9 Best LMS for Small Businesses for Employee Training

Running a small business and trying to implement effective employee training? You’re not alone. 

Many small businesses struggle to find a budget-friendly, user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) that genuinely engages employees. 

In fact, research shows that 32% of employees believe training would be more effective if it included social or interactive elements to keep them engaged.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to 9 top LMSs for small businesses that are perfect for small businesses. 

Each platform addresses common pain points, like affordability, ease of use, and remote accessibility, helping you build a training program that’s both efficient and engaging.

Let’s explore these top picks and find the best fit for your team!

What are the Best LMSs for Small Businesses for Employee Training?

1. Coursebox.ai

Why it’s great for small businesses

For small businesses, training can be challenging—whether it's due to limited time, budget, or resources. 

This is where Coursebox’s AI-powered platform makes a real difference. With its AI tutoring tools, Coursebox helps small businesses create efficient, engaging, and cost-effective training for employees.

Key Features 

• File Conversion to Courses: Turn videos, documents, and websites into courses.
• AI Grading: Instantly grade assignments and give feedback using AI.
• AI Tutor: A chatbot helps learners with real-time course assistance.
• Quiz Generator: Create quizzes and assignments quickly with AI.
• White Labeling: Customize the platform with your own brand.
• Sell Courses: Offer courses online 24/7 for extra revenue.
• AI Course Designer: AI helps you design and draft courses easily.
• Certificates: Automatically issue certificates for course completion.
• Mobile Learning: Let employees learn anytime, anywhere with mobile apps.

Pricing

• Free: $0/month – 3 courses, basic AI tools, unlimited learners.
• Expert: $20/month – 200 courses, advanced AI tools, 200 learners.
• Branded Teams: $100/month – 1,000 courses, custom branding, 5,000 learners.
• Enterprise: $2,999.99/month – Unlimited courses, 10,000 learners, full customization.

2. TalentLMS

Why it’s great for small businesses

TalentLMS is a great choice for small businesses that need to train employees efficiently. It’s simple to use, easy to set up, and helps you get training going fast. 

Here’s why it works well:

• AI Content Generation: Quickly create courses using AI to generate text, images, and quizzes.
• Automated Assessments: Build quizzes and tests with AI support, including multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
• Personalized Learning Paths: Set up customized learning paths for employees to follow.
• AI-Powered Course Creation: AI helps design full courses with just a few clicks.
• Real-Time Feedback: AI tools provide instant feedback on assignments and quizzes to learners.
• Gamification: Boost engagement with points, badges, and rewards.
• Custom Certifications: Automatically issue certificates when training is completed.
• Mobile-Friendly: Employees can access training from any device, anywhere.

Pricing

• Core: $89/month – 1 branch, unlimited courses, custom homepage, email support.
• Grow: $139/month – 3 branches, everything in Core, custom reports, onboarding.
• Pro: $179/month – 15 branches, everything in Grow, live chat, automations.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing – unlimited branches, everything in Pro, account manager, phone support.
• Free Plan: Up to 5 users, 10 courses, email support, test AI features.

3. LearnDash

Why it’s great for small businesses

LearnDash is a perfect choice for small businesses that need to train employees effectively. It’s built to help you create engaging courses while keeping things simple. 

Here’s why it works well:

• AI-Generated Quizzes: Create quizzes automatically to assess learners.
• AI-Enhanced Learning Paths: Customize course paths based on learner progress.
• Automated Grading: AI grades assignments and quizzes instantly.
• Gamification: Use points, badges, and rewards to keep learners motivated.
• Progress Tracking: AI helps track learner progress and provides insights.

Pricing

• LearnDash LMS: From $199/year – 1 site, course builder, PayPal & Stripe integration.
• LearnDash Cloud: From $25/month (billed at $299/year) – hosted course website, unlimited courses, dedicated support.
• Groups Plus Add-on: $49/year – manage groups and organizations.
• Instructor Role Add-on: $80/year – allow instructors to manage and sell courses.
• Gradebook Add-on: $49/year – track and share scores, create report cards.
• ProPanel Add-on: $99/year – advanced analytics and reporting.

4. Absorb LMS

Why it’s great for small businesses:

Absorb LMS is a great choice for small businesses that need an easy way to train employees effectively. It’s designed to be simple and efficient, with powerful AI tools to streamline learning. 

Here’s why it works well:

• AI-Personalized Learning: AI customizes learning paths based on each employee's needs.
• AI-Powered Course Creation: Build interactive courses quickly using AI.
• Automated Admin Tasks: AI simplifies tasks like grading, reporting, and tracking progress.
• Skill Development: AI helps employees upskill by suggesting relevant courses.
• Real-Time Content Recommendations: AI provides learners with the info they need during lessons.

Pricing

• Customized Pricing: Pricing is tailored to your specific needs and the number of learners.
• Flexible Plans: Pay based on internal, external, or mixed learner types.
• Course Authoring Add-ons: Optional course creation tools available.
• Onboarding and Support: Includes a dedicated onboarding specialist and 24/7 global support.

5. iSpring Learn

Why it’s great for small businesses

iSpring Learn is a great choice for small businesses looking to train their employees effectively. It’s simple to use, and its AI-powered features help you manage employee learning easily. Here’s why it works well:

• AI-Driven Learning Paths: AI personalizes learning for each employee, making training more effective and tailored to their needs.
• Mobile Learning: Employees can access training anytime, anywhere, even offline, using the iSpring Learn app.
• Fast Course Creation: Use the built-in authoring tools to create and deliver courses quickly.
• Easy Onboarding: Set up training for new hires that helps them get started smoothly and stay engaged.
• Interactive Training: Use AI to enhance quizzes and assignments for better engagement.

Pricing

• Start: $2.29 per user/month (billed annually) – 50 GB storage, mobile app, course creation.
• Business: $3.14 per user/month (billed annually) – unlimited storage, custom roles, advanced analytics.
• Custom Plan: Pricing based on specific user needs – contact iSpring for custom options.
• On-Premise Installation: Self-hosted solution – contact iSpring for details.

6. Teachable

Why it’s great for small businesses

Teachable is perfect for small businesses that want to train employees in an easy and effective way. Here’s why it works well:

• AI-Powered Course Creation: Quickly build courses with AI tools, making it simple to train employees without wasting time.
• No-Code Platform: You don’t need technical skills to set up your training—just use their easy site and product builders.
• Multiple Training Formats: Offer courses, coaching, digital downloads, and even memberships to keep employees engaged.
• Community Features: Create a private space for employees to connect and collaborate during their training.
• Custom Learning Paths: AI helps personalize learning experiences for employees.
• Multiple Formats: Offer courses, digital downloads, and coaching to suit different learning needs.
• Engagement Tools: Create a community space for employees to interact and collaborate.

These features make Teachable a great fit for businesses looking to provide efficient and engaging employee training using AI tools.

Pricing

• Basic Plan: $39/month (billed annually), 5% transaction fee, 5 products
• Pro Plan: $119/month (billed annually), 0% transaction fee, 50 products
• Pro+ Plan: $199/month (billed annually), 0% transaction fee, 200 products
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, 0% transaction fee, unlimited products, premium support

7. Thinkific

Why it’s great for small businesses

Thinkific is ideal for small businesses because it makes creating and sharing training easy and affordable. 

With AI-powered support, employees can get real-time help while learning, which keeps them engaged and motivated. 

Customizable courses and branded websites give businesses a professional look, and interactive features like quizzes and assessments make training enjoyable and effective. 

Plus, Thinkific is budget-friendly and scalable, so as your business grows, your training program can grow too.

Key Features

• Easy Course Creation: Turn videos, documents, and websites into courses.
• 24/7 AI Tutor: Instant help and answers for learners anytime.
• Auto-Grading: Quick feedback and grading without manual work.
• Quiz Generator: Create quizzes and assignments fast.
• Custom Branding: Personalize the platform with your brand.
• Certificates: Automatically give certificates for course completion.
• Mobile Access: Learn on any device, anytime.
• Sell Courses: Set prices and sell your courses directly.

These features make training fast, engaging, and scalable for any business.

Pricing

• Basic: $36/month – Core tools to launch your learning business.
• Start: $74/month – Extra features for better student engagement.
• Grow: $149/month – Advanced tools for expanding your business.
• Expand: $374/month – Premium tools for scaling and managing multiple learning products.
• Plus: Custom pricing – Enterprise-level features for large teams and businesses.

8. Docebo

Why it’s great for small businesses

Docebo is a fantastic choice for small businesses looking to improve employee training with the help of AI. It’s user-friendly, powerful, and designed to simplify the learning process. Here’s why it’s great:

• AI-Powered Learning: Docebo uses AI to automate tasks, create personalized learning paths, and make training more efficient.
• Easy Onboarding: Quickly get new employees up to speed with structured training programs.
• Customizable: Tailor your training programs to fit your business needs without technical complexity.
• Mobile Learning: Employees can access training on the go with the mobile app, making learning flexible and accessible.
• Engagement Tools: Keep learners engaged with interactive courses, gamification, and community features.

• Pricing: Custom pricing based on the number of users.

9. LearnUpon

Why it’s great for small businesses

LearnUpon is perfect for small businesses because it makes training simple and effective. With everything in one platform, it’s easy to create, manage, and track training for employees, customers, or partners. 

Its AI-powered tools cut down on repetitive tasks, saving time and letting you focus on what matters. 

Plus, LearnUpon offers strong customer support, helping small businesses build a training program that boosts growth and keeps everyone learning. It’s an affordable and powerful way for small teams to get real results.

Key Features

• Easy Course Creation: Quickly build courses with simple tools.
• All-in-One Platform: Manage, deliver, and track training in one place.
• AI-Powered Learning: Automate tasks for faster, personalized training.
• Flexible for All Audiences: Train employees, customers, partners, and more.
• Engaging Experiences: Keep learners interested with interactive features.
• Customizable Portals: Create branded learning spaces.
• Detailed Reporting: Track progress and measure success easily.
• Strong Customer Support: Get guidance and support for effective training.

Pricing

• Essential Plan: For up to 150 users, includes SCORM support, custom branding, and live learning.
• Premium Plan: For 150 to 500 users, adds multi-language support, API access, and deeper integrations.
• Enterprise Plan: For 500+ users, includes Salesforce integration, white labeling, and advanced support.

For specific pricing details, you would need to contact LearnUpon for a customized quote.

What to Look For in an LMS for Small Businesses?

When picking an LMS for a small business, focus on essentials that make the system effective and user-friendly without overwhelming features you may not need. Here’s what to look for:

• Easy Setup and Navigation: Small businesses need an LMS that's simple to implement and easy for employees to navigate, so they can start learning without needing extra tech support.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Look for an LMS that fits your budget, ideally one with flexible pricing plans, free trials, or a pay-as-you-grow model, so you're only paying for what you use.
• Mobile-Friendly Access: With more remote and on-the-go work, a mobile-friendly LMS ensures employees can complete training on their phones or tablets, increasing flexibility.
• Customizable Courses: Choose an LMS that allows you to create or modify courses easily. This flexibility helps tailor training content to specific job roles or goals, making learning more relevant and effective.
• Reporting and Analytics: Track progress and see which courses are effective through built-in analytics. This feature can give you insights into where employees might need more help or where to improve training.
• Support and Resources: Ensure the LMS provider offers solid customer support and learning resources, especially if you don’t have a dedicated tech team. Reliable support can make a big difference when you’re handling training on your own.

These features keep your LMS practical and accessible, helping you build an effective training program that fits your business’s unique needs.

Final Thoughts

In this post, we covered the nine best LMS platforms for small businesses, highlighting key features like ease of use, affordability, mobile access, and analytics. 

Each LMS offers unique benefits tailored to small business needs, from easy setup to customization and reporting. 

With the right LMS, small businesses can create effective, engaging training that supports team growth and development.

Ready to elevate your employee training? Try Coursebox.ai to see how simple and effective LMS for small businesses can be!