LearnDash is one of the most popular WordPress-based learning management system (LMS) plugins. It gives educators, course creators, and training companies the ability to host and sell courses directly on their own WordPress site, with control over branding, pricing, and functionality.
While LearnDash is powerful, it can be quite tedious to manage considering the technical complexity. Running it requires a WordPress setup, ongoing maintenance, and sometimes extra plugins for marketing or payment features. This is a problem for some users who prefer a hosted, all-in-one platform to avoid dealing with technical tasks.
In 2025, there are many LearnDash alternatives, from hosted LMS platforms with no setup headaches to other WordPress-based solutions with different features and pricing models.
In this article, we’ll explore the top LearnDash alternatives in 2025, covering their key features, pricing, and why they might be a better fit for your needs.
1. SchoolMaker
SchoolMaker is a hosted all-in-one platform for delivering online courses, running communities, and managing coaching programs. Unlike LearnDash, it doesn’t require WordPress, hosting, or extra plugins, everything is built in.
Key Features:
- Course bundling, drip content, and structured learning paths
- Community spaces for discussions and networking
- Student progress tracking and completion certificates
- Integrated coaching tools with scheduling and live calls
Pricing:
Starts at $29/month (billed annually)
Why choose SchoolMaker over LearnDash?
If you want a simpler, hosted solution without dealing with WordPress updates or plugins, SchoolMaker offers a complete course hosting solution that can help you get more course sales.
2. Teachable
Teachable is a hosted course creation platform known for its simplicity and ease of setup.
Key Features:
- Beginner-friendly course builder
- Customizable sales pages and checkout
- Affiliate marketing program support
- Integrated payment processing
- Quizzes and completion certificates
Pricing:
Starts at $29/month (billed annually) + 7.5% transaction fees
Why choose Teachable over LearnDash?
Teachable requires no WordPress setup and handles all hosting for you, making it easier to launch without technical experience.
3. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for courses, memberships, communities, and marketing automation.
Key Features:
- Website builder with customizable templates
- Advanced email marketing and automation
- Course hosting with drip content and tracking
- Membership areas and communities
- Podcast hosting and blog publishing
Pricing:
Starts at $71/month (billed annually)
Why choose Kajabi over LearnDash?
If you want to run your entire online business, from marketing to community building, on one platform without multiple plugins, Kajabi offers more built-in tools than LearnDash.
4. Thinkific
Thinkific is a hosted platform for creating and selling courses, memberships, and communities.
Key Features:
- Customizable course templates
- Quizzes, assignments, and drip content
- Membership and community features
- Integrations with marketing and analytics tools
- Multiple payment gateway options
Pricing:
Starts at $36/month (billed annually).
Why choose Thinkific over LearnDash?
Thinkific eliminates the need for WordPress, offering a hosted alternative with built-in community features and strong student engagement tools.
5. LifterLMS
LifterLMS is another WordPress LMS plugin, but it offers different pricing flexibility and built-in features compared to LearnDash.
Key Features:
- Course building within WordPress
- Memberships and recurring payments
- Quizzes, assignments, and certificates
- Integrations with WooCommerce and Stripe
- Private coaching functionality
Pricing:
Core plugin is free, with premium add-ons starting at $120/year. Bundles range from $360/year to $1,200/year.
Why choose LifterLMS over LearnDash?
If you like the WordPress approach but want a lower starting cost or different feature bundling, LifterLMS is a strong alternative.
6. TalentLMS
TalentLMS is a cloud-based LMS built for corporate training but flexible enough for creators and small businesses.
Key Features:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Built-in course authoring
- Gamification with badges and leaderboards
- Zoom and Microsoft Teams integrations
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Pricing:
Free plan for up to 5 users and 10 courses. Paid plans start at $119/month (billed annually).
Why choose TalentLMS over LearnDash?
If you’re focused on employee or client training rather than selling courses publicly, TalentLMS offers better reporting and team management features than LearnDash.
7. Podia
Podia is an all-in-one platform for selling courses, digital downloads, memberships, and coaching.
Key Features:
- Website and storefront builder
- Course hosting with drip content
- Email marketing and affiliate program
- Webinars and coaching session tools
Pricing:
Starts at $33/month (billed annually)
Why choose Podia over LearnDash?
Podia is simpler to set up and manage, with no need for WordPress hosting or plugin updates, making it ideal for small businesses and solo creators.
Conclusion
LearnDash is a great choice if you’re comfortable managing WordPress and want full control over your LMS. But in 2025, there are plenty of alternatives that remove the tech headaches and offer more built-in features.
If you want a fully hosted solution to drive more course sales, SchoolMaker is the top choice. For a WordPress alternative with different pricing flexibility, LifterLMS is worth considering. And for all-in-one marketing and course delivery, Kajabi and Podia offer strong value.
Your choice should come down to your technical comfort level, budget, and whether you want to host everything yourself or have it managed for you.
(can change CTA here to "start free trial")
