Best WordPress LMS Plugins: Complete Comparison Guide for Course Creators 2025
Selecting the appropriate Learning Management System (LMS) plugin on WordPress can drastically affect your online course business. TutorLMS, LifterLMS, LMS plugins offer various distinct features which work in their own way.
When it comes to launch an online course business, you need to choose the right Learning Management System (LMS) plugin. The best WordPress LMS plugins that you can choose from to kickstart your business are TutorLMS and LifterLMS.
With these WordPress LMS solutions, course creators can create, manage, and sell online courses from their own website. All three platforms have necessary features like content protection, student progress tracking, and payment integration. Aside from this, they also have different pricing and premium features.
Good News: The E-Learning Industry Is Predicted To Grow In 2025
The global e-learning market will be valuation at $457.8 billion by 2025, marking an impressive leap to that level. According to a research, the global e-learning market size was valued at $250 billion in 2020 and it is expected to reach $457.8 billion in 2025. This represents a compound annual growth rate or (CAGR) of 9.1 percent between 2020 and 2025. Increased adoption of remote learning solutions, level of internet access, and professional development courses are some of the factors driving the growth of the sector.
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Corporate training is the biggest sector in the e-learning market, involving large investments from organizations in employee training platforms. Digital learning solutions are being adopted by many educational institutions, making the academic sector the next largest component.
Key growth areas for 2025:
- Mobile learning applications
- Microlearning platforms
- Virtual and augmented reality training
- Artificial intelligence-powered learning systems
- Gamified educational content
China and India are growing quickly with the Asia-Pacific region having a growth rate. North America occupies the leading segment in terms of revenue.
Most students (73%) would like some part of their studies to be done online, according to research. When e-learning is implemented, companies say there is a 42% increase in revenue per employee.
Rising demand offers opportunities for course creators and edtech companies. Small businesses and individual trainers can effectively compete by offering niche inputs via a learning management system.
What Are LMS Used For By Individuals & Organizations
Learning Management Systems cater to various needs as per the industry. Like, professional certification or employee training programs. These platforms allow the creation of content, tracking of students, and management of assessments.
Membership Websites
LMS platforms can power membership sites that offer subscribers unique educational content. Members can access organized courses, downloadable resources, and progress tracking features.
Website owners can make money by creating various membership levels to monetize their expertise.
The platforms ensure drip delivery, so that members do not get everything at once.
Payment processor integration facilitates automated billing and subscription management.
Professional Associations
Professional organizations utilize LMS to provide continued education credits and certification programs to members.
They track what the user completes and then automatically gives a certificate.
Systems of digital badges allow members to display achievements on professional profiles, resumes.
Discussion boards and peer networking features help members share knowledge.
Corporate Training
Companies use LMS to bring new employees into the fold and further enhance their skills.
HR teams can administer required compliance workshops and check completion rates per department.
Tools to assess employee engagement and identify knowledge gaps.
You get to learn about something that relates to your work.
Interactive features such as quizzes and simulations help to reinforce concepts.
Education Institutions
Lots of universities and school integrate their existing systems with LMS for blended learning.
Teachers can create lesson plans, assign homework, and grade submissions via a single interface.
Students go to course materials, submit assignments, and join online discussions.
With the help of analytics, educators can identify at-risk students and provide interventions on time.
Live classes via the virtual classroom facilitate screen sharing, breakout sessions, and more.
Comparison Between LifterLMS And Tutor LMS
LifterLMS and Tutor LMS are rated as the top LMS plugins for WordPress with different methods of course building, customizing, and monetizing.
Course Builder
LifterLMS is a drag-and-drop course builder with multi-tier course structures. Users can make courses, lessons, quizzes, and assignments via a simple interface.
Tutor LMS has a course builder in the front end to preview content real-time. The plugin allows the use of content types like audio, video, and attachment.
Both platforms allow for the creation of quizzes with various questions. LifterLMS allows quizzes and assessments of different formats while Tutor LMS supports video, audio, attachments, etc.
Flexibility And Customization
The popular page builders Elementor and Divi integrate smoothly with Tutor LMS. The plugin has templates to build course layout and landing pages.
LifterLMS a lot of WordPress themes but needs other settings. It provides custom CSS options for design adjustments.
Both plugin does support custom certificates but Tutor LMS has more templates. The platforms lets you to Drip and Pre Requisite Setting.
Monetization Options
LifterLMS allows payments that are one-off, subscription and membership based. Users can set up various pricing tiers and use coupon codes for discounts.
With commission management, Tutor LMS has course marketplace functions. It works with WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads.
Payment gateway options:
- LifterLMS: PayPal, Stripe, manual payments
- Tutor LMS: PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce gateways
Pricing And Plans
LifterLMS pricing structure:
- Free version: Basic features
- Individual add-ons: $99 to $130 +/year each
- Universal bundle: $299/year (best value package)
Tutor LMS cost options:
- Free version: Essential features
- Pro version: $149/year
- Business license: $199/year
Community And Support
LifterLMS runs a lively Facebook group and has got great documentation. Premium customers receive priority email support.
Tutor LMS has a ticket support and regular updates. The plugin features detailed tutorials and video guides.
Both platforms offer regular updates and security patches. The users help make third-party integrations and custom solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between LifterLMS and TutorLMS in 2025?
A: LifterLMS focuses on providing a robust suite of features for course creation and management, while TutorLMS is praised for its user-friendly interface and flexibility. Both are popular LMS plugins for WordPress, but their strengths vary based on user needs.
Q: Does TutorLMS offer a free version?
A: Yes, TutorLMS offers a free version with basic features that allow users to create and sell online courses. This makes it accessible for those starting out in online learning.
Q: How does LifterLMS compare to LearnDash?
A: LifterLMS and LearnDash are both powerful WordPress plugins for creating and selling courses. LifterLMS offers more flexible pricing options and customizable features, while LearnDash is known for its advanced quiz capabilities and integration options.
Q: Can I manage courses with TutorLMS?
A: Yes, TutorLMS provides extensive tools to manage courses effectively, including lesson management, student tracking, and performance analytics, making it a comprehensive LMS for a WordPress website.
Q: Which LMS plugin is better for beginners: LifterLMS or TutorLMS?
A: TutorLMS is often recommended for beginners due to its intuitive interface and ease of use. LifterLMS, while powerful, may require a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with course creation.
Q: Does LifterLMS have a pro version?
A: Yes, LifterLMS offers a pro version that includes advanced features such as membership capabilities, course bundles, and additional integrations, enhancing its functionality as a WordPress LMS plugin.
Q: What features does TutorLMS offer for course creation?
A: TutorLMS offers a variety of features for course creation, including multimedia support, quizzes, assignments, and certificates, making it a versatile choice for educators looking to deliver online courses.
Q: Can I use LifterLMS with my existing WordPress website?
A: Yes, LifterLMS is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing WordPress website, allowing you to create and sell courses without needing to overhaul your site.
Q: How does TutorLMS support online learning?
A: TutorLMS supports online learning by providing features like interactive quizzes, assignments, and user engagement tools, which enhance the learning experience for students.
Q: Is LearnPress a good alternative to LifterLMS and TutorLMS?
A: LearnPress is another popular WordPress LMS plugin that offers a range of features for course creation and management. While it is a viable alternative, LifterLMS and TutorLMS tend to be favored for their more advanced functionalities and better support options.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right LMS plugin depends on your specific needs. Tutor LMS is easy to use and create courses, LifterLMS is robust and great for entrepreneurs and professionals.
LifterLMS has a strong community with networking options and more. All the two options get regular updates and good tech support.
The free plan of this LMS plugin has enough feature for building basic courses. You can add features such as certificates, subscriptions, advanced reporting on the premium LMS version.
Platform strengths:
- Tutor LMS: User interface, template variety
- LifterLMS: Community building, student engagement
By testing the free versions, educators can see which platform best suits their teaching style and course needs. Small units may find lesser things sufficient while larger units many times depend on larger things.
Security and suitability for existing WordPress themes must be considered. Both platforms exhibit great performance in these areas.
