Academy LMS vs LearnDash: Which LMS is Right for You?
February 19, 2024
Choosing the right Learning Management System (LMS) can make a big difference in the success of your online courses.
Today, let’s focus on another plugin called LearnDash.
Both Academy LMS and LearnDash are popular choices, but they offer different features and benefits. This guide compares them to help you decide which one fits your needs.
That’s why I’ll focus on the comparison between Academy LMS vs LearnDash. And, you’ll have a better understanding of which LMS plugin serves you better.
Key Features Comparison
Here’s a detailed look at what each LMS offers:
| Feature | Academy LMS | LearnDash |
| Interface | SPA Interface with React.js | Traditional LMS interface |
| Installation | Easy Installation Wizard, no coding needed | Onboarding Wizard |
| Analytics & Reports | Detailed analytics on courses, lessons, etc. | Course and student progress tracking |
| Dashboard | Frontend dashboard for all users | Course dashboard for creators and students |
| Migration Tool | Built-in migration tool | Not specified |
| Tutor Booking | Connect with expert tutors | Blended learning support |
| Registration Forms | Simple forms for instructors and students | Student profile dashboard |
| CSV Import/Export | Bulk import/export for students and quizzes | Quiz and lesson management |
| Course Progress Tracking | Detailed progress tracking | Drip-feed lessons and dynamic content delivery |
| Content Security | Secure media uploads | Not specified |
| Wishlist | Course wishlist feature | Not specified |
| Revenue Sharing | Set commission and profit-sharing | Not specified |
| Language Support | RTL support | Compatible with any WordPress theme |
| Automation | Webhooks, automated emails, and push notifications | Automated notifications for students |
| E-commerce Integration | WooCommerce, SureCart, Easy Digital Downloads | WooCommerce integration |
| Certificates | Create and award certificates | Badges and certificates |
| Custom Design | Elementor and Divi integration | Course completion page customization |
| Assignment Management | Comprehensive assignment features | Approve, comment, and award points on assignments |
| Quizzes | Import/export, versatile quiz builder | Advanced quizzing with AI Quiz Builder |
| SCORM Support | Import and track SCORM courses | Requires a third-party add-on |
| Content Drip | Schedule course content sequentially | Drip-feed lessons |
| Membership Management | Paid Memberships Pro, WishList Member | MemberDash plugin |
| Live Classes | Zoom integration | Not specified |
| Custom Branding | White Label option | Not specified |
Academy LMS vs LearnDash: The Comparison
Here’s a one to one comparison of Academy LMS vs LearnDash.
User Interface and Experience
Academy LMS uses a Single Page Application (SPA) built with React.js, which makes the interface fast and responsive. This design is great for creating and editing courses quickly. The frontend dashboard is user-friendly for both instructors and students.
LearnDash has a more traditional LMS interface but is still easy to use. Its course builder and student dashboards are intuitive, making course management straightforward.
Installation and Setup
Both LMS platforms offer easy installation processes. Academy LMS has an Installation Wizard that requires no coding knowledge, while LearnDash provides an Onboarding Wizard to help you maximize the plugin’s potential.
Analytics and Reporting
Academy LMS offers detailed analytics for courses, lessons, questions, instructors, and students. LearnDash also provides robust tracking for course and student progress, ensuring you can monitor how well learners are doing.
Course Management
Academy LMS and LearnDash both excel in course management, offering features like bulk import/export, progress tracking, and flexible quiz builders. However, Academy LMS goes a step further with specific tools like a migration tool, course wishlist, and more extensive CSV import/export capabilities.
E-commerce and Monetization
Both platforms integrate well with e-commerce tools. Academy LMS supports WooCommerce, SureCart, and Easy Digital Downloads, offering more flexibility in managing course sales and transactions. LearnDash also integrates with WooCommerce for a full shopping cart experience.
Customization and Flexibility
Academy LMS offers extensive customization options with Elementor and Divi integration, allowing you to design your eLearning site with ease. It also supports RTL languages and provides white-label options for custom branding. LearnDash is compatible with any WordPress-reviewed theme and provides templates for a quick start.
Additional Features
Academy LMS includes features like SCORM support, automated emails, push notifications, and webhooks for better workflow automation. LearnDash focuses more on advanced quizzing, content delivery, and assignment management.
Pricing: Academy LMS vs LearnDash
Pricing is the most important factor after the features. So, let’s focus on the pricing of both Academy LMS and LearnDash.
Academy LMS Pricing
| Academy LMS Pricing | ||
| Plan | Price | Licenses |
| Basic | Free | Free License |
| Yearly | ||
| Individual | $119 | 1 site |
| Business | $239 | 10 sites |
| Agency | $549 | 50 sites |
| Lifetime | ||
| Plan | Price | Licenses |
| Individual | $357 | 1 site |
| Business | $717 | 10 sites |
| Agency | $1,647 | 50 sites |
LearnDash Pricing
| LearnDash LMS Pricing | |
| Sites | Price |
| 1 Site | $199/year |
| 10 Sites | $399/year |
| Unlimited | $799/year |
| LearnDash LMS Add-Ons Pricing | ||
| Add-On | Sites | Price |
| Groups Plus | 1 Site | $49/year |
| 10 Sites | $99/year | |
| Unlimited | $199/year | |
| Instructor Role | – | $80/year |
| Reports | 1 Site | $120/year |
| 5 Sites | $180/year | |
| 10 Sites | $220/year | |
| Gradebook | 1 Site | $49/year |
| 10 Sites | $99/year | |
| Unlimited | $199/year | |
| Notes | 1 Site | $49/year |
| 10 Sites | $99/year | |
| Unlimited | $199/year | |
| Group Registration | – | $80/year |
| Ratings, Reviews, & Feedback | – | $80/year |
| ProPanel | 1 Site | $49/year |
| 10 Sites | $99/year | |
| Unlimited | $199/year | |
| LearnDash LMS Bundles Pricing Bundle | |||
| Bundle | Includes | Sites | Price |
| Ultimate Course Creator | LearnDash LMS, ProPanel, Groups Plus, Notes, Gradebook | 1 Site | $395/year |
| 10 Sites | $795/year | ||
| Unlimited | $1595/year | ||
| Student Success | LearnDash LMS, Notes, Gradebook | 1 Site | $297/year |
| 10 Sites | $597/year | ||
| Unlimited | $1197/year | ||
Conclusion
In the Academy LMS vs LearnDash comparison we saw both LMS platforms have their strengths, so your choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Academy LMS is ideal if you need a fast, responsive interface with extensive customization and automation features. It’s perfect for users who want a modern, flexible LMS with robust analytics and e-commerce integration.
LearnDash is better suited for those who prefer a traditional LMS with strong course management and quizzing capabilities. It offers a straightforward user experience and integrates well with e-commerce and membership management tools.
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