You too can involve yourself with this trend to spread knowledge and earn money in 2020! For this, what you need in the first place is a Learning Management System (LMS) solution. Although there are plenty of choices when it comes to the availability of WordPress LMS plugins, picking the right one to create, manage, and sell courses is so crucial to stand out.
We have shortlisted the top 6 LMS plugins for WordPress based on their user-friendliness, features, ratings, and functionalities, to help you get the best WordPress LMS plugin for the year 2020.
In this detailed roundup, we’ve reviewed both the free LMS plugin and the paid version as well to give you a brief idea about each of the plugin’s features, specialties, pricing plans, and our honest opinions about each of them specifically.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves and go through our roundup to select the one that suits your purpose best.
1. Tutor LMS – eLearning & Online Course Solution
Tutor LMS is one of the best WordPress LMS plugins when it comes to offering active eLearning, monetization, and complete course administration. With 70,000+ active installations, lots of five-star ratings, and frequent updates, Tutor LMS is growing as one of people’s favorite LMS solutions on WordPress.
Tutor LMS has introduced some superb features. And, this fun and flexible style has made them exclusive among the other LMS plugins. Hence you’ll have a commission-sharing system, front-end dashboard, quiz setting, plagiarism, and many other advanced features with this plugin.
Prompt customer support is another reason for its massive popularity. No matter, what technical problems or other issues you face, Tutor LMS support experts will fix them quickly.
This plugin lets you have multiple quizzes, interactive lessons, reports, badges, certificates, and many more. With a vast number of add-ons of Tutor LMS, you can add many impressive features in an elegant manner too. Also, you can offer a more engaging eLearning experience with plugins like Points and Rewards for Tutor LMS.
No matter the size or type of eLearning platform you have, Tutor LMS can help you manage, administer, and monetize your it smartly. Also, it keeps a simple user interface so that users with no prior experience in WordPress can also create eLearning websites easily using Tutor LMS.
Highlighted features of Tutor LMS
- Unlimited courses and lessons
- Quiz engine and question bank
- Detailed reports & analytics
- Frontend dashboard
- Frontend course builder
- Course Prerequisite
- Sales commission and fees option
- Gradebook
- Content drip
- Assignment submission and manual review
- Certificate download and public URL
- Course review and rating system
- Centralized monetization settings
- Gutenberg compatible
- Content security
Tutor LMS Compatible Themes
- Tutor Starter
- Skillate
- Edumax
- Docent
Notable Integration
- WooCommerce
- WooCommerce Subscriptions
- Easy Digital Downloads
- Restrict Content Pro
- Paid Memberships Pro
- BuddyPress
- Yoast SEO
- GamiPress
- WP Fusion
- GroundHogg
- ThriveCart
2. LearnDash – The Old Guard of the WordPress LMS Industry
Being one of the earliest WordPress LMS plugins, LearnDash is vastly appreciated by its users worldwide. But it contains a nifty price tag. According to our study, we have found this plugin better suited for educational institutions.
Instead of basic-level course creation, it is mainly suitable for advanced-level course setup. And, till now they have plenty of features, add-ons, integrations, etc.
From small to large ones, it offers a whole package solution for all. Moreover, you can enjoy numerous add-ons and many other impressive features with this LMS plugin for WordPress.
Overall, the users can create their online courses, assignments with management features, quizzes, badge and award certificates, and so on with much ease.
Highlighted elements of LearnDash
- Multi-tier courses
- Content drip
- Built-in payment gateway
- Advanced administration management
- Specialized course forums
Notable Integration
- Slack
- Convertkit
- AM360
- Memberium
- Mailchimp
- Zapier connection option
Please note that LearnDash is not a free WordPress LMS plugin. They recommend you check out their demo before purchasing.
3. LearnPress – WordPress LMS Plugin
LearnPress is another popular LMS plugin. More than anything, it is greatly appreciated by its users for its free version. Besides the premium ones, they have some free add-ons as well.
As of today, they have 25 official themes and many third-party themes available on ThemeForest.
Having some brilliant features like multiple instructors, gamification, content dripping, paid memberships, and a WooCommerce add-on, it lets you create the nicest website for any eLearning platform.
Highlighted elements of LearnPress
- Multi-instructors courses
- Drag-and-drop features
- Prerequisite courses creation
- Monetization with PayPal, WooCommerce, and others
- Certificates after completing courses
- Offline payment option
- Multiple languages translator
Notable Integration
- BuddyPress
- bbPress
4. LifterLMS
LifterLMS can be defined as an all-in-one solution in a single platform. It is the perfect balance of wide varieties, performance, and uniqueness. It would be appropriate for those who don’t want to compromise on features.
Sporting email marketing, eCommerce, and AffliateWP, it has positioned itself as a compatible one. Moreover, if any users prefer to use multiple integrations and features like MailChimp for email marketing, and WooCommerce for the eCommerce solution, it would be wise to switch to this plugin.
It can also be your all-in-one solution for simple online courses to advanced multi-instructor training-based programs. With its easy-to-create features, and drag and drop option any novice can also operate a complete LMS platform.
Highlighted elements of LifterLMS
- Content dripping
- Automated emailing
- Course tracking benefits
- Bulk enrolment
- Course bundles
- Course protection
- Customizable enrollment
- Graphics Pack
Notable Integration
- WooCommerce
- Page Builder
- Astra
5. Sensei LMS
Sensei is a learning management system developed by WooCommerce for WordPress.Sensei LMS integrates easily with your WordPress site, making it simple to create courses, lessons, and quizzes.
However, having all the needed tools, features, and most importantly easy customization options, it is a perfect WordPress LMS plugin to create any eLearning site on WordPress.
Highlighted elements of Sensei
- Easy to create courses, lessons, and quizzes
- Multiple quiz option
- Paid & free Filters
- Quiz grading
- WooCommerce addon
Notable Integration
- WooCommerce memberships
6. Namaste! LMS
Namaste! LMS is an LMS for WordPress. It supports an unlimited number of courses, lessons, assignments, and students, etc. You can create rules for course & lesson access and completeness based on assignment completion, test results, or manual admin approval.
This WordPress LMS plugin lets you control the users and manage them smartly. Students can earn certificates upon completing courses. Also, Grade and Point systems let you mark the students’ performance easily.
Highlighted elements of Namaste!LMS
- Creates unlimited courses and lessons
- Option for creating multiple quizzes & assignments
- Supports shopping cart features
- After course certificate
- Gamification feature
- Run stats & reports
Notable Integration
- BuddyPress
- WooCommerce
- WatuQuiz plugin
- MoolaMojo connection
Feature-wise comparison
| Features | Tutor LMS | LearnDash | LearnPress | LifterLMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Available Themes | 20 | 15 | 9 | 9 |
| Compatible Plugins | 25 | 34 | 4* | 10 |
| Available Languages | 14 | 14 | 15 | 19 |
| Difficulty Level | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Price Range | Free – $799 | $199 – $799 | Free – $249 | Free – $1200 |
| eCommerce | ||||
| Subscription | ||||
| Membership | ||||
| Learning Path | ||||
| Social Learning | ||||
| Certification | ||||
| Multiple Instructor | ||||
| Revenue Sharing | ||||
| Q&A Feature | ||||
| Secure Player | ||||
| Gradebook | ||||
| Lifetime License |
Wrapping Up
The Global eLearning Market will likely to grasp $325 Billion By 2025, and this statistic proves how potential this sector is. Those who are seeking for the right plugin for their LMS website, we hope you’ll find that in today’s article.
Although each of these 6 plugins that we’ve discussed above has several features in common. They also differ from each other in terms of features, performance, and price. If you want to create an eLearning website with the best LMS plugin for WordPress, this is where you will find that.
Based on your requirement and budget, which plugin you’ll choose is completely up to you. Just keep in mind that, what is suitable for another LMS platform may not be suitable for you.
Meanwhile, before deciding which plugin to invest in, we would recommend you to try experimenting with the plugins that offer a complete solution for your eLearning website. And, if you have planned to stay with the same plugin for a longer time, then a plugin that offers better customer support would be a wise one to grab.
However, we’ve reviewed a wide range of plugins in detail ranking from top to bottom, and in a transparent way so that it becomes easier for you to pick the right one. And, if you’re still confused to choose the right WordPress LMS plugin, do let us know in the comment section. We’d love to hear from you.
