If you’re searching for the best WordPress LMS plugins for your site, look no further.
Online learning has become more important than ever. The good news is it’s easy to build and manage online courses through WordPress.
In this blog we’ll take a look at what an LMS is; what the best WordPress LMS plugins have in common; and count down the top LMS plugins you need to know.
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What is an LMS?
LMS stands for Learning Management System. A learning management system is a software application that allows you to build, sell, and manage online courses all in one place.
The best learning management systems should come with a host of features, including:
- A streamlined way to build courses
- A dedicated course page for each course you offer
- An index page which list all courses filtered by categories
- Student enrolment and management
- Handling of payments and subscriptions
- A way to easily track student’s progress across courses
- Options to run and grade quizzes
So, how do you go about finding the perfect LMS plugin?
We’re here to help. There are lots of LMS plugin options for WordPress. We’ve taken a closer look and found the best WordPress LMS plugins so you don’t have to.
6 of the Best WordPress LMS Plugins
So, without further ado, here’s our list of the top LMS plugins for WordPress.
1. LearnDash
LearnDash is one of the most popular LMS plugins for WordPress, and it’s easy to see why.
Featuring a drag and drop course builder system, it’s very easy to use – but that doesn’t mean that it’s not choc full of features. There’s the ability to create and set quizzes, give students individual assignments with personalized comments, and so much more.
It also gives you plenty of options for monetizing your courses, including one off payments, subscriptions, and even membership options. You can accept payments through popular gateways including PayPal and Stripe.
LearnDash is a versatile tool with so many great features to discover.
2. Course Directory LMS Plugin from CreativeMinds
Not to toot our own horn, but our Course Directory LMS Plugin is one of the best WordPress LMS plugins out there.
The plugin boasts a whole host features that allow you to create a unique directory of online courses. Each course comes with its own dedicated page and you can easily organize them so users can navigate through your directory to find exactly what they’re looking for.
Choose from three styles (Fancy, Classic, or List) and customize every detail to reflect the courses you offer. With add-on plugins including Course Waiting List, Dashboard, and Profile Builder, there are even more ways to customize your directory and tailor it to fit your needs.
The plugin also support payments. it connects to Easy Digital Downloads which is a leading WordPress payment cart system which has more than 100 payment gateways supported. Student can register and pay for each course they enrolled while admin can track students payment and enrollment
It’s the perfect solution for your online school or even create a course directory for a college website.
3. LearnPress
Next up is LearnPress, a free WordPress LMS plugin with powerful features.
LearnPress allows you to create and manage courses with ease. You can schedule content, make quizzes, hand out assignments, and communicate with your students all in one place. It supports integration with bbPress, WooCommerce, and other WordPress membership plugins to collect course fee payments.
Another big plus point for LearnDash is that it works with all WordPress themes. Though for best results we recommend using one provided by LearnDash – this way you’ll avoid any compatibility issues.
Another big selling point is that the base plugin is completely free. However, you do have to pay for add-ons to extend its functionality.
4. MemberPress
As the name suggests, MemberPress is primarily a WordPress membership plugin that you can use to charge users for access to your content. However, it comes with in-built features that also make it one of the best LMS plugins for WordPress.
It features a Classroom Mode, which is a ready built online classroom, and a user friendly drag and drop interface that lets you build your curriculum.
While you don’t get the design customization options of some of the other plugins in this list, MemberPress more than makes up for it with it’s extensive features.
5. Lifter LMS
Next we have Lifter LMS, another great option for building a learning management system in your WordPress sight.
Lifter LMS comes with a course builder that supports all types of multimedia. You can sell your courses individually or as bundles.
You can also create discussion areas for your students and build a profile for each one, so they can interact with fellow students as well as teachers through the platform.
The main plugin is completely free, but you again you do have to pay for add-ons to extend the functionality of your website. If you plan to switch platforms in future, Lifter LMS also comes with a course import and export tool that makes this sometimes challenging endeavour much easier.
Lifter LMS’ easy to use tools and versatility make it one of the best WordPress LMS plugins available.
6. Sensei
Last but not least is Sensei.
Sensei is an add-on for WooCommerce, making it a great tool for established eCommerce stores that want to sell online courses.
Because Sensei is an extension of WooCommerce and WooCommerce is an extension of WordPress, you create courses and course content much like you would a WordPress page or post. This makes it the perfect option for those who are familiar with WordPress and want an LMS that doesn’t need much learning time.
You can create courses, run quizzes, hand out assignments, and offer certificates to students for completing tasks.
However, because it’s an add-on it does mean that its functionality is less extensive than some of the other LMS plugins in this list. That’s not to say it’s not one of the best WordPress LMS plugins – quite the opposite. Sensei’s back-to-basics functions mean its a practical, no-nonsense way to build and manage online courses.
There’s an LMS WordPress Plugin for Everyone
No two online courses are the same, so you want to create an online learning environment that’s unique. Each of these plugins helps you to do just that.
Whether you’re looking for an extensive LMS with every bell and whistle available, or just want a straightforward tool – there’s something in this list for everyone.
