8 Types of LMS: Complete Guide to Major LMS Types

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:

Benefits of a SaaS LMS

Limitations:

Limitations of a SaaS LMS

Examples:

Examples of a SaaS LMS

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:

Benefits of an Installed/On Premise LMS

Limitations:

Limitations of an Installed/On Premise LMS

Examples:

Examples of an Installed/On Premise LMS

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:

Benefits of an Open Source LMS

Limitations:

Limitations of an Open Source LMS

Examples:

Examples of an Open Source LMS

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:

Benefits of a Closed Source LMS/Proprietary LMS

Limitations:

Limitations of a Closed Source LMS/Proprietary LMS

Examples:

Examples of a Closed Source LMS/Proprietary LMS

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:

Benefits of a Custom-built LMS

Limitations:

Limitations of a Custom-built LMS

Examples:

Examples of a Custom-built LMS

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:

Benefits of LMS Plugins

Limitations:

Limitations of LMS Plugins

Examples:

Examples of LMS Plugins

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:

Benefits of a Free LMS

Limitations:

Limitations of a Free LMS

Examples:

Examples of a Free LMS

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:

Benefits of a Paid LMS

Limitations:

Limitations of a Paid LMS

Examples:

Examples of a Paid LMS

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?

Finding 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.

Nikhil Dutt

Nikhil, a seasoned writer, excels in content ranging from long-form content, ad copies, UX microcopies & scripts. With an in-depth understanding of social media algorithms, he's driven notable growth across platforms. Proficient in SEO & SMO, he champions holistic content creation with a mission to elevate businesses through powerful storytelling. Although an IT graduate, his writing passion defines him, making him a diverse professional. Outside work, Nikhil enjoys reading, journaling, and exploring new places. Volunteering as a Life & Relationship Coach, he's committed to helping individuals foster more joyful lives and relationships.

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