Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

LearnDash VS Canvas LMS

Compare LearnDash VS Canvas LMS and see what are their differences

LearnDash logo LearnDash

LearnDash is a Wordpress LMS plugin enabling organizations to create and deliver courses.

Canvas LMS logo Canvas LMS

Canvas is the trusted, open-source learning management system (LMS) that's revolutionizing the way we educate. Take Canvas for a test drive with our free, two-week trial account. Sign up now! Call 800-203-6755.
  • LearnDash Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-25
  • Canvas LMS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-11

ย  www.instructure.comSoftware by Instructure

LearnDash features and specs

  • Customizability
    LearnDash offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their courses and interfaces to meet specific needs.
  • Advanced Features
    LearnDash includes advanced features such as drip-feed content, quizzes, gamification, and multi-tier courses, which enhance the learning experience.
  • Integration
    LearnDash integrates seamlessly with numerous plugins and tools such as WooCommerce, bbPress, and membership plugins, providing extended functionality.
  • Community Support
    There is a strong community and support system for LearnDash users, including forums, documentation, and customer support.
  • Scalability
    LearnDash is scalable and can handle a growing number of courses and students, making it suitable for both small and large organizations.

Possible disadvantages of LearnDash

  • Complexity
    Due to its wide range of features and customization options, LearnDash can be complex to set up and might require a steep learning curve for new users.
  • Cost
    LearnDash requires a purchase of a license that can be costly, and additional costs might be incurred if third-party plugins or add-ons are needed.
  • Performance Issues
    Heavy usage of LearnDash along with multiple plugins can lead to performance issues, such as slower page load times.
  • Technical Knowledge
    Effective use of LearnDash may require technical knowledge or hiring a developer to fully utilize its capabilities and properly integrate it with other systems.
  • Limited Design Options
    While customizable, LearnDash's design options for the front-end user interface might be limited without additional CSS or third-party themes.

Canvas LMS features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Canvas LMS offers a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easy for educators and students to navigate the platform without extensive training.
  • Mobile Accessibility
    Canvas LMS has dedicated apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to access course materials, submit assignments, and participate in discussions on the go.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Canvas LMS can seamlessly integrate with numerous third-party tools and services, including Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, and various plagiarism detection tools.
  • Customizable Modules
    Educators can tailor the learning modules to fit the course requirements, including multimedia content, quizzes, and assignments.
  • Robust Analytics
    The LMS provides detailed analytics and reporting tools, enabling educators to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Scalability
    Canvas LMS is suitable for institutions of all sizes, from small schools to large universities, thanks to its scalable architecture.

Possible disadvantages of Canvas LMS

  • Cost
    Canvas LMS can be expensive for some institutions, especially small ones with limited budgets, due to its subscription-based pricing model.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While Canvas LMS is easy for basic use, mastering its more advanced features may require additional training for both educators and administrators.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Users have reported occasional lag and performance issues, particularly during peak usage times, which can disrupt the learning process.
  • Limited Offline Access
    Students and educators can face challenges accessing course materials offline, which can be a drawback in areas with inconsistent internet connectivity.
  • Support Response Time
    Some users have experienced slow response times from customer support, which can be frustrating when urgent assistance is needed.

Analysis of LearnDash

Overall verdict

  • LearnDash is a strong choice for WordPress users in need of a comprehensive LMS. Its combination of features, integration capabilities, and flexible pricing models make it a worthy option for educators and businesses alike. However, due to its complexity, it might have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler, more out-of-the-box LMS options.

Why this product is good

  • LearnDash is a popular Learning Management System (LMS) designed for WordPress. It is favored for its robust set of features that cater to a wide variety of e-learning needs. Users appreciate its flexibility, allowing educators to create highly customized learning experiences. It also integrates well with a range of other tools and plugins, enhancing its functionality. LearnDash supports multimedia content, quizzes, and assignments, and offers flexible monetization options for selling courses. Additionally, its active community and reliable customer support are frequently cited as benefits by users.

Recommended for

  • Educational institutions looking to implement online courses.
  • Businesses seeking to develop training programs for employees.
  • Entrepreneurs and subject matter experts who wish to monetize their knowledge through online courses.
  • Users who are comfortable with WordPress and want to maintain control over course design and functionality.

Analysis of Canvas LMS

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Canvas LMS is generally considered a good learning management system.

Why this product is good

  • User-Friendly Interface: Canvas LMS is known for its clean and intuitive design, making it easy for both instructors and students to navigate.
  • Robust Features: It offers a wide range of features, including course creation, assessment tools, grading, communication, and collaboration tools.
  • Integration Capabilities: Canvas supports integrations with a variety of third-party tools and services, enhancing its functionality.
  • Customization: Institutions can customize Canvas to fit their specific needs, offering flexibility in design and course delivery.
  • Strong Support and Community: Canvas has a strong support network and an active user community, which can be helpful for troubleshooting and exchanging ideas.

Recommended for

  • Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities looking for a comprehensive and scalable platform to manage and deliver online courses.
  • Corporate Training: Organizations that want to train their employees and need a reliable platform for course delivery, tracking, and assessment.
  • Instructors and Educators: Teachers who need a platform that facilitates course management, communication with students, and efficient grading.

LearnDash videos

LEARNDASH | LearnDash Review 2020

More videos:

  • Review - LearnDash v3 Review & First Look - Why It's The Best WordPress Learning Management System Now
  • Review - LearnDash Review - Pros, Cons, Comparisons - Most In-Depth Learning Management System Review

Canvas LMS videos

An Overview of Canvas LMS

More videos:

  • Review - Canvas LMS NEW UPDATES in 2020

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LearnDash and Canvas LMS)
LMS
16 16%
84% 84
Education
11 11%
89% 89
Online Learning
0 0%
100% 100
Course Authoring Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare LearnDash and Canvas LMS

LearnDash Reviews

9 Teachable Alternatives in 2024 Ranked
Most users enjoy the solid features and options LearnDash allows for customization. However, many reviewers warn that it does take a high level of technical expertise to be able to set it up and run. For those comfortable with WordPress and needing a highly customizable solution, LearnDash could be the right solution.
Source: teach.io
8 best Teachable alternatives for course creators (Features & pricing)
LearnDash downsides: You need a WordPress site to use LearnDash, which means paying for web hosting and a domain in addition to LearnDash and dealing with WordPressโ€™s steep learning curve. To make the most of LearnDash, you should be familiar with WordPress and comfortable connecting multiple plugins and integrations. You might also want to hire a developer or web designer...
Source: www.podia.com
Top 11 Thinkific Alternatives for Online course Creators in 2023
LearnDash is one of the best Thinkific Alternatives. However, LearnDash is nothing but a WordPress plugin. So if you have a website with a WordPress theme, it is the best choice to select LearnDash rather than Thinkific.
The Future of Learning Management Systems: Best Providers
There are a lot of Fortune 500 companies and big universities using LearnDash. Itโ€™s fast, itโ€™s got a lot of features, and the online course design is impressive. WordPress sites can be made into online learning platforms by using LearnDash.
Top 11 Best Kajabi Alternatives To Sell Online Course In 2023
Similar to other Kajabi-compatible platforms, LearnDash also automatically contacts students depending on their most recent activity. You may also develop discussion boards on your website using LearnDash to give students a stimulating environment.

Canvas LMS Reviews

10 Best Google Classroom Alternatives: Which Should You Choose?
Canvas is an open-source learning management system for teaching, learning, and even designing. Within a single platform, the program provides content, grades, communication tools, and analytics. What makes this option so appealing is that it offers several customizability and integration options. Canvas is more feature-rich than most of its competitors and provides a unique...
Top 15 educational software to streamline the learning process
Canvas lets teachers design, organize, and deliver course content easily. Its flexible and adaptable online and mixed-learning environment encourages student and instructor cooperation. Canvas simplifies course and student progress management, letting educators focus on education and giving students a seamless learning experience.
10 Best Moodle Alternatives to Jumpstart Your Courses
Canvas LMS by Instructure is a learning management system designed to maximize the learning process and enhance studentsโ€™ knowledge. It has a Canvas mobile app, so you can monitor studentsโ€™ responses and react to them quickly, see and add announcements, and track learnersโ€™ attendance on the go.
Source: sendpulse.com
10 Best Moodle Alternatives in 2024
Canvas LMS also offers a mobile app and a fair amount of flexibility. There is a learning curve but this can be solved with online videos and training material that are readily available.
Source: cloudassess.com
The 10 Best Moodle Alternatives & Competitors (Updated for 2024)
Canvas LMS hosts robust social learning features like interactive discussion boards, forums, instant messaging, and video and audio notes. These help learners collaborate and share their learning experiences.
Source: www.docebo.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing LearnDash and Canvas LMS, you can also consider the following products

Tutor LMS - Tutor LMS is a powerful plugin for WordPress that enables users to create, manage, and sell courses to generate profit.

Talent LMS - A super-easy, cloud LMS to train your employees, partners, customers or students.

LearnPress - LearnPress is a Plugin for WordPress that provides users with the tools to create a full-fledged e-learning Website.

Docebo - Docebo Learning Management System is the best cloud LMS system on the market for online training. AICC SCORM xAPI compliant. Mobile elearning platform

LearnWorlds - An all-in-one platform to Create, Sell & Market your online courses and provide online training. LearnWorlds empowers online trainers, educators and enterprises to create unique, interactive and social learning experiences.

Moodle - Moodle is the world's most popular learning management system. Start creating your online learning site in minutes!