Circle specializes in technology-enabled learning solutions for large enterprises, public administrations, and small/medium businesses. Offering deployment modes like self-hosted, cloud-based, and software as a service, Circle is compatible with popular browsers such as Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox. Delivering features like user management, activity grading, adaptive learning, content development, and translation, Circle also supports authentication through Active Directory/LDAP integration, manual accounts, and SAML2/API integration. The platform provides custom fields, location settings, media embedding settings, and multilingual support, enabling various learning types including asynchronous instructor-led, asynchronous self-paced, blended learning, and synchronous virtual classroom learning.
For those seeking alternatives to Circle, options include LearnDash, Thinkific, Teachable, Kajabi, Podia, and Udemy.
Circle
Specializing in tech-enabled learning solutions, Circle LMS offers versatile deployment modes across various devices and browsers. It’s a platform highly recommended for large enterprises, public administrations and small to medium businesses.
Top Features of Circle
- User management for controlling system access and maintaining user data.
- Features natural language processing, predictive analysis, and quiz generation for adaptive learning.
- Content development tools empower users to build compelling coursework.
- Provides multilingual support with built-in translation capabilities.
- Active Directory/LDAP integration intensifies security of system access.
| Additional Features | Description |
|---|---|
| API Integration | Makes possible the integration with an array of third-party applications, enabling an enhanced learning experience. |
| Custom Fields, Media Embedding, and Location Settings | Customizable settings to tailor the system to meet unique business needs. |
| Compliance Training | Helps maintain employee proficiency by meeting mandatory training benchmarks. |
Circle Limitations
- The one-time license purchase may be a significant upfront cost for some businesses.
- Additional costs can accrue depending on implementation, training, and support needs.
Circle Pricing
Circle LMS offers considerable flexibility in its pricing model. Costs can range from per learner, per month, to per course. Furthermore, the licensing fee may vary depending on the functionality modules in use and the learner’s application extent. Note that some additional costs like implementation and training could be applicable based on your chosen deployment mode.
Circle Use Cases
Large Enterprises
In a large enterprise, Circle LMS can act as an integral community management tool. The ease of course content creation and grading activities facilitates large-scale learning management. API integrations elevate the learning possibilities, providing tailored training programs across the enterprise.
Small/Medium Businesses
The flexible pricing model is a boon for small and medium businesses, where every cost counts. Its ability to hone employee skills and aid in career development puts SMBs at a competitive advantage.
Public Administrations
Circle LMS aids in maintaining strict compliance standards required in public administration. The convenience of certification and compliance management eases the maintenance of crucial training benchmarks.
LearnDash
A WordPress-based learning management system, LearnDash is an award-winning solution that aids in the creation of professional, engaging courses. Recognized by leading industry brands such as Bitesize Bio, Reliablesoft, and the Dance Dojo, it offers a myriad of functionalities for effective course management and delivery.
LearnDash Top Features
- Award-winning e-learning platform: Top 20 Training Software Winner
- Fully compatible with any WordPress theme/page builder
- Customizable course builder, quizzes, drip content, lesson timers, prerequisites
- Integration capabilities with a wide variety of services including WooCommerce, EDD, Stripe, SamCart, Course Grid, Zapier and others
- Mobile compatible for learning on-the-go
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Assessment Management | Automatic grading, grading scales |
| Security Measures | Anti-spam, anti-virus, IP blocker, password protection |
LearnDash Downsides
- Improvements required in URL structure for SEO optimization
- More flexibility needed for product customization
- Lack of a free version or trial
LearnDash Pricing
LearnDash’s pricing model is subscription-based, starting from $159/year. Plans include Basic ($199/1 site license), Plus ($229/10 site licenses), and Pro ($369/25 site licenses).
LearnDash Use Cases
Use case 1
For businesses looking to offer asynchronous, blended, or mobile learning to wider audiences, LearnDash’s compatibility with numerous WordPress themes and builders presents a cost-effective solution.
Use case 2
Professionals requiring a system for efficient course creation and delivery will benefit from LearnDash’s customizable features and comprehensive administrative capabilities.
Use case 3
Educational institutions can utilise LearnDash to create interactive quizzes, assignments, and courses with prerequisites to engage and stimulate students.
Thinkific
Embark on an enriching learning journey with Thinkific, the multipurpose online learning platform. Architected for nimble firms in search of swift value realization, Thinkific alleviates all unnecessary legacy LMS burdens.
Thinkific Top Features
- Fosters immersive learning experiences across varied platforms, facilitated by an intuitive drag-and-drop builder and multitudes of course templates.
- Squares strongly on blended learning, offering multimedia lessons, webinars, and collaborative communities.
- Features flexible pricing commensurate with the diverse needs and budgets of organizations.
- Supports mobile learning with a bespoke branded educational mobile app, highlighting scalability and accessibility.
- Integrates robust tracking capabilities, bulk edits, and interactive content, bolstering your training management endeavors.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Easy Student Management | Effortlessly monitor learner progression and engagement |
| Integration Capacity | Seamlessly weaves with third-party tools for an end-to-end learning solution |
| Flexibility in Testimonials | Choose from a range of layout options to share learning experiences and outcomes |
Thinkific Downsides
- Limited options for testimonials layouts on sales/landing pages inhibit customization.
- Thinkific’s rise to prominence may compel instructors to make a significant time and technical investment.
- Fostering an inclusive learning environment that accommodates all learning styles presents a challenge.
Thinkific Pricing
The tuitions for the journey of learning range from a beginner’s $39 to an advanced $499 per month, suiting a spectrum of budgets.
Thinkific Use Cases
Employee Training
Reformulate your employee training initiatives with Thinkific’s versatile course creation and student management tools. See enhanced performance, more engaged learners, and effective training sessions at smaller costs.
Compliance Training
Effortlessly bring the law and company policies to life through compliance training leveraging Thinkific’s engaging, multimedia-rich lessons. This ensures adherence to regulatory mandates with minimal interruption to day-to-day processes.
Revenue Generation
Unlock newfound sources of income by selling learning courses using Thinkific’s comprehensive e-commerce tools. Watch as your vibrant catalogue of courses magnetizes learners and incomes alike.
Teachable
Envisioned in 2013 by Ankur Nagpal and Conrad Wadowski, Teachable emboldens creators of all kinds. It unlocks the power of digital pedagogy through its no-code platform, allowing anyone to craft a learning landscape.
Teachable Top Features
- Course Builder: Construct unlimited courses with ease.
- Custom Course Pages: Fashion unique learning environments with course design templates.
- Coaching Module: Seamlessly manage coaching businesses with milestones, scheduling, and payment processing.
- Monetization Assistance: Navigates e-commerce with automated tax filings, fraud monitoring, and chargeback support.
| Linking Possibilities | User Engagement |
|---|---|
| APIs provide automated tasks and seamless linkage to external tools | Allows asynchronous instructor-led and self-paced learning or blended learning |
Teachable Limitations
- Price point and lack of transparency invited criticism.
- Strong competitors like Thinkific and Zenler offer alternative platforms.
Teachable Pricing
Teachable operates on a scalable pricing matrix offering a Free tier, a Basic tier at $59/mo, a Pro tier at $159/mo, and a Business tier at $665/mo, with details of inclusions and exclusions discernibly laid out.
Teachable Use Cases
Use Case 1: Entrepreneurs and Creators
Entrepreneurs and creators can impeccably monetize their craft by creating online courses, and leveraging the platform’s built-in e-commerce tools.
Use Case 2: Educators
Educators can design engaging courses using Teachable’s intuitive course builder, and track student progress with detailed reports.
Use Case 3:Large Enterprises
Large enterprises can utilise Teachable as a training platform for their employees, ensuring upskilling and re-skilling within a custom learning environment.
Kajabi
Founded in 2010, Kajabi is an all-in-one content marketing system that hosts online courses, provides data analytics, and facilitates product creation, among other features. With over 40,000 entrepreneurs from 120 countries relying on its utilities, it is designed for digital entrepreneurs and small businesses. Despite not being a traditional Learning Management System, it offers several LMS features.
Kajabi Top Features
- Integrated Platform: One-stop-shop to sell, market, and deliver product content.
- Customizable Themes and Landing Page Builder: Offers an array of themes that can be tailored to your brand and a robust landing page builder.
- Marketing Solution: Build custom forms, track performance with email analytics.
- Integrations: Syncs with tools like MailChimp, Infusionsoft, Google Analytics.
- Electronic Payments: Seamlessly integrated with Stripe for secure transactions.
| More Features | Utilities |
|---|---|
| Website Hosting | Kajabi hosts your website along with providing a powerful CRM system. |
| Email Marketing Tools | Automate your communications and keep in touch with your audience effectively. |
| Product Creation | Create and sell online courses, membership sites, and more. |
Kajabi Limitations
- Lacks features to foster active engagement with students.
- Does not support tracking and recording training activities.
Kajabi Pricing
Kajabi offers three different pricing plans, with features varying at each tier. They also offer a free Build Mode plan for a limited time, for those who want to check out Kajabi’s back-end without commitment.
Kajabi Use Cases
Use case 1: Digital Entrepreneurs
Kajabi is an ideal platform for digital entrepreneurs keen on creating, promoting, and selling online courses and membership sites. With its robust email marketing tools and CRM functionalities, it’s easy to manage students and monitor engagement levels.
Use case 2: Small Businesses
Small businesses will find Kajabi useful in integrated electronic payments, robust data analytics, and customizable themes and landing page builder, all of which contribute to efficient, streamlined operation.
Podia
Meet Podia, a one-stop platform tailored for creators and independent online businesses seeking simplicity, user-friendliness and robust customer support in managing their online presence.
Podia Top Features
- Website Builder: Sleek, customizable design. Pitch-perfect for building a professional and captivating presence online.
- Email Marketing: From fonts to design, customize your campaigns. Works seamlessly with segmented lists.
- Digital Products: Monetize your creative content through the selling of courses, ebooks, webinars, workshops.
- Community Feature: Facilitates the building of membership communities- both paid and free.
| Integration | LMS Options |
|---|---|
| Google Analytics, HotJar, Drip, Stripe, PayPal and more. | Schedule live sessions, set up auto webinar recordings, create membership plans. |
Podia Limitations
- Limited customization options on certain features.
- Desktop view has room for improvement.
- Installations of add-ons and plugins required for extended functionality.
Podia Pricing
With pricing from free to $199 per month, Podia offers a range of plans that cater to various needs and budgets.
Podia Use Cases
Educational Content Creators
Leverage Podia’s educational-associated functionalities like quizzes, progress tracking, homework and certification to boost the learning efficacy of users.
Individual Businesses
Reduce your reliance on multiple tools by harnessing Podia as a cohesive platform for website building, email marketing and selling digital products.
Community Builders
Create, manage and grow your community, be it free or paid, with the help of Podia’s robust community feature.
Udemy
An eminent player in the e-learning industry, Udemy Business offers a mix of on-demand, immersive, and cohort-based learning, creating a future-ready workforce in alignment with business objectives. Serving millions globally, Udemy has become an intrinsic part of learning development for multiple firms.
Udemy Top Features
- Customizable platform: Personalize with logos, brand identity, and create your unique URLs.
- Managerial control: Create and share learning paths and invite members through email.
- Global accessibility: Courses offered in 60 different languages over 190 countries.
- Multifaceted content: Wide range of courses on technology, marketing, design, personal development and more.
- Device flexibility: Operable on iOS, Android, laptops, desktops, tablets, and also offline.
- Completion certificates: Completing courses grants certificates to learners.
- Learning Paths feature: Create sequential courses for learners to follow step by step.
- Augmented course content: Inclusion of practice tests, quizzes and coding exercises.
| Scope of Usage | Hybrid Learning Modality |
| Suits 2-10,000+ employees | On-demand, immersive, cohort-based learning |
| 80{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of Fortune 100 companies use Udemy | Unlimited course access post-purchase |
Udemy Limitations
- Free version not available.
- Inconsistent quality due to course diversity.
- Refund policies and hidden costs generate criticisms.
- Courses not accredited and do not transfer into college credit.
- Reputed lack of detailed analytics and Kindle restrictions.
- Cryptic SEO matrix hinders organic search ranking predictability.
Udemy Pricing
Pricing for Udemy ranges from free to $200, with the ensuing figures disguised in a cryptic SEO matrix. However, Udemy for Business, comes with an annual subscription. Costing is measured by the total number of users and billed annually.
Udemy Use Cases
Use Case 1: Corporate Training
Udemy has proved instrumental for organizations like PayPal, T-Mobile, Pinterest, aiming to elevate their workforce skills and engagement.
Use Case 2: Individual Enrichment
Udemy’s diverse course range including personal development, IT and tech, marketing caters to personal upskilling needs of 40 million students globally.
Use Case 3: Multilingual Learning
Offering courses in 60 languages, Udemy creates a conducive learning environment for a global audience.
