Top 10 Learning Management Software for Small Business in 2025
Finding the right learning management system for small business is key to efficient training. This article reviews the top LMS options for 2025, focusing on ease of use, cost, and features tailored for small businesses.
What is a Learning Management System?
Definition and Explanation
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application designed to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process. Acting as a centralized hub, an LMS facilitates the creation, delivery, and tracking of internal training and learning & development initiatives. This digital platform provides a structured approach to learning, enabling organizations to manage and deliver training programs more efficiently. By leveraging an LMS, businesses can streamline their training processes, ensuring that all training materials are easily accessible and organized.
Importance of LMS for Small Businesses
For small businesses, an LMS is crucial for providing effective employee training, ensuring compliance, and driving operational success. Implementing an LMS helps small businesses streamline their training processes, reducing costs associated with traditional training methods and improving overall training effectiveness. By using an LMS, small businesses can ensure that their employees have access to the training materials they need to perform their jobs effectively, regardless of their location or device. This accessibility not only enhances employee engagement but also supports better retention and development, ultimately contributing to the business’s growth and success.
Quick Overview of Top Learning Management Systems for Small Businesses
Here is a quick overview of the top Learning Management Systems (LMS) for small businesses in 2025. Each platform excels in a specific area, making it easier for you to identify which one aligns best with your business needs:
- Best Learning Management System Overall: Shiken
- Best Ease of Use Choice: TalentLMS
- Best for Course Creation: LearnWorlds
- Best for Quick Deployment: iSpring Learn
- Best UI Platform: Absorb LMS
- Best for Collaborative Learning: 360Learning
- Best Customer Support: LearnUpon LMS
- Best Open-Source Option: Moodle
- Best All-in-One Solution: Mitratech Trakstar
- Best for Mobile Workforce: Connecteam
- Best for Compliance Training: Deel Engage
Key Features of Learning Management Systems
Essential Features for Small Businesses
When selecting an LMS, small businesses should look for the following essential features:
- Course Creation and Management: The ability to create and manage online courses, including uploading content, setting up quizzes and assessments, and tracking learner progress. This feature ensures that training programs are comprehensive and tailored to the business’s needs.
- User Management: The ability to manage user accounts, including assigning roles, tracking progress, and providing access to relevant training materials. Effective user management helps in organizing and monitoring the training process efficiently.
- Mobile Accessibility: The ability for learners to access training materials on their mobile devices, ensuring that they can learn on-the-go. This feature is particularly important for businesses with remote or mobile workforces.
- Progress Tracking: The ability to track learner progress, including completion rates, scores, and time spent on courses. Progress tracking helps in evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaboration Tools: The ability for learners to interact with each other, including discussion forums, live chats, and video conferencing. Collaboration tools foster a sense of community and enhance the learning experience through peer interaction.
- Customization: The ability to customize the LMS to meet the specific needs of the organization, including branding, layout, and content. Customization ensures that the LMS aligns with the business’s identity and training objectives.
- Integration: The ability to integrate the LMS with other systems, including HR systems, payroll systems, and IT systems. Seamless integration maintains efficient workflows and ensures accurate data management.
- Scalability: The ability for the LMS to grow with the organization, including handling increased user traffic and data storage. Scalability ensures that the LMS can support the business’s evolving training needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The ability for the LMS to provide a cost-effective solution for employee training, including reducing costs associated with traditional training methods. A cost-effective LMS maximizes the return on investment for small businesses.
- Customer Support: The ability for the LMS provider to offer effective customer support, including training, documentation, and technical support. Reliable customer support ensures smooth implementation and ongoing success of the LMS.
By considering these essential features, small businesses can select an LMS that meets their specific needs and provides an effective solution for employee training and development.
Shiken AI - Best Overall
Shiken AI excels in offering personalized, adaptive AI-generated courses, benefiting both learners and educators. The platform’s features, such as grading assignments and translating text, greatly enhance learning. Shiken AI’s versatility enables effective sharing and commercialization of educational content.
Shiken's ai course creator also provides tools for selling online courses, enabling educators to generate revenue from their content.
You can upload any document, add a link or use your own prompt to generate a course from scratch which includes images and formatted text. Shiken also allows for courses to be generated in any language with a single click or for an existing course to be duplicated and translated which is great if you need your course for different geographies. You can then use Shiken's AI text editor to improve the copy, write additional content or mix up the formatting with AI-generated images and more.
Shiken's group features enable anyone to track learner progress and use the platform for anything from upskilling to mandatory employee training.
Unique to Shiken is their native text-to-speech reader that will narrate text-based course lessons to boost interactivity and videos and quizzes can be added to your courses.
Price: £40/seat/month
Specifications:
- Personalized, adaptive tutoring
- Features for grading assignments and translating text
Pros:
- Versatile platform for content sharing and commercialization
- Educational prompts tailored for learners and educators
Cons:
- May require a learning curve for some features
- Variable pricing can be a downside for budget-conscious users
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 5/5
- Features: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
TalentLMS - Best Ease of Use Choice
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing
- Extensive customization options
- Advanced integrations
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Limited advanced reporting features
TalentLMS excels overall for small businesses thanks to its user-friendly interface, affordability, and extensive customization options. Its seamless integration with other tools makes it versatile for various training needs. Moreover, TalentLMS offers excellent customer support, ideal for small businesses without dedicated IT teams.
However, TalentLMS has limited advanced reporting features, which may be a drawback for businesses needing in-depth analytics. Despite this, the benefits make TalentLMS a solid choice for various training scenarios.
Rating:
- Price: 4.5/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4.5/5
- Customer Support: 4.5/5
LearnWorlds - Best for Course Creation
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Specifications:
- SCORM support
- eCommerce capabilities
- Branded certificates
- Advanced analytics
Pros:
- Intuitive course creation tools
- Interactive learning features
- Strong customization options
- Built-in eCommerce capabilities
- Advanced analytics
Cons:
- May have a steep learning curve for beginners
LearnWorlds excels in course creation, making it ideal for small businesses aiming to create and sell courses efficiently. Features like interactive video learning, SCORM support, and branded certificates enhance the learning experience. Advanced analytics help track learner progress and engagement.
LearnWorlds may have a steep learning curve for beginners, but once mastered, its robust features and customization options are valuable for any small business.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- User Experience: 4/5
- Customization: 4.5/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
iSpring Learn - Best for Quick Deployment
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Pros:
- Easy and quick deployment
- Facilitates the entire training cycle
- Customizable user roles
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
iSpring Learn suits businesses needing quick deployment. Users can upload training materials and start within a day. It facilitates the entire training cycle, from course creation to progress monitoring and evaluation, making it ideal for online training programs deployment.
However, iSpring Learn may lack advanced features that other LMS platforms offer, limiting its use for complex training needs. Despite this, its ease of use and quick setup make it a top choice for straightforward and efficient LMS needs.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
Absorb LMS - Best UI Platform
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Pros:
- AI-powered automation
- Access to pre-built content libraries
- Streamlines training processes
Cons:
- May be more suitable for larger organizations
Absorb LMS uses AI to enhance training efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, making it ideal for streamlining training processes and reducing administrative burdens. It also offers pre-built content libraries, simplifying course creation.
Absorb LMS offers advanced features and automation, making it more suitable for larger organizations. However, small businesses needing AI-driven capabilities and extensive content libraries will find it valuable.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4.5/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
360Learning - Best for Collaborative Learning
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Pros:
- Strong collaboration tools
- Emphasis on user engagement
- AI-powered authoring tool
Cons:
- May require user participation for maximum effectiveness
360Learning fosters collaborative learning among employees with strong tools like discussion forums and interactive features, promoting critical thinking and knowledge exchange. Its AI-powered authoring tool simplifies and accelerates course creation.
While 360Learning excels in collaborative learning, active user participation is vital for effectiveness. For businesses valuing internal knowledge sharing, 360Learning is an excellent choice.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4.5/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
LearnUpon LMS - Best Customer Support
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Pros:
- Comprehensive customer service The interface is user-friendly. It is designed for ease of use.
- Wide acceptance in the market
Cons:
- Limited native content creation tools
LearnUpon LMS is renowned for its exceptional customer support and award-winning platform. Serving over 1,300 businesses, it offers comprehensive customer service and an easy-to-use interface. Users highlight the reliability and quick response times of LearnUpon’s support team.
LearnUpon LMS’s main drawback is its limited native content creation tools, requiring third-party tools for course development. Despite this, its outstanding customer support and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for businesses prioritizing customer service.
Rating:
- Price: 4.5/5
- Design: 4/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4/5
- Customer Support: 5/5
Moodle - Best Open-Source Option
Price: Free (open-source)
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Extensive community support
- Multilingual support
Cons:
- Requires programming experience for modifications
- Complex setup process
Moodle is a highly customizable open-source LMS offering features like quizzes, forums, and collaboration tools. Supported by a large community, Moodle users benefit from active forums and a wide range of plugins, making it excellent for businesses needing a flexible LMS.
However, Moodle’s open-source nature requires programming experience for modifications and has a complex setup process, which can be a barrier. Despite these challenges, its extensive customization options and community support make it valuable for small businesses.
Rating:
- Price: 5/5
- Design: 4/5
- User Experience: 4/5
- Customization: 5/5
- Customer Support: 3.5/5
Mitratech Trakstar - Best All-in-One Solution
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Specifications:
- SCORM-compliant
Pros:
- Comprehensive training systems
- Custom onboarding programs
- Performance management and workforce analytics
Cons:
- May be cost-prohibitive for small businesses
Mitratech Trakstar offers a comprehensive solution including performance management, applicant tracking, workforce analytics, and learning management. SCORM-compliant, it ensures compatibility with various e-learning content, making it ideal for custom onboarding programs and workforce management.
While Mitratech Trakstar offers extensive features, it may be cost-prohibitive for some small businesses. However, for those needing a comprehensive and integrated solution, it is a valuable investment.
Rating:
- Price: 3.5/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4.5/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
Connecteam - Best for Mobile Workforce
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Pros:
- User-friendly mobile app
- Supports on-the-go learning
- Enhances employee engagement
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
Connecteam, designed for mobile workforces, offers a user-friendly app for accessing training materials on the go. Ideal for remote or field-based teams, it supports mobile learning, enhancing employee engagement by providing anytime, anywhere access to training materials.
However, Connecteam may lack some advanced features found in other LMS platforms, limiting it for businesses with more complex training needs. Despite this, its focus on mobile accessibility and ease of use makes it valuable for businesses with a mobile workforce.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
Deel Engage - Best for Online Training and Compliance Training
Price: Varies based on subscription plan
Pros:
- Supports various compliance standards
- Powerful automation features
- Integrated HR, payroll, and IT tools
Cons:
- May be complex for small businesses
Deel Engage specializes in compliance management training, making it ideal for businesses needing to meet regulatory standards. It offers powerful automation features like automatic course assignments and tracking, streamlining the compliance training process. Deel Engage also integrates with HR, payroll, and IT tools, simplifying employee training and mandatory training program management.
While Deel Engage offers robust features for compliance training, it may be complex for small businesses without dedicated compliance teams. However, for those needing comprehensive compliance training solutions, it is a valuable tool.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- User Experience: 4.5/5
- Customization: 4.5/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
How to Choose the Right LMS for Your Small Business
Choosing the right learning management system for your small business involves considering several key factors. Prioritize an LMS that simplifies the training process, engages employees, and organizes learning materials effectively. It should also track progress and motivate learners.
Usability is critical. An intuitive and user-friendly LMS enhances the learning experience, ensuring easy navigation for both administrators and learners. Customizable features allow the LMS to be tailored to specific business needs. Integration with existing systems maintains efficient workflows and smooth adoption.
Cost is a major consideration for small businesses. Evaluate total ownership costs, including setup, licensing, and maintenance. Advanced analytics can justify these expenses by providing insights into employee performance and identifying areas for improvement.
Regularly evaluating your LMS maintains its relevance and effectiveness. User feedback provides valuable insights into areas needing improvement, ensuring the LMS continues to meet business needs.
Evaluating Usability and User Experience
Usability and user experience are critical for LMS success. An intuitive, user-friendly interface is essential for engaging users and ensuring smooth training programs. If administrators or learners struggle with the LMS, it can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and errors.
Mobile access is another key aspect of usability. Modern LMS platforms should allow learners to access training materials anytime, anywhere, enhancing flexibility and convenience, especially for businesses with remote or mobile workforces. Additionally, these platforms often offer online courses to further support learning.
Evaluate LMS usability and user experience by conducting user testing and gathering feedback from administrators and learners. This provides insights into platform performance in real-world scenarios and identifies areas needing improvement.
An easy-to-use learning management system leads to higher user engagement, better training outcomes, and overall successful implementation.
Assessing Integration and Scalability
Integration and scalability are crucial when selecting an LMS management system. Seamless integration with existing systems, such as HR and payroll tools, is essential for maintaining efficient workflows and accurate data. This ensures smooth adoption across the organization without disrupting processes.
Scalability is equally important, allowing the LMS to grow with your business. A scalable LMS can handle more users, courses, and data without compromising performance or user experience. This flexibility is essential for expanding training programs over time.
Automation within an LMS enhances scalability by simplifying repetitive processes and reducing administrative burdens. Advanced analytics and reporting tools support scalability by providing insights into training effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
When evaluating integration and scalability, consider the LMS provider’s ability to handle data migration and integration seamlessly to avoid data loss or errors. A scalable, well-integrated LMS provides the flexibility and efficiency needed to support business growth and evolving training needs.
Balancing Cost and Value
Balancing cost and value is critical for small businesses selecting an LMS. Understand the various costs, including setup, licensing, and maintenance, to make an informed decision. Consider potential future costs like upgrades or additional features to ensure long-term cost-effectiveness.
A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis aligns LMS investments with business goals and demonstrates platform value. Effective LMS cost management can lead to improved employee performance, retention, and overall business outcomes.
Gradual LMS implementation helps manage financial burdens and refine training processes before scaling up. This approach allows businesses to evaluate the LMS’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments without significant upfront costs.
It’s also important to consider the pricing options available for different LMS solutions. Some platforms offer basic free versions, while others provide advanced packages with additional features. Pricing typically varies based on the number of users and features required, so businesses should choose an LMS that aligns with their budget and training needs.
Importance of Reliable Customer Support
Reliable customer support is a crucial factor in the successful implementation and ongoing use of an LMS. The quality of customer support can significantly impact the user experience and the overall effectiveness of the training programs. For example, LearnUpon LMS is known for its exceptional 24/7 customer support, which includes multiple channels such as phone, email, and live chat.
Users often commend the quick response times and knowledgeable staff of top LMS support teams. Personalized support, such as dedicated account managers or customized training sessions, can also enhance the user experience and ensure that businesses get the most out of their LMS.
In addition to direct support, many LMS platforms offer extensive resources such as tutorials, webinars, and online discussions to assist users. These resources can be invaluable for novice eLearning teams that require more extensive support to use the system effectively.
When evaluating customer support, consider factors such as response times, availability of support services, and the quality of resources provided. A strong support system will help ensure a smooth implementation and ongoing success of your LMS.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the right LMS for your small business is a critical decision that can significantly impact your training programs and employee development. The top LMS platforms for 2025 offer a range of features and capabilities to meet various training needs, from course creation and quick deployment to AI-driven analytics and mobile learning.
When choosing an LMS, consider factors such as usability, customization, integration, scalability, cost, and customer support. Each of these elements plays a vital role in ensuring that the LMS aligns with your business goals and provides the desired training outcomes.
By carefully evaluating your options and considering the unique needs of your business, you can choose an LMS that will enhance your training programs, engage your employees, and support your business’s growth. Take action today and invest in the LMS that will drive your business forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of using an LMS for small businesses?
The key benefits of using an LMS for small businesses are streamlined training processes, improved employee development, and cost-effective training methods, all of which contribute to enhanced employee retention.
How do I choose the right LMS for my small business?
Choosing the right LMS for your small business involves evaluating usability, customization options, integration capabilities, cost, and customer support. Ensure that the features of the LMS align with your specific training goals and operational needs.
What makes Shiken the best overall choice?
Shiken is the best learning management system due to its AI-focus, user-friendly interface, affordability, extensive customization options, advanced integrations, and excellent customer support. These features ensure it meets diverse training needs effectively.
Why is LearnWorlds recommended for course creation?
LearnWorlds is highly recommended for course creation due to its intuitive tools and interactive learning features, which streamline the process of developing and selling courses effectively. The platform's comprehensive offerings, including SCORM support and advanced analytics, cater well to businesses aiming for a professional and engaging learning experience.
What should I look for in LMS customer support?
When choosing an LMS, prioritize response times, availability of support channels (such as phone, email, and live chat), the quality of resources—including tutorials and webinars—and options for personalized support. Effective customer support is essential for successful implementation and ongoing use.
