The landscape of education & training is rapidly evolving. At the forefront of this are learning management systems. Platforms that have gradually become synonymous with e-learning.
But there’s a wide ranging spectrum of the types of LMS available in the market today. Ranging from SaaS to on-premise, free to paid, open-source to closed-source and custom-built to plugins.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the major LMS types. With the aim of helping you find out the one that suits you the best.
8 Major Types of LMS in 2025
The options we have today in learning management systems are vast and varied. And this diversity caters to different online learning environments & technological needs.
Here, we’ll explore the 8 major types of LMS, each serving unique purposes & sectors.
1.SaaS LMS/Cloud Based LMS
Software as a service (SaaS) LMSs are cloud-based solutions. It’s a web-based LMS hosted on the provider’s servers. Cloud-based learning management systems are popular for their quick deployment & subscription-based LMS pricing models.
Benefits:
1.Accessibility: Users can access the LMS from anywhere, at any time. Requiring only an internet connection. | 2.Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for in-house IT infrastructure and maintenance. |
Limitations:
1.Data Control: Organizations have less control over their data. | 2.Customization Limitations: There may be restrictions on how much the LMS can be customized to fit specific needs. |
Examples:
1.Edmingle | 2.Canvas | 3.LearnUpon |
Read in detail about SaaS LMSs.
2.Installed/On Premise LMS
Installed or on-premise LMS platforms are hosted on an organization’s own servers. These are ideal for organizations with strict data privacy requirements.
Benefits:
1.Data Security: Offers higher control over data security and privacy. | 2.Customization: Can be highly customized to meet specific needs and requirements. |
Limitations:
1.Cost: Requires significant upfront investment in hardware & maintenance costs. | 2.Resource-Intensive: Needs a dedicated IT team to manage and update the software. |
Examples:
1.Moodle | 2.Blackboard Learn | 3.SAP Litmos |
3.Open Source LMS
These are customizable & often free to use. Open-source software provide the source code for organizations to modify & improve.
Explore in-detail about open-source LMSs.
Benefits:
1.Flexibility: Highly customizable, allowing organizations to modify the code. | 2.Cost-Effective: Typically free to use. Reduces costs associated with purchasing and licensing fees. |
Limitations:
1.Technical Expertise Required: Requires a certain level of technical skill to install, customize and maintain. | 2.Support: Limited or no official support, relying on community forums and resources for troubleshooting. |
Examples:
1.Moodle | 2.Open edX | 3.Chamilo |
You might also like to read about cloud-based vs open-source LMS.
4.Closed Source LMS/Proprietary LMS
Closed-source (or proprietary) LMSs are not freely available for modification. These platforms are maintained & updated by the vendor.
Benefits:
1.Reliability: Often comes with dedicated customer support and regular updates from the vendor. | 2.Ease of Use: Designed to be user-friendly with less need for technical expertise. |
Limitations:
1.Cost: Can be expensive due to licensing fees and additional costs for updates or customizations. | 2.Flexibility: Limited customization options. |
Examples:
1.Adobe Captivate Prime | 2.Docebo | 3.Cornerstone OnDemand |
5.Custom-built LMS
Custom-built LMS solutions are developed from scratch. To meet the specific needs of an organization. These are also known as private labeled LMSs.
Related Article: Difference between white label and private label LMS.
Benefits:
1.Tailored Solution: Perfectly fits the organization’s unique requirements, workflows & integration needs. | 2.Competitive Advantage: Offers unique features. Hence, providing a competitive edge. |
Limitations:
1.Development Time and Cost: It can often be time-consuming and highly expensive. | 2.Resource Intensive: Requires skilled developers and IT staff for ongoing support and development. |
Examples:
1.Google Classroom | 2.Bespoke LMS for JPMorgan Chase |
6.LMS Plugins
LMS plugins extend the functionality of existing learning or content management systems. They can add specific features to platforms like WordPress, enabling basic LMS functionalities. Without the need for a full-fledged LMS.
Also Read: Difference between CMS and LMS.
Benefits:
1.Cost-Effective: LMS functionalities can be added to existing platforms without significant investment. | 2.Easy to Implement: Simple to install and configure makes it accessible for organizations with limited technical resources. |
Limitations:
1.Limited Features: May not offer all the features of an LMS. | 2.Dependency: Relies on the underlying platform, which could limit scalability and customization. |
Examples:
1.LearnDash | 2.LifterLMS | 3.WP Courseware |
Read in-detail about WordPress LMS Plugins.
7.Free LMS
Free LMS platforms offer basic learning management functionalities. Without any upfront or subscription fees.
Benefits:
1.Cost Savings: Ideal for organizations with limited budgets. Offering basic LMS features without any investment. | 2.Accessibility: Provides an entry point for small organizations or individuals. |
Limitations:
1.Limited Features: May lack advanced features, third-party integrations and customization options. | 2.Support: Limited or no customer support. Often relying on community forums or documentation for troubleshooting. |
Examples:
1.Moodle | 2.Canvas Free for Teachers | 3.Schoology Basic |
Read our blog on the best free LMS.
8.Paid LMS
These require a subscription/licensing fee but provide a robust solution with better scalability.
Benefits:
1.Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of advanced features, integrations, and customization options. | 2.Professional Support: Includes customer support and training resources. |
Limitations:
1.Cost: Can be a significant investment. Especially for small businesses or those with limited budgets. | 2.Complexity: The wealth of features and options can be overwhelming. Hence requiring time and effort to master. |
Examples:
1.Edmingle | 2.Canvas | 3.TalentLMS |
Also Read: Difference between Free LMS and Paid LMS.
Each of these LMS types caters to specific needs & scenarios. Hence, making it essential to carefully assess your requirements & goals when selecting an LMS solution.
How to Find the Right LMS Type for You?
Now that we know about the major LMS types. It’s time to help you out find the one that suits you the best.
- To begin with, assess your specific learning objectives, audience needs & content types.
- Then, consider technical requirements like scalability & mobile accessibility. At this stage, also evaluate the essential features, usability and your budget.
- The last step involves thorough research on platforms like G2, Software Suggest & Capterra. Besides taking LMS demo of potential platforms.
Following these steps in the right order, will help you choose the right LMS type. One that will align with your goals & offer growth potential.
Summary on LMS Types
Amidst the vast landscape of learning management systems. We explored it’s types with the features, benefits & limitations of each.
The major types of LMS include SaaS, on-premise, open-source, closed-source, custom-built, plugins, free and paid.
Understanding this is pivotal for aligning technology with your educational goals & needs. While also supporting your future growth.
FAQs on Types of LMS
1.How does a learning content management system (LCMS) differ from a traditional LMS?
An LCMS focuses only on the creation, management & delivery of educational content. A traditional LMS may not offer as robust features as an LCMS. But most modern LMSs come with all the functionalities of an LCMS. Read in-detail about LMS vs LCMS.
Leave a Reply