A reliable learning management system enables users to create, track, and manage eLearning programs systematically, in real-time. Given the number of choices for LMS in the market, picking the apt learning management software for organizational use is an intimidating task. This article will make you acquainted with the list of top learning management software that is free and open source.
Small businesses and institutions with a handful of employees or students will find the free learning management system comfortable to use.
The free and open-source learning management software list provides a good overview of the LMS systems as a stand-alone solution. The source code remains accessible to everyone in the open source learning management platform. According to the business and education needs, the users can look over, modify, and enhance the same.
Before detailing the free and open-source learning management solutions, let’s discuss some crucial facts about the LMS.
What is an LMS?
LMS is an application that can be deployed for the administration, management, and delivery of educational programs, training programs, or development programs. On any device, you can create, distribute, and track from anywhere by making use of LMS. Generally, businesses and educational institutions use a LMS system to make advanced training easy and accessible.
The consulting companies, staffing and training agencies, schools and corporations looking to have a better hold on the education and knowledge development of its workforce find LMS a powerful tool.
Recent studies indicate that the global corporate learning management systems market is expected to reach USD 63.12 billion by 2033.
Which of the features best describes LMS?
Any training sessions can be effortless with the learning management system. Here you will find the essential LMS features that best describe this system.
What is the influence of the learning management system on business and corporate training?
What are the consequences of not having an LMS platform?
Without the LMS platform, corporate employee development will become tough. Let’s see how...
Now, if you are looking for a learning management system, going through the below-mentioned free and open source learning management systems can be of great help.
Free and open source learning management software
1 Moodle
Moodle works as a free learning management tool that allows users to create customized courses. Through analytics, this open source LMS system is capable of measuring the success of training programs, administering virtual classrooms, and generating certificates. It can design and manage courses to meet various requirements due to direct learning paths. The classes can be online, blended instructor-led and self–paced.
This LMS platform offers secure authentication and mass enrolment options to securely add and enroll users. With ease, this software combines courses in bulk and backup and restores extensive courses. It defines roles to specify and manage user access to deal with security concerns. Within a single admin interface, you can install and disable the plug-ins.
The group learners in this system share courses, differentiate activities and facilitate teamwork. Within the browser, it quickly reviews and provides in-line feedback by directly annotating files. The system also comes with an advanced grading facility, which allows users to customize grades according to the course and the type of examination. Across courses and activities, this software sets up competencies with personal learning plans. In a private space, you can teach and share as only you, and your class can access the courses.
(Source: Moodle)
Highlights:
- Modern & easy to use interface
- Personalized dashboard
- Collaborative tools and activities
- All-in-one calendar
- Convenient file management
- Simple and intuitive in-built text editor
- Automated alerts and notifications to track progress
- Customizable site design and layout
- Multilingual capability
- Supports hundreds of open source extensions and plugins
- High interoperability and accessibility
- Regular security updates with enhanced encryption
- Detailed custom reporting and logs
- Embed external resources
- Multimedia integration
- Marking workflow
- Peer and self-assessment
- Integrated badges
- Moodle App for mobile learning
- Gamification
- In-course communication options
2 TalentLMS (Free software)
TalentLMS simplifies and strengthens the whole training process by helping users do more than just creating courses and organizing educational materials. This free learning management program is ideal for carrying engaging online training. It works as an extremely configurable cloud-hosted learning management system that can assist users conduct online training programs, seminars, and courses easily and effortlessly.
In just a few clicks, this system is ready to help you to offer training the way you want. With simplicity, this software supports multiple file types and formats for images, audio, videos and other multimedia. It holds the essential inbuilt tools that help everyone involved.
This system is built for businesses of all sizes that believe in the education of employees for their career growth. The system is built with excellent conferencing features and gamification capabilities. Anywhere and anytime, you can access the seminars and courses as this system is entirely mobile-responsive.
(Source: TalentLMS)
Highlights:
- AI-powered course authoring with drag and drop features
- Automated reminders
- Custom certificate creation
- Detailed learning paths and completion rules
- Course gamification
- Multi-device support
- Custom branding and custom fields
- Exam engine
- Custom reporting and custom homepage
- Administrative reporting
- Course catalog
- Display transcripts
- Training and eLearning
- Integration APIs
- Mobile user support
- LMS marketplace
- Interface
- Registration management
- Individual plans
- File exchange
- Email integration
- Testing and grading
- Defined user roles and permissions
- Bulk data import/export
- ILT support
- Goal setting
- Grading
This free and open source learning management platform focuses on corporate training needs such as integrability, talent management, and automation. This software is developed by a network of companies to fulfill the learning needs of large organizations and consulting companies.
Forma LMS is simple and intuitive that is designed for the corporate world. You can manage and deliver online training courses from this web-based eLearning platform. For a great user experience, this LMS system presents a modern and responsive layout. The system is capable of generating pdf certificates automatically. With different administrators, this software manages multiple clients or brands from a single installation. The comprehensive set of options allows proper learning and collaboration. You can manage classroom courses, attendees, locations, and calendars by making use of this software. The built-in skill gap analysis monitors your user’s growth.
(Source: Forma LMS)
Highlights:
- Engaging user experience
- Extensive elearning
- Flexible user management
- Outstanding report system
- Talent management
- Multi-client
- Classroom management
- Integrated certificate system
- Video conferencing integration
- Extend with plug-ins
- Responsive user interface
- API integration
- Competencies & role mapping
- Native ecommerce functionalities
- Supports multiple catalogs and coursepaths
- Automated notifications
- Manage course scores and prerequisites
- Advanced monitoring and tracking system
- SCORM compatible
- GIFT files import
4 ILIAS
ILIAS is an open source learning management software that offers a flexible online working and learning environment. For your e-learning needs this software work as the “one-stop solution.” This full-fledged collaboration platform works as a one-stop solution and a sophisticated authoring tool for learners.
You will find this software convincing for developing and realizing web-based eLearning. This software was designed so that the cost of using new media in education and training can be reduced for large enterprises, freelancers, non-profits, small and medium businesses, and public administrations.
The tool allows you to fine-tune your permissions for every object due to the presence of highly-developed access management. With a single device, the study programs will enable you to reproduce full curriculums. The drag and drop file upload will allow you to share your content. For learners, it has a personal workspace that allows the easy creation of portfolios and blogs. You can use it as a simple course player and a sophisticated authoring tool. The voluntary membership to the ILIAS society is inexpensive and grants you a direct influence on the long-term development process.
You can enjoy simple and customizable training tools and courses by installing this open-source software free of cost. It provides a wide range of standardized learning functions and processes that can be used by all users to design and run online courses entirely in line with online training standards.. Among users, it supports communication and cooperation and provides the possibility for assessment tests. The system runs surveys and enables online student learning.
(Source: ILIAS)
Highlights:
- Asynchronous learning
- Blended learning
- Academic/Education
- Built-in course authoring
- Mobile learning
- SCORM compliance
- Video conferencing
- Self-registration and self-enrolment
- Competence management
- Administrative notifications
- Group and course sessions
- Mobile app support
- Surveys
- Integrated communication tools
- Powerful rights system
- XML data export
- Supports integration with administration and campus management systems
- Powerful exam functions for self tests and e-exams
5 OpenOLAT (Open source)
OpenOLAT is the open source LMS software that derives from OLAT an abbreviation of “Online Learning and Training.”
This internet-based learning platform provides a learning, teaching, and assessment environment. This software impresses users with its intuitive and straightforward operations. It serves as the intelligent modular system that provides course authors a broad spectrum of educational possibilities. The students can improve their learning experience by making use of this software.
The users of OpenOLAT can create groups and invite fellow learners, create courses and run exams, adjust personal settings, and contact other users via email, forums, chat, and even virtual classrooms. The collaboration tool of this software includes 1.1 chat, wiki, project groups, comment and assessment features, interfaces to virtual classes, portfolio group tasks, blogs, and podcasts.
From time to time, you will observe many upgrades in the release notes of this software. The software has added many important features, like – integration of external videos as a learning resource, variables in the email course element, delete a user account, user-to-user relationship, improvement content, survey editor, trend report, integration edu sharing and much more.
(Source: OpenOLAT)
Highlights:
- Learning environment & Virtual classrooms
- Set up courses & run exams
- Regulate personal settings
- Collaboration
- Assessment & survey editor
- Comprehensive evaluation tool
- Statistics & question tool
- Question pool
- Incorporation of tests in courses
- Decentralized user management
- Mobile learning support with a responsive design approach
- Administration
- Voluntary task
- In-video quizzes and notes
- DSGVO
- Course configuration tool
- Extension E-portfolio and content editor
- Participants log in via single sign-on
- Create, configure and access recordings of conference rooms
- Multi-user whiteboard
- Quality management module for feedback and suggestions
- Robust access controls
- Group function
- Enrolment and appointment scheduling
- Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) integration
6 SAKAI
SAKAI is a free and open source learning management system that holds extreme flexibility and a wide variety of features. Globally leading colleges and universities, along with non-profit organizations that focus on quality education can consider this top learning management platform. The faculty and students are at their best by making use of this software.
Its adopter community develops this software for the teachers, academic institutions, and students. The community members that hold the license of this software can change and tweak the structure as per their needs. The members of the community create a perfect learning experience for anyone with the help of this software. You will find this system capable of supporting various teaching technologies.
It serves as the open source LMS for business whether the business is a small, medium, or large enterprise. This system is best-in-class in terms of usability and intuitiveness. With plagiarism detection, streaming media, and lecture capture features; the faculty and students can enjoy faster system performance and enhanced integration.
(Source: Sakai)
Highlights:
- Learning management
- Research collaboration
- Project collaboration
- Assignments & syllabus
- Test & quizzes
- Calendar & calendar summary
- Chat & discussion forms
- Podcasts
- ePortfolio
- Report aggregation
- Gradebook
- Sakai extensions
- Lesson builder
- Graded discussions
- Grades and feedback
- Individual workspace
- DropBox
- Email participants
- Multiple languages
- Content development and delivery
- Community and contributed tools
- External app integrations
- Superlative course creation and management
- Cloud storage integrations
- Online attendance and sign-in sheets printing
7 Open edX
Open edX is another prominent free and open source learning management system with native CMS capabilities and integration features. It can be of utmost importance when used for instructor-led courses, online training, self-paced courses, and degree programs owing to its value-added features. The platform supports multiple formats for learning content, including video, HTML5, PPTs, PDFs, H5P, SCORM, XAPI, LTI protocol and embedded content to integrate external content into the courses.
Open edX also comes with robust reporting capabilities to create different types of reports associated with course enrolment, course performance, problem response, survey response, etc. Other notable features of this popular learning platform are intelligent analytics, adaptive video streaming, easy-to-customize, cross-platform compatibility, interactive forums and discussion boards.
(Source: Open edX)
Highlights:
- Advanced learner and Instructor dashboards
- Real time insights for course teams
- Author checklists to ensure course readiness
- Course scheduling for automated release
- Peer graded questions
- Supports polls and surveys
- Self registration features
- Learner activity tracking and progress monitoring
- Rubrics configuration for manually graded questions
- Mobile app with cross platform compatibility
- Share and download course certificates
- Supports both vertical and horizontal scalability
- Discount/enrollment codes support
- Automated notifications for new enrolments
Comparison Chart of Learning Management Software
Apart from the above listed open source learning management software if you are looking for a top learning management software that offers advanced features and a smooth learning experience, then do check the following section:
List of Top Learning Management Software Commonly Used
| LMS Software | Best For | Pricing |
| iSpring Learn | Corporate training and creating interactive longreads | $2.29 per user/month |
| LearnWorlds | Customer and employee training | $24 per month |
| BrainCert | Startups and corporate training | Free version available |
iSpring Learn
Virginia-based iSpring Learn is one of the top-notch and reliable learning management systems helping individuals, businesses, and teams to efficiently onboard, train and retain employees in a hassle-free manner. With a proven track record of 23+ years in the market, this eLearning software currently offers exquisite features for onboarding, compliance training, on-the-job training, product training, customer training and various other types of result-driven training. It is popularly used by business corporations globally owing to features like interactive longreads creation, powerful course editor, automated assignments, robust report generation capabilities, gamification, intuitive user portal, mobile app, etc. It also lets users combine the uploaded assessments, courses and other training materials for step-by-step learning. iSpring Learn app facilitates on-the-go training right from the mobile phones. Besides a 14-day free trial, the pricing of iSpring Learn starts from $2.29 per user/month, billed annually and may vary depending upon the number of users.
LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is yet another best learning platform that facilitates users to create, sell and promote online courses. This AI-powered LMS can be used to plan courses, enhance existing content, design assessments, create content, evaluate responses and perform many more functions. It also offers powerful marketing tools, 1:1 live sessions, app and website builder, custom user roles, real-time course insights, customizable course player, interactive video support, etc., for a flexible learning experience. Users can also use the five-star support team who can extend their support services round-the-clock. LearnWorlds is available for a 30-day free trial and premium pricing starts from $24 per month, billed annually.
BrainCert
BrainCert is a highly scalable, agile and customizable LMS for startups and enterprises looking to train, engage, educate and retain their workforce. It acts as a unified training platform for online course management, content gamification, immersive assessments, real-time virtual classrooms, tailored recommendations, AI/ML analytics, customized reports, blended learning, face-to-face collaboration, website development, etc. BrainCert LMS is also popular among users due to features like multiple payment support, discounts, video conferencing integration, learner mobile app, and multiple live class instructors. BrainCert is available as both free and paid versions starting from $36 per month, billed annually.
Industry-Wise List Of Top Learning Management Software
Learning Management Software for the Healthcare Industry
In the healthcare industry, the need for continuous improvement and development remains very high to deliver better outcomes, and timely care to the patients. To always stay afresh and align with the modern trends, process, and procedure, learning management systems comes as a great asset that can assist the healthcare professionals with on-demand learning, clinical education, knowledge retention, blended learning, etc.. Here, we have assembled some of the top learning management systems for the healthcare industry. They are as follows;
| LMS Software | Best For | Pricing |
| MedBridge | Online education and digital patient care | $275/user/year |
| Northpass | Customer onboarding and training | Custom pricing |
| Open LMS | Corporate training and higher education | Free version available |
MedBridge
MedBridge is notably one of the most versatile LMS systems for healthcare professionals in improving digital patient care, upskilling their learning experience and delivering better outcomes. Trusted by notable industry leaders, this customer-centric, and high-quality learning management software offers learners with interactive quizzes, standardized programs, workflow integration, CE tracking, CEU course library, video-based learning, motion capture, regulatory and compliance training, live webinars, skills and competency manager, patient demos, etc. The premium pricing of MedBridge starts from $275/user/year.
Northpass
Founded in 2013, Northpass is another popular learning management tool to train nurses, doctors, clinicians, etc., for improved patient outcomes, engagement and retention. Used by 5000,000+ users worldwide, this tool perfectly fits for clinical education, medical product and device education and IT knowledge upgrades. It also comes with customizations, native dashboards, personalized experiences, APIs, seamless integrations and e-commerce features to elevate the learning experience of healthcare professionals.
Open LMS
Open LMS is a free and open-source learning management software with fully customizable capabilities, unmatched security and 24*7 customer support. Moodle-based LMS offers multi-tenancy learning management features, organization-wide training sessions, easy-to-manage courses, powerful analytics and reporting, seamless system integration, mobile LMS access, robust encryption and security controls, etc., enabling healthcare professionals to deliver the best possible care and experiences to patients. Besides the free and open source version, the software is also available as a premium purchase with advanced features..
Learning Management Software for the Manufacturing Industry
Training and staying aligned in compliance are critical in the manufacturing industry, and a LMS is a beneficial tool to accomplish this. A learning management software helps manufacturers promote quality skill development, reduce safety risks, better plan the activities, meet compliance requirements, enhance facility maintenance, and bring convenience to learning. Here are some top LMS systems that are widely used by the manufacturing industry in unlocking a new level of performance as follows;
| LMS Software | Best For | Pricing |
| Vector LMS | Educator and staff training | Custom pricing |
| Tovuti LMS | Learning engagement and training | Custom pricing |
|
GyrusAim |
Employee training | Custom pricing |
Vector LMS
Launched in 1999, Vector LMS is a manufacturing-based learning management system to deliver role-based training to industrial teams for optimizing production and functioning, and continuously improving with latest insights. Manufacturers of every size can use this manufacturing-focused online training software to simplify their training assessments, automate training schedules, track ongoing training, streamline reporting, maintain licenses, create competency assessments, accelerate onboarding, reduce administrative inefficiency, etc.
Tovuti
Well known as an adaptive, and people-first learning platform, Tovuti LMS is an all-in-one manufacturing learning management system for small, medium, and large enterprise set-ups to upskill industrial workers, ensure regulatory compliance and deliver required training and development sessions. Features like 2000+ integrations, on-the-go learning, multi-lingual, fully customizable, AI-generated content creation, e-signature with CFR, HIPAA and OSHA compliance, tailored learning path creation, gamification and certifications, etc., allow trainers and businesses to ensure efficiency in training completion rates and anticipated RoI. This learning management tool is available as an on-the-go mobile version as well.
GyrusAim
GyrusAim is an award winning learning management system that can be used by the manufacturing industry to meet the complex training requirements, provide safety training sessions and monitor instructor assignments and other configurations. It is popular among users owing to specifications such as consistent assessment, online certification management, competency rating, diversified content, performance rubric creation, gap analysis, integrated webinars, etc. Custom pricing plans are available upon request.
Learning Management Software for the Finance Industry
The Finance industry is dynamic and it requires the professionals in this field to stay in line with the industry developments, and continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills. In such a scenario, LMS systems can benefit financial firms and institutions in combating such challenges while also maintaining a higher competitive edge. It helps financial professionals with compliance and regulatory training, employee onboarding and training, cybersecurity awareness, continuous professional development, performance tracking and analytics, etc., allowing them to excel in their job roles. A few leading LMS for the finance industry are as follows;
| LMS Software | Best For | Pricing |
| PlatCore LMS | Data-powered learning experience | $15,000 per year |
| Thrive LMS | Social learning | $30,000 per year |
| Eloomi | In-person training |
Custom pricing |
PlatCore
PlatCore LMS is a secure, flexible, powerful, and fully-featured learning management system for the finance industry in automating training and compliance, simplifying audit trails, protecting customer data, mitigating training-related risks and streamlining recordkeeping. It offers an user-friendly portal, drag-and-drop builder, customized courses and learning plans, real-time training visibility and insights, extended knowledge tools and many more robust features for the financial teams to centralize the learning programs and promote continuous learning. Premium plans of PlatCore start from $15,000 annually.
Thrive
Another tool in the list of top AI-powered LMS for the finance industry is Thrive, which is known for its speed, innovation and mobility. Launched in 2019, this learning management tool enables financial professionals and companies to train the workforce, stay updated with technology, identify and eliminate data breaches, maintain GDPR compliance, track and manage emerging skills and set custom goals for learners. It comes with value-added features like in-depth analytics, seamless integration with other systems, AI-powered content authoring, consolidated learning, compliance training, campaign schedule, customizable mobile app, course completion tracking, etc. The premium plans of Thrive starts from $30,000 annually for up to 500 users.
Eloomi
Eloomi is another great learning management tool that can help the finance industry with compliance training automation, upskilling employee learning, AI-powered content creation and recommendations, skill mapping and accessing ready-made courses from top industry experts. This employee training software helps businesses easily create unique courses, upload content through multiple tile formats, access curated training, customize events and webinars, create customized learning paths, get insightful reporting and add customizable course certifications. Book a personalized demo for further information on pricing and free trial.
Learning Management Software for the Education Industry
A learning management software benefits everyone in the education industry irrespective of the role they play. It acts as a centralized platform to easily create and manage courses, access course materials, automate administrative tasks, organize content, meet regulatory compliance and perform many more functions. Top learning management systems for the education sector come with an exquisite set of tutoring and learning tools, offering unparalleled flexibility, accessibility and efficiency. A few top LMS for the education industry are as follows;
| LMS Software | Best For | Pricing |
| Hurix Digital | Digital learning and publishing | Custom pricing |
| SC Training | Easy course creation and customization | Free version available |
| Blackbaud LMS | End-to-end school management |
Custom pricing |
Hurix Digital
Driven by excellence, Hurix Digital is a comprehensive LMS for the education industry that is popularly known for delivering innovative, engaging and personalized learning experiences. Some notable specifications of this LMS include localization and translation services, high-quality interactive content, end-to-end platform management services, analytics and reporting tools and mobile-friendly eLearning content. It also offers AI and automation capabilities, interactive simulations, gamification, microlearning, mobile app, progress tracking, grading, learning course recommendation and many more features for the overall development of the learners. Information associated with pricing, demo and free trial can be obtained upon request from the company.
SC Training
SC Training, formerly EdApp, is a great LMS tool for schools and other educational institutions in delivering enhanced learning experiences with easy course creation and customization features. Educational institutions of all sizes can use this tool for Ai-based course creation, editable course library, real-time analytics, highly-targeted microlearning, mobile application, powerpoint converter, built-in games, social and peer learning, etc. The software is available as a free version, and paid version, pricing starting from $5 per month, billed annually.
Blackbaud LMS
Blackbaud LMS is a holistic learning management software for schools, colleges and universities in supporting the student journey from academics to curricular activities. It provides teachers and administrators with tons of features to manage team communication, academic courses, and various other learning related aspects. A few widely used features of this purpose-built learning software include enrollment management, assignment monitoring, automated grading, dynamic learning resources, one-click cancellation notifications, etc. Blackbaud LMS also supports profile syncing with fundraising management and fund accounting software.
Learning Management Software for the E-commerce Industry
Just like the other industries, the eCommerce industry has been also going through a transformative phase as the technological shift is taking place. A learning management software is a perfect tool that can assist employees easily navigate through this technological shift while ensuring high performance, productivity and sales. Following are the top LMS systems for the eCommerce industry;
| LMS Software | Best For | Pricing |
| eLeaP software | Learning and people management | $0.50 per month |
| Docebo | Simplified content and course management | $25,000 per year |
|
Absorb LMS |
Mobile and personalized learning |
Custom pricing |
eLeaP
eLeap is an eCommerce learning solutions platform for compliance training, voluntary career development training and professional CE. This easy-to-use LMS is widely leveraged for eCommerce purposes owing to the features like learner progress track, talent identification, content development and monetization, product training, advanced training engagement, feedback tools, flip cards, smart auto re-assignments, unlimited learning paths, leaderboards, comprehensive reporting, flexible role management and 21 CFR Part 11 regulatory compliance. Besides a 30-day free trial, the premium pricing of eLeap starts as low as $0.50 per user per month for a minimum of 6000 users.
Docebo
Launched in 2005, Docebo is an AI-powered LMS that comes with great eCommerce features to easily create and sell online courses with scalable storefronts, a subscription-based business model, international payments and numerous eCommerce integrations. The software can be hyper-personalized enabling users to create audience-specific learning programs through features like a powerful configuration engine, automation, gamification, free extensions, etc. Ecommerce vendors and online retailers also use this tool for blended learning, Salesforce integration, personalized employee upskilling, building stronger partner channels, Microsoft Teams integration and many more features. The starting price of Docebo is $25,000/year, based on a 3-year contract.
Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS is a cloud-based learning management system for the ecommerce industry. The software offers several modules and features to manage discounts, pricing, tax calculations, sales, etc., to create, market and sell courses seamlessly. Other notable features of Absorb LMS include an intuitive user interface, advanced reporting dashboards, observational checklists, flexible mobile application, AI-based enhanced search and task simplification abilities, intelligent content creation, social learning experiences, etc.
Closing thoughts
Hope you gained a wide understanding about free open source learning management systems that can guide you in designing and deploying exceptional eLearning experiences for your organization.
By using free LMS software, you can organize eLearning content in one location and enjoy unlimited access to eLearning materials. The open source LMS for business will keep your organization up-to-date with compliance regulations. You can quickly and conveniently expand eLearning courses and effortlessly integrate social learning experiences with a reputed LMS tool.
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