LearnDash vs LifterLMS: Which LMS Is Right For You?

Are you confused between LearnDash vs LifterLMS to create and sell online courses with WordPress?

These are two of the most popular WordPress LMS plugins, so you won’t go wrong with either.

But which one is right for you?

In this article, we’ll compare LifterLMS vs LearnDash head-to-head. We’ll explore their key features, pricing plans, pros and cons, and help you make an informed decision.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which LMS platform best fits your online course business.

Quick Overview of WordPress LMS Plugins

Learning Management System (LMS) plugins allow you to turn your site into an e-learning platform. These plugins let you create, manage, and sell online courses by offering features like course creation, content management, progress tracking, and integration with payment gateways.

With the help of these plugins, you can create and organize course content, track student progress, and even monetize your courses through different payment options.

LifterLMS vs LearnDash – Key Features

To start our LearnDash vs LifterLMS comparison, let’s look at some of the features that each platform offers.

Basically, both LearnDash and LifterLMS have all of the features that most people will need.

However, there’s one fundamental difference between LifterLMS vs LearnDash:

• LifterLMS is a freemium plugin — This means you can create your courses for free and make them available for free as well. However, if you want to sell access to your courses at any point, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium version of LifterLMS.
• LearnDash is a premium plugin — This means you need to buy a plan to use it.

Other than that, there are some smaller differences that may depend on your specific needs, so you should closely look at each feature.

But for the average use case, you won’t notice significant changes in either way when it comes to the high-level things.

LearnDash vs LifterLMS – Course Builder

Both LifterLMS and LearnDash offer drag-and-drop course builders for creating and managing content. Overall, we believe both builders to be user-friendly and efficient for course building.

Overall, we would give LifterLMS a small advantage because it offers more settings from a single unified interface. That is, with LifterLMS, you will have fewer occasions when you will need to open a new tab to make a change. As a result, it offers a more efficient creation/management experience.

However, both are outstanding builders, and we believe you will be pleased with either. Both don’t require any technical skills, so even if you’re not a tech whiz, you should be able to create courses.

LearnDash Course Builder

When you create a course in LearnDash, you’ll use the standard WordPress block editor, with extra course-building tools added at the top of the page.

To structure your course, head to the Builder tab. Here, you can divide your course using section headings and add content through lessons.

LearnDash also introduces a third level—topics. These let you further subdivide lessons. Topics are optional. Some course creators prefer using only section headings and lessons. However, topics are helpful if you have extensive content and want to break lessons into smaller, more digestible parts.

Lessons are marked with a green “L” and topics by an orange “T”. You can also add quizzes, which appear with a “Q”.

Rearranging content is simple. Just drag and drop each item to adjust your course structure.

This bird’s eye view is intuitive for organizing courses, making it easy to see everything in one place.

LearnDash Lesson Builder

To edit a specific lesson, open a separate interface through the course builder by clicking the appropriate icon.

On the lesson builder page, you can add content using the WordPress block editor.

One helpful feature is that LearnDash includes boxes in the lesson editor to show where the lesson fits into the overall course, with an option to return to the main course builder page.

The lesson settings tab allows you to configure essential settings, such as:

• Adding a required video that learners must watch to progress in the course
• Setting a drip content schedule to control when the lesson becomes available. For instance, if you want to drip content, you can make a lesson accessible seven days after a user enrolls in the course. This approach is particularly useful for recurring courses, as it prevents users from binging content too quickly.

The topic editor functions similarly to the lesson editor. However, you can only drip lessons, not individual topics. All topics within a lesson become accessible together when the lesson is unlocked.

LearnDash Quiz Builder

The quiz builder in LearnDash works similarly to the course builder. You can start with a similar WordPress block editor, where you can add introductory text or other content for your quiz. Then, navigate to the Builder tab to design your quiz layout using simple drag-and-drop.

You can start by adding your main questions. Initially, LearnDash displays a red warning icon to indicate that a question needs further configuration.

To configure a question, open its settings to specify the question type and add answer choices, if applicable.

In the quiz settings, you can further customize options, such as:

• Requiring learners to pass a quiz before attempting the next one
• Limiting the number of retakes allowed for each quiz
• Setting a minimum score that learners must achieve to pass
• Defining a time limit for quiz completion
• Choosing when to display correct answers, either after each attempt or only at the end
• Adding a certificate to reward learners who complete the quiz

LifterLMS Course Builder

LifterLMS functions similarly to LearnDash, offering a drag-and-drop course builder. However, there are a few minor differences in the details.

To start, you’ll add basic course information using the block editor. You can configure essential details like:

• Displaying a featured video on the course title
• Defining payment options and access time periods for the course
• Setting specific enrollment dates for limited access
• Requiring completion of specific courses as a prerequisite
• Controlling content release over time for a drip-feed experience

Once settings are finalized, click the “Launch Course Builder” button to start building.

The course builder uses a full-screen view with two organizational levels:

• Sections
• Lessons

Unlike LearnDash, LifterLMS doesn’t include a “topic” level. However, this likely won’t matter to most users.

The one thing that we really like about LifterLMS is how it tries to offer as much information as possible in the course builder.

For example, each lesson includes icons that show:

• Whether lessons include audio or video content
• If a lesson is free or requires enrollment
• Whether it’s scheduled for drip release

Although there are many icons to learn, they make tracking lesson details easy once mastered.

LifterLMS Lesson Builder

You can easily add audio and video embeds directly within the course builder. However, you’ll need to open a new tab to add other content, like text.

Similar to LearnDash, you can use the regular block editor here. You’ll also find a box indicating your progress in the course structure.

At the bottom of the builder, you can configure additional settings. Most of these, like drip settings, can also be managed from the main course builder.

LifterLMS Quiz Builder

LifterLMS allows you to create quizzes directly within the course builder, which is highly convenient. First, you can set up basic settings, including:

• The minimum passing percentage for the quiz
• Maximum number of quiz retakes allowed per student
• The time limit for completing the quiz
• Option to show correct answers after incorrect attempts
• Display questions in random order

After setting these preferences, you can start adding questions.

The free version of LifterLMS provides three question types:

• Multiple Choice
• Picture Choice
• True or False

For advanced question types, however, you’ll need to purchase a premium add-on.

LearnDash vs LifterLMS – Charging for Courses

Both LifterLMS and LearnDash provide multiple ways to charge for course access.

You can use their built-in payment systems and connect with gateways like Stripe. Alternatively, you can integrate with WooCommerce to manage payments efficiently. WooCommerce integration also lets you use flexible coupons and additional extensions.

These platforms offer great flexibility in how you structure payments. You can sell single courses, course bundles, or memberships for groups. Additionally, you can choose between one-time payments or recurring subscriptions.

Overall, LifterLMS offers more flexibility, especially for membership-style course setups. However, both plugins are versatile enough to meet most course-selling needs.

Charging for LearnDash Courses

For flexible payment options with LearnDash courses, consider using the WooCommerce add-on instead of the built-in payments feature. While the built-in payments are fine for basic setups, WooCommerce offers much more versatility.

When setting up a course in LearnDash, you can choose from several access types:

• Open – Anyone can take the course. No registration is needed.
• Free – The course is free, but registration is required.
• Buy Now – Users pay a one-time fee for access.
• Recurring – Users pay a recurring fee to access the course.
• Closed – Used for external integrations like WooCommerce.

LearnDash also lets you create groups, allowing multiple users access to certain courses.

Group memberships come with the same payment options as individual courses, making it a convenient solution for many.

With the WooCommerce extension, you can associate courses with WooCommerce products, enabling you to:

• Sell course bundles
• Offer sales and discounts to attract sign-ups

The extension adds a new “Course” product type in WooCommerce. You can link products to provide access to specific courses or groups.

However, if you want to sell recurring subscriptions with the WooCommerce method, you’ll need the separate WooCommerce Subscriptions plugin, which adds additional cost.

Additionally, combining WooCommerce with tools like CartFlows can enhance your sales funnel with upsells and order bumps, which is a powerful approach for online course sales.

Charging for LifterLMS Courses

LifterLMS offers flexible payment options, even without the need for WooCommerce integration.

To control course access, you can set up Access Plans, which provide greater flexibility than LearnDash’s native payment feature.

With Access Plans, you can select lifetime or recurring payment options. Additionally, you can set custom recurring schedules and define when a plan ends. For instance, you could create a plan like “Pay $399 monthly for 3 months for lifetime access.”

You also have the option to set access expirations for both one-time and recurring payments. For example, you might charge a one-time $199 fee for six months of access.

Additionally, LifterLMS allows you to offer trial access for a limited time or to use Sale Pricing to run promotions on specific dates.

Furthermore, you can assign multiple access plans to a single course, such as offering both one-time payments and installment options.

All of this can be done without WooCommerce, making LifterLMS more flexible than LearnDash regarding built-in payment features.

Beyond individual course payments, LifterLMS supports memberships as well.

With memberships, you can grant members access to multiple courses automatically, with all the same Access Plan settings available.

You can sell memberships directly to individuals through LifterLMS. With the pro-LifterLMS Groups extension, you can also offer memberships and courses to groups easily.

But, if you prefer WooCommerce, LifterLMS does offer an optional WooCommerce integration.

LearnDash vs LifterLMS – Pricing

When it comes to pricing, there is not a clear winner between these two LMS plugins.

In general, LifterLMS might be a more cost-effective option. However, if you need various features, LearnDash might actually be the more affordable option.

To understand why, let’s look at the details.

First, a major difference:

• LearnDash does not offer a free version—it only has a premium option. Pricing for LearnDash starts at $199/year for a single-site license. They also provide additional add-ons, available individually or as part of a bundle. Individual add-ons range from $49 to $99 per year for one site, while the full bundle costs $499/year for a single site.
• LifterLMS, on the other hand, offers its core plugin for free on WordPress.org. You can then purchase individual add-ons or opt for a bundle. Individual add-ons start at $99, and the most affordable bundle is $299/year for a single-site license.

How LearnDash Can Be Cheaper Than LifterLMS

LifterLMS premium add-ons start at $149, with some priced as high as $299.

So, even adding one extra add-on can make LifterLMS more costly than LearnDash.

The free core LifterLMS plugin is quite good, covering essential course features for most users. However, for additional course functionality or advanced management features, LifterLMS costs add up quickly.

LearnDash, on the other hand, includes almost every feature in its paid plans. Even with the entry-level LearnDash plan, you get features like group management, assignments, advanced quizzes, and PDF certificates. These features cost extra with LifterLMS.

For example, if you buy individual LifterLMS extensions, you’d pay $299 each for assignments, advanced quizzes, group management, and PDF certificates. While bundles can reduce costs, LifterLMS will still be more expensive than LearnDash.

How LifterLMS Can Be Cheaper Than LearnDash

The free LifterLMS plugin on WordPress.org provides essential features for course creation. It includes a drag-and-drop course builder, basic quizzes, and more.

For a standard online course, the free version of LifterLMS should cover most needs. However, while it offers flexible payment options, it doesn’t connect to payment gateways out of the box.

To accept payments online, you’ll need a premium payment gateway extension. LifterLMS provides extensions for Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net, and WooCommerce, each costing $149/year.

For a budget-friendly way to launch paid courses, here’s a solution:

• Use the free LifterLMS core plugin to create and manage courses.
• Purchase one payment gateway extension to accept payments.

This setup costs $149 annually—more affordable than LearnDash, which starts at $199.

LifterLMS vs LearnDash – User Reviews

User reviews are important for any product, even for LMS platforms such as LifterLMS or LearnDash. So, what are other users saying about the two LMS solutions?

Let’s look at the user reviews of LearDash and LifterLMS.

LearnDash User Reviews

On G2, LearnDash got 4.2 out of 5-star ratings from 49 reviews.

Here are some user testimonials of LearnDash.

LifterLMS User Reviews

On WordPress.org, LifterLMS got 4.8 out of 5-star ratings from 350+ reviews.

On G2, LifterLMS got 4.7 out of 5-star ratings from 10 reviews.

Here are some user testimonials of LifterLMS.

LearnDash vs LifterLMS: Pros and Cons

Before reaching our final verdict, let’s quickly summarize the pros and cons of LearnDash and LifterLMS.

LearnDash Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy course creation with drag-and-drop builder.
• Supports multimedia content, quizzes, and assignments.
• Drip-feed content and prerequisite controls for structured learning paths.
• Works well with eCommerce plugins like WooCommerce for paid courses.
• Vibrant third-party extension marketplace.
• Integrates with popular WordPress themes and plugins.

Cons:

• No free version.
• Limited built-in payment options.

LifterLMS Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Offers a free plan.
• Excellent support for video lessons.
• Easy course and lesson builders.
• Comes with a 30-day demo for $1.
• Quite easy to use for creating membership sites.

Cons:

• Requires add-ons for many basic features.
• Getting the add-ons can be costly.
• Limited marketing options

Conclusion: LearnDash or LifterLMS – Which Is Better?

LearnDash and LifterLMS are two of the top LMS plugins for WordPress. We think both options are good for the LMS website, so you’re unlikely to go wrong with either.

Still unsure which to pick? Here’s our recommendation:

Start by installing the free version of LifterLMS. Test with it by creating some course content and see if it meets your needs. The free version often provides enough features for building and organizing courses effectively.

If it does, you can add a premium payment gateway extension for $149. This gives you a budget-friendly way to start selling courses on WordPress.

However, if you find the free version limiting—say, in quiz or assignment flexibility or group management—you might consider LearnDash. For such advanced features, LearnDash typically offers a more affordable solution than LifterLMS.

While exact costs vary by feature, LearnDash can save you hundreds of dollars compared to LifterLMS. It’s a great product that balances affordability and capability for most course creators.

That’s it! We hope this article helped you find the best LMS plugins for your e-learning website between LearnDash vs LifterLMS.

For more, check out these other helpful resources:

• 10 Best LMS Plugins for WordPress
• 10 Best Membership Plugins for WordPress
• MemberPress Review: Is It the Best Membership Plugin?

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