LearnDash vs Tutor LMS: The Two Best LMS Plugins Comparison
When it comes to LearnDash vs Tutor LMS, the choice is simple: LearnDash is better for professionals who need advanced features and scalability, while Tutor LMS is ideal for beginners who want affordability and quick setup.
This guide will compare both plugins in detail so you can pick the best one for your online learning platform.
What is Tutor LMS?
Tutor LMS is a WordPress plugin designed to help educators build and sell courses easily. Its drag-and-drop course builder allows instructors to create structured lessons with quizzes, assignments, and certificates.
Key features include:
- Drip content scheduling
- Course prerequisites
- Certificate builder
- WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads support
Tutor LMS is popular among freelancers, schools, and small organizations who want a cost-effective and simple solution for eLearning.
What is LearnDash?
LearnDash is one of the most trusted LMS plugins for WordPress, widely used by universities, enterprises, and professional trainers. It offers complete control and flexibility to create scalable learning platforms.
Notable features include:
- Advanced quizzes with timers and question banks
- Gamification with badges, points, and leaderboards
- Rich reporting and learner analytics
- Integrations with CRMs, membership plugins, and WooCommerce
- Multiple monetization models including subscriptions and course bundles
LearnDash is best for serious course creators who need professional-grade tools and scalability.
Features Comparison: LearnDash vs Tutor LMS
| Features | Tutor LMS | LearnDash |
| Course Builder | Drag-and-drop, easy for beginners | Advanced customization for professionals |
| Quizzes and Assessments | Basic quizzes only | Powerful quiz engine with logic and question banks |
| Certificates | Available in Pro | Fully customizable with advanced settings |
| Monetization | WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads | Subscriptions, memberships, bundles, WooCommerce |
| Integrations | Limited third-party options | Extensive including CRMs, Zapier, MemberPress |
| Analytics and Reporting | Basic progress tracking | Enterprise-level reporting and analysis |
| Scalability | Great for small and medium projects | Ideal for enterprises and large platforms |
| Pricing | Free + Pro plans from $199/year | Premium only, starting at $199/year |
Winner: LearnDash
Tutor LMS shines for beginners, but LearnDash dominates with advanced features, integrations, and scalability.
Pros and Cons of LearnDash
Pros
- Professional-grade LMS features
- Advanced quizzes and reporting
- Wide range of integrations
- Scalable for enterprise use
Cons
- Higher upfront pricing
- Requires some learning curve
Pros and Cons of Tutor LMS
Pros
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Affordable with a free version
- Certificates and analytics included
- Drag-and-drop builder for quick setup
Cons
- Limited integrations
- Basic quiz features only
- Not suitable for large-scale projects
Plans and Pricing
Tutor LMS Pricing
- Free plan available with basic features
- Tutor LMS Pro: starts at $199/year for a single site license
- Business Plan: $399/year for up to 10 sites
- Agency Plan: $799/year for unlimited sites
LearnDash Pricing
- Single Site License: $199/year
- 10 Site License: $399/year
- Unlimited Site License: $799/year
Both offer refunds within 15–30 days. Tutor LMS is more budget-friendly with a free version, while LearnDash justifies its cost with enterprise-level features and reliability.
Support and Documentation
Tutor LMS provides community support, a knowledge base, and email support for paid users. It works fine for small setups but may feel limited for complex projects.
LearnDash offers detailed documentation, video tutorials, and responsive ticket support. With an active community and enterprise-level resources, LearnDash is more reliable for long-term growth.
Final Thoughts
If you want quick setup at a low cost, choose Tutor LMS. If you want scalability, advanced features, and a plugin that grows with your business, choose LearnDash.
Ready to launch your eLearning platform?
Contact SOLBASE Technologies and let us build your LMS with LearnDash or Tutor LMS.
