Arlo Training & Event Software
- Tests and assessments
- eLearning functionality
- Email, phone and ticket system customer support
Arlo has been in the training space for more than 10 years and strives to provide a TMS that can take care of users’ everyday issues. Its client base consists of companies whose main business is providing training courses or services. These firms can take advantage of software functionality that gives them the ability to create training websites and marketing campaigns. Arlo prides itself on understanding its customers’ needs and advertises a 99% customer satisfaction rate. Its three data centers are in Australia, Canada and Ireland, while support teams are located in England and New Zealand.
With good coverage of core features, such as course management and course tracking tools, the platform’s reporting component includes the ability for users to schedule reports. Prebuilt integrations with leading providers like Zoom, Xero and Stripe are available, while additional interfaces with services such as MailChimp, Outlook and SurveyGizmo can be created using Zapier.
Pros & Cons
Arlo’s software offers integrations and reporting in addition to a comprehensive set of training management functions. Templates and workflow automation capability are also beneficial elements. All these options can be challenging for smaller firms to set up and support, and may be more than they need.
Pros
- Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
- Ease of use
Cons
- No support team in North America
What Customers Are Saying
Although some comment that the setup and administration of all the features can be challenging, overall, Arlo receives very positive reviews from customers. One stated, “We’ve been able to easily promote and sell course places, communicate with our customers and therefore grow our business.”
Summary
Arlo Training & Event Software
Features
- Tests and assessments
- eLearning functionality
- Email, phone and ticket system customer support
Articulate 360
- Gamification
- eLearning functionality
- Reporting
Articulate has two software platforms in the learning and development space: Articulate 360 and Rise. Articulate 360’s focus is content creation: it provides users with a number of authoring tools as well as resources like templates, images and videos. Rise is the firm’s training management system, which provides a single solution for creating, managing and delivering training. It’s built on top of Rise 360, which adjusts eLearning courses so they work on all devices. The creators of the solution want Rise to be user-friendly for all involved, including course designers, learners and administrators.
The functionality included in Rise offers good coverage of core features including course management and tracking capabilities. Designers can enhance trainees’ interest and engagement by adding interactive details, multimedia inputs and gamification elements to their courses. Connecting Rise with partner applications can be done via APIs or by using Zapier. The system is cloud-based, and customer support is available in-app or via email.
Pros & Cons
Rise focuses on ease of use and emphasizes visually engaging elements. The platform’s features are comprehensive, but it’s important to note that no prebuilt integrations are included.
What Customers Are Saying
Overall, reviews are positive. One customer noted that Rise “has changed the way we think about training development.” Another user stated, “Rise makes it easy for us to build new engaging training modules FAST. And, we’ve received great feedback (and great results) from our learners!”
Summary
-
Starting Price
-
Free Trial/Demo
Free Trial
-
Deployment
Web-Based, Cloud, SaaS
-
Gamification
yes
-
Reporting
yes
Features
- Gamification
- eLearning functionality
- Reporting
Ascentis
- Reporting
- eLearning functionality
- Tests and assessments
The training management system from Ascentis is part of a suite of human capital management software products. With a focus on talent development and career progression, the system gives employees the opportunity to see their own progress according to metrics and milestones. Managers are able to provide feedback in the moment and assign training as needed, rather than via a single performance review session. Team members and other colleagues can also contribute using the 360-degree assessment functionality. Ascentis aims to deliver high-quality service that’s personalized for each client. The support team can be reached via phone, email, live chat or using a ticketing system. Both an account manager and an executive sponsor are assigned to customers.
Integration capabilities are extensive, and prebuilt connections with payroll vendors are included. Clients can also build their own interfaces or choose to outsource the work to Ascentis. Reporting is available and dashboards show an at-a-glance summary of performance data. The solution is run as an SaaS model and can be accessed on Android and iOS mobile platforms.
Pros & Cons
Because Ascentis TMS is only one module among a suite of products, customers can create an extended HR platform by purchasing one or more of the additional offerings. From a training management perspective, though, Ascentis is missing two key features: course management and course tracking. A free demo is available, but those interested in testing the full system are out of luck.
Pros
- Extensive customer support options
- Prebuilt, do-it-yourself or outsourced integration choices
Cons
- No course management feature
- No free trial (demo only)
What Customers Are Saying
Clients point to the need for thorough training on the system, but they also praise the implementation teams as well as the self-help resources. Customers speak highly of the support teams with one stating, “Very logical software. It is user friendly and the support is awesome. They respond fast and take care of any issues.”
Summary
Features
- Reporting
- eLearning functionality
- Tests and assessments
Brightspace
- Course management features
- Course tracking tools
- Gamification
Desire2Learn, the maker of Brightspace, was founded in 1999. Among its client list are K-12 schools, higher education organizations as well as companies. Brightspace Core is the firm’s main product in the training and learning management category, and it provides solid coverage of all essential capabilities. Enhanced features for analytics and engagement are available through Performance Plus and Engagement Plus, respectively, as add-on packages. Clients have access to advisors in the areas of data, education research and course design.
Brightspace was designed with accessibility in mind and follows universal design learning principles. Automated functions include prompts to learners who fall behind and access to additional content based on individual milestones progress. Learning paths can be customized, and communication tools for students or trainees include activity feeds, forums and web conferencing integrations. The system is available via the cloud, and support is accessible via phone, email and live chat.
Pros & Cons
The product ticks off all the boxes for essential and nice-to-have training and learning management features, while also providing automation capabilities. The opportunity to connect with learning experts from different areas is a plus. While users can access the application online, there’s no mobile app. Organizations looking for greater data insight or wanting more flexibility in how they engage learners will need to purchase add-on packages.
What Customers Are Saying
Reviews are generally positive but several note a dated interface that sometimes requires too many clicks to access the desired item. Users appreciate the time savings from automation, with one customer saying, “Reminding people to sign up for courses, finish the modules they’re working on and take the quizzes is very time-consuming when you need to do it manually, so automating the process probably saves each instructor three to five hours per week.”
Summary
-
Starting Price
-
Free Trial/Demo
Free Trial
-
Deployment
Web-Based, Cloud, SaaS
-
Gamification
yes
-
Reporting
yes
Features
- Course management features
- Course tracking tools
- Gamification
Ceridian Dayforce
- Phone and in-app customer support
- Gamification
- Integrations
Dayforce is Ceridian’s people resource management platform and consists of modules for HR, payroll, benefits, workforce management and talent management. Clients who sign up for the entire package can house end-to-end data related to the employee journey, but they also have the option to start with one piece and add modules as needed.
Its talent management module serves as the training management system and contains most of the core features, such as reporting, integrations, course management and course tracking. Employees can take a proactive approach by creating their own learning paths, while managers can set goals for staff members at multiple levels and identify competency areas that need improvement. The system accommodates different learning styles and allows users to create and share their own material. Dayforce is available via the cloud as well as Android and iOS mobile apps.
Pros & Cons
As one module of a suite of human capital management software, Dayforce’s talent management component gives clients access to a scalable platform. The product offers a wide array of functionalities, including essential and recommended elements as well as extras like engagement surveys. However, it doesn’t offer tests or assessments.
Pros
- Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
What Customers Are Saying
Users find the product relatively easy to navigate, but some reviews point to the need for advanced technical knowledge when building reports or XML forms. Overall, clients like Dayforce and highlight the value of the insights the system gives them. One shares, “It costs us two to three times more to replace a great employee than to retain one, so it’s very important to us to not only onboard our employees properly but to also develop and engage with them … The visibility that Dayforce gives us is priceless.”
Summary
Features
- Phone and in-app customer support
- Gamification
- Integrations
Edsby
- Robust course management features
- Tests and assessments
- eLearning functionality
The training management offering from Edsby serves educational institutions, districts and governments and was designed specifically for grades K-12. The software is adaptable, allowing users to customize the software to fit their processes, reporting requirements and measurement standards. Edsby has more than 30 years of experience creating education software and takes an active role in the industry.
Edsby’s product meets most of the key functionalities highlighted in this list, although it does lack gamification features. Course management capabilities are robust and include scheduling of parent-teacher meetings, tracking of volunteer hours and automation for report cards. Teachers can also easily make notes and observations about student progress and share them as needed. Edsby offers integrations with student information systems, HR databases and CSV files, as well as other file formats and applications. Users can access the system via the cloud or Android or iOS mobile apps.
Pros & Cons
With its sole focus on education software for grades K-12, Edsby brings significant specialized experience to its product offering. The ability to adapt the software to local assessment criteria and processes is a definite plus. One core element missing from the platform is gamification.
Pros
- Integrations with student information systems
- Adaptable to local standards and processes
Cons
- No gamification
- Specific to education needs in K-12 schools
What Customers Are Saying
Clients give the company and its application positive reviews, with one reviewer stating, “Edsby links administrators, teachers, students and parents with day to day knowledge of the academic and personal progress of students. And the staff at Edsby are always there to help.”
Summary
Features
- Robust course management features
- Tests and assessments
- eLearning functionality
GoToTraining
- Core and recommended features
- Gamification
- Email, phone and live chat customer support
LogMeIn, the company behind GoToTraining, aims to strengthen relationships by improving how we interact and connect with one another. It operates as a SaaS provider and has been a key contributor to the remote working model. GoToTraining is designed with ease of use in mind and a goal of making collaboration simpler. The platform supports both remote and hybrid learning formats and includes functionalities such as breakout sessions to increase learner engagement.
The product provides thorough coverage of essential and recommended components. Trainers also have access to supplemental features including desktop or application sharing and session recording. They can also share handouts, notes and videos and make use of functionalities that allows students to work together during the training session. Decision makers can use course assessments to determine the effectiveness of a class and/or how to make it better. GoToTraining offers a small number of integrations, but its partnership with PayPal allows for both payment processing and custom registration.
Pros & Cons
GoToTraining is one of only two vendors that cover all the bases with regards to deployment, with SaaS, Android and iOS mobile apps as well as Mac and Windows desktop installations. Integrations for the application are on the lighter side with only five partners listed other than PayPal.
Pros
- Comprehensive deployment offering
- Robust feature coverage
Cons
- Small number of integrations
What Customers Are Saying
Customers speak highly of the GoToTraining application with many emphasizing its ease of use from both user and administrator perspectives. One says, “For an organizer, GoToTraining is easy to set up and there’s no difficulty engaging learners. Also, we’ve found it to be 100% reliable, well received by learners and their employers, and there’s a lower total cost.”
Summary
Features
- Core and recommended features
- Gamification
- Email, phone and live chat customer support
ISpring Learn
- Core and recommended features
- Gamification
- Email, phone and live chat customer support
Ease of use and superior customer service are top priorities for iSpring. The company provides a variety of materials to help clients get the most out of its applications, including free weekly webinars with subject matter experts, whitepapers and blog posts. It aims for a quick resolution to issues, noting that its customer support team closes 83% of cases within a two-hour time span. iSpring offers two products: iSpring Learn and iSpring Suite. The first is a management system used for training and development, while the second is an application offering enhanced capabilities and tools for creating courses and assessments. All iSpring Learn pricing plans include a subscription to iSpring Suite.
The solution offers complete coverage of core and nice-to-have functions. New users can get a quick start by uploading and building upon training material that they already have. A key feature of the platform is the ability to build PowerPoint-based courses that can be enhanced with video tutorials, live online sessions or long-form articles.
Pros & Cons
With features covering both the must-have and nice-to-have categories, iSpring Learn’s focus on ease of use and getting users up and running quickly can enhance client value. Although all iSpring Learn plans include a subscription to iSpring Suite, it’s important to note that only one or two individuals can have access to the latter.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
Cons
- Limited prebuilt integrations
What Customers Are Saying
Customers rave about the product’s ease of use for both learners and administrators. One said, “With iSpring, it usually takes a day or two to build a completely interactive training program.” Another reviewer stated: “People are a lot quicker to take iSpring courses because they actually enjoy them much more than what they were getting before.”
Summary
Features
- Core and recommended features
- Gamification
- Email, phone and live chat customer support
Looop
- Course management functionality
- Testing and assessments
- Integrations via API
Looop prioritizes business over learning objectives. The solutions allows users to design a learning experience that clearly leads to improved performance, as measured by key performance indicators instead of learning metrics like attendance and course completion. Its approach is to offer training as part of everyday workflows, so that users don’t have to stop working in order to learn. The application is built with the user as the focal point, rather than the training content or program. Looop promotes and follows an iterative approach, advising clients to experiment, determine what works, let go of what doesn’t and repeat.
The solution performs quite well in terms of core feature coverage with course management and course tracking functionality, but given its philosophy about training and development, it’s no surprise that gamification isn’t part of the package. Integrations are available through prebuilt and custom build APIs, and its analytics offering provides information about where training and support is most needed.
Pros & Cons
Looop’s philosophy should leave employee productivity numbers untouched, since users don’t have to stop what they’re doing to access learning content. Also, training engagement won’t be an issue since it’s built into daily processes. A free demo is offered with a free trial available only after you've been given the demo.
Pros
- Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
- Ease of use
Cons
- Free trial is only available after you're given a demo
- Does not currently support customized campaigns, but the company has promised to deliver this in the near future.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers offer high praise when reviewing Looop. One commented, “Looop is a contemporary performance platform that allows learners to access great support resources when they need it. The mobile app is great for those who don’t always have access to a desktop while analytics and creating content is a breeze. The functionality is slick and the customer service is the best I’ve had from a vendor. Engagement issues are a thing of the past.”
Summary
Features
- Course management functionality
- Testing and assessments
- Integrations via API
Moodle
- Integrations
- Course tracking
- Gamification
Moodle is an open-source platform supported by development personnel at Moodle HQ, and a community of users who continuously contribute to its improvement and evolution. Being open source software, anyone can adapt or change the product as they see fit. Moodle is easy to use, with an extensive supply of how-to guides as well as user-created training. The system includes several options for customizing language settings, and the community has provided translations for more than 100 languages. Moodle is used by organizations of all sizes and offers collaboration tools such as forums and chats. Security functionality is consistently updated thanks to contributors who are frequently reviewing the code. Users also have the ability to customize privacy capabilities to satisfy region-specific rules.
Deployment options are comprehensive, and web, mobile (Android and iOS) and desktop installations (Mac and Windows) are all possible. The application supplies essential features as well as recommended ones. Multiple learning formats are supported, and predictive analytics help identify students who may be struggling. Moodle has a platform of recognized partners and also offers a significant number of plug-ins.
Pros & Cons
Due to its open source nature, Moodle offers a great deal of flexibility and customization options, including the ability to change languages and system appearance. This amount of variation can lead to a number of questions, and no live support channels are available, such as phone or chat.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Highly customizable
- Comprehensive deployment options
Cons
- Customer support via email and ticket system only
What Customers Are Saying
Moodle users are generally pleased with their experience, but they do mention a need for technical expertise during installation and set up. One customer praised the product saying, “Moodle is great because it’s flexible and user friendly.” Another noted, “For these students, we have a seamless integration from when they purchase to them enrolling in the course, allowing them to start learning in a matter of minutes.”
Summary
Features
- Integrations
- Course tracking
- Gamification
Schoology Learning
- Course management features
- eLearning functionality
- Gamification
PowerSchool, the company behind Schoology Learning, specializes in software for the educational sector. Its products range from student information systems to administration management. Schoology Learning was created with the needs of K-12 schools in mind and looks to support not just students’ classroom activities, but their extracurricular involvement as well. The application comes with collaboration tools, so all those who participate in a student’s learning path can easily interact.
The solution offers all the essential components, including course management, course tracking and gamification. Reporting can be done at multiple levels, including individual, course and school. Teachers are able to design content and learning journeys adapted for each student’s learning style and capabilities. An extensive number of integrations are available with partners such as Google, Microsoft, Quizlet and National Geographic Kids. Schoology Learn is available online and via Android and iOS mobile apps, and customer support can be accessed by phone or email.
Pros & Cons
The software is suitable only for the management of learning in K-12 schools. If your business is in this space, though, you can take advantage of the large number of apps that make accessing and transferring content into course materials much more efficient.
Pros
- Extensive integrations
- Collaboration tools
Cons
- Specific to education needs in K-12 schools
What Customers Are Saying
Users enjoy the wide-ranging functionalities and options of Schoology, but point out that it can take some time to find everything. Teachers greatly appreciate the user experience and praise its ease of use. One reviewer stated, “We put Schoology in front of our teachers and their mouths dropped.” Another user declared, “The Schoology platform has exceeded our expectations and the Schoology family has been an incredible support and inspiration to the creativity of the teachers in our district.”
Summary
Features
- Course management features
- eLearning functionality
- Gamification
SkyPrep
- Gamification
- Integrations
- Testing and assessments
Simplifying the online training and development experience is SkyPrep’s stated goal. It wants to create software that’s intuitive and user-friendly and aims to provide top-notch customer service. The platform can be used by clients to conduct both internal training for employees and external training for customers and partners. Clients are able to modify the appearance of the application to create a look and feel that’s unique to them. SkyPrep offers automation functionality for course enrollments, grading, notifications, certifications, and compliance workflows.
Coverage of core components is thorough and includes features like customized learning path creation, role-specific permission assignment, gamification through points and leaderboards, and reminders for deadlines and upcoming events. Integrations are available with leading providers, such as Stripe, ADP, LinkedIn, and Zoom, or you can use their open API to connect with other systems. Reporting can be done at different levels, and compliance reports can be scheduled for greater peace of mind. Customers can reach out for support via phone, email, or ticket system.
Pros & Cons
New users and companies with limited internal IT support can benefit from SkyPrep’s prioritization of ease of use. For those considering the Core pricing plan, it’s important to note that a number of enhanced features aren’t included.
Pros
- Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
- Ease of use
Cons
- The Core pricing plan only includes customer support via email
- Gamification and advanced integration capabilities only available with Premium pricing plan
What Customers Are Saying
Users rave about the platform’s ease of use and offer high praise for SkyPrep’s customer support. One user wrote, “The system has a very intuitive and user-friendly UI, our users require very little training to use it.” Another reviewer stated, “Support is amazing. Available, helpful, knowledge and the best part is if we suggest a change/addition, it gets serious consideration and for us, has actually been implemented.”
Summary
Features
- Gamification
- Integrations
- Testing and assessments
TalentLMS
- Course tracking tools
- Integrations
- Email, phone and ticket system customer support
When building TalentLMS, the team at Epignosis aspired to create a system that was simple to use, met the needs of customers and offered a substantial amount of flexibility. It wanted to ensure that organizations interested in providing online learning could easily access the technology at a price they could afford. TalentLMS’ design allows new users to get up and running quickly and follows eLearning industry standards, including SCORM and xAPI. It also offers automation capabilities, so clients can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks.
The components we’ve highlighted as essential are all available through TalentLMS. Course management functionality includes the ability to create separate training sections, each of which can host a unique training theme, set of users and course list. Gamification features like points, awards and leaderboards can be used to increase engagement and make training more fun. The solution also gives clients the ability to set their own point schedule.
Pros & Cons
TalentLMS is the only provider on our list to offer a free subscription plan. With a no-cost trial offer also available, interested organizations have solid options for trying out the software before committing.
Pros
- Free subscription plan option
- Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
Cons
- Automation capabilities available only with Plus and Premium plans
What Customers Are Saying
TalentLMS users really like the platform and highlight its ease of use. One said, “TalentLMS is a simple, reliable, easy to use interactive learning platform that has helped train hundreds of people across multiple locations.” Another user wrote, “We are delighted with the system’s easy-to-use platform and tools for the delivery, support, and administration of our eLearning and instructor-led courses.”
Summary
Features
- Course tracking tools
- Integrations
- Email, phone and ticket system customer support
Tovuti LMS
- Core and recommended features
- Email, phone and ticket system customer support
- Integrations
Founded in 2017, Tovuti LMS is one of the newer entrants to the training management system market. The system provides customers with an easy and efficient way to manage and deliver an online training program. It’s offered as a white-labeled product, which means clients can rebrand it to look like their own build. Assistance for new clients includes coaching and access to a tutorial library. Tovuti LMS can support a variety of education delivery methods, including blended, independent, instructor-led and micro learning.
Users have access to course management tools that include scheduling, registration, user maintenance, notifications and reminders. Dashboards give students the opportunity to keep track of their own progress, while reports allow administrators and managers to monitor both student and course success. Tovuti LMS also comes with course creation and e-commerce functionalities.
Pros & Cons
Tovuti LMS offers all the must-have and nice-to-have features we highlight in a user-friendly package. Interested organizations should note that many useful features like integrations, e-commerce capabilities and customizations have been carved out and are only included with premium packages.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Robust feature coverage
Cons
- New users may find the platform has a steep learning curve
What Customers Are Saying
Feedback is very positive, with a number of users expressing particular appreciation for how user-friendly the application is and for the high-quality customer support. One states, “The support team is probably the best part of using this system. While it is easy to navigate, anything that becomes an obstacle for me is easily solved by sending a quick message to the help center.”
Summary
-
Starting Price
-
Free Trial/Demo
Free Trial
-
Deployment
Web-Based, Cloud, SaaS
-
Gamification
yes
-
Reporting
yes
Features
- Core and recommended features
- Email, phone and ticket system customer support
- Integrations
Trainual
- Gamification
- Tests and assessments
- Phone, chat and in-app support
Trainual is another newcomer, entering the training management industry in 2018. Its approach builds upon the idea of a business playbook: a document or set of documents that lays out how you do what you do. It contains the workflows, policies and standard operating procedures that are used daily by an organization. The application allows training to be rolled out easily and quickly, making it a useful tool for organizations that find themselves growing rapidly. Employees can complete online training courses independently, and managers can track progress using the product’s reporting capabilities.
Though the platform does offer gamification elements, it’s lacking two key features for this type of system: course management and course tracking. Integrations, which are a recommended component, can be built through Zapier. Trainual is accessible via the web as well as Android and iOS mobile platforms.
Pros & Cons
Clients can benefit from Trainual’s focus on ease of use and quick set up time. However, it’s important to point out that the application lacks both course management and course tracking capabilities.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms
Cons
- Application could provide a better dashboard or heads-up display
What Customers Are Saying
Reviews of Trainual are generally positive. One customer wrote, “I was able to put together our company’s training program in just a few hours. It’s very easy to use.” Another user’s feedback stated, “A huge asset to anyone looking to scale.”
Summary
Features
- Gamification
- Tests and assessments
- Phone, chat and in-app support
