Best 10 Cloud-Based LMS for Businesses and Educators

Have you ever wondered how online learning came to be? It all started back in 1728 when American professor Caleb Phillips used a newspaper for a distance-learning shorthand course. Fast forward to the 90s, and with the rise of the internet, a new way of learning began to take shape.

Today, cloud-based learning management systems (LMS) have become essential for education and training. In this article, we’ll explore the best cloud-based LMS options, and discuss how to choose the one that fits your needs.

What is a Cloud-Based LMS?

A cloud-based learning management system (LMS) is software that runs on the cloud, allowing you to create and manage educational content tailored for different purposes.

With a cloud-based LMS, you can set up schedules, run classes, assign tasks, track progress, and even handle certifications, all while monitoring employee performance. What else makes cloud-based LMS so appealing? Here’s our list of possible reasons:

• Cost-effective: You only pay for what you use, which means no hefty hardware or software costs. Plus, you won’t need experts to maintain it.
• On-demand scalability: Easily scale resources to meet your business needs, whether expanding or downsizing.
• Improved collaboration: With internet access, teams can collaborate from anywhere, making it easier to work together.
• Automatic updates: Your provider ensures the system is always up to date, saving you from manual updates and ensuring security.
• Disaster recovery: In case of disruptions like hardware failures, cloud LMS systems offer strong disaster recovery, keeping your training on track.

Best Cloud-Based LMS: Our Top 10 Picks

The market is full of cloud-based solutions, and the LMS space is no different. With so many options out there, choosing the right LMS can be difficult. Below, we’ve listed the top cloud-based LMS picks along with their best features.

1. Coursebox AI (Best Cloud-Based LMS Overall)

Coursebox AI is ideal for businesses, educational institutions, and training organizations looking to streamline course creation, delivery, and management using AI-driven tools. It’s especially suitable for teams that require a flexible, easy-to-use platform for building personalized learning experiences. There’s also a FREE plan for those on a budget!

Key Features:

• AI-powered content creation: Automatically generate and customize course material, saving time and effort in course development.
• Comprehensive learning management: Manage learners, track their progress, and offer personalized learning paths.
• Seamless integrations: Integrate with tools like Zoom, Slack, Google Calendar, and others to enhance the learning experience.
• Real-time analytics: Gain insights into learner engagement and performance to adjust content accordingly.

Pros:

• Accessible from anywhere, offering scalability and flexibility for organizations of any size.
• Provides in-depth insights into learner progress and course effectiveness.
• Customizes learning paths based on individual or team needs.

Cons:

• Some users may need time to fully grasp the AI-powered features and customization options.
• While the platform offers a free version, certain advanced features require a paid plan.

2. Docebo (Versatile Cloud-Based LMS)

Docebo is great for organizations of all sizes. It's especially useful for companies needing to deliver sales training or nonprofits offering webinars, making it one of the best LMS platforms for nonprofits.

If you're looking for a platform that offers modern learning tools like AI, gamification, and personalized learning, Docebo has you covered.

The AI features help guide learners through training, while the content creation tool allows for easy microlearning lessons. It also integrates well with popular authoring tools like Lectora and Elucidat.

Key Features:

• Gamification: Badges, points, rewards, and leaderboards keep learners engaged.
• AI management: Includes drag-and-drop functionality, automation, and personalized learning recommendations like Docebo Skills.
• Content marketplace: Offers a variety of courses and training materials for learners.
• Enrollment policies: Set automatic enrollment rules based on specific criteria.

Pros:

• AI-driven learning paths and recommendations make training more personal.
• Advanced reporting and analytics help track progress.
• Easy integration with third-party tools.
• A mobile app lets learners access content anywhere.
• SCORM compatibility for easy content management.

Cons:

• The platform can be complex, requiring extra training for admins and instructors.
• Pricing can be on the higher side.
• Editing courses can be a bit tricky once created.

3. Litmos (Best Cloud-Based LMS for Ready-Made Courses)

Litmos is perfect for any company looking to quickly set up a learning management system. It’s especially great for organizations needing a one-stop-shop solution to manage learning and development programs. With secure data storage and GDPR compliance, it’s suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features:

• Centralized management: Manage all learning and development programs in one place.
• Personalized content: Tailor content to individual learner needs.
• Instructor-led training: Virtual classrooms and live sessions to support instructor-led learning.

Pros:

• Quick and easy setup, as it's fully cloud-based.
• Built-in content marketplace with ready-made courses on leadership, management, and more.
• Personalizes learning content for each user.
• Instructor-led training for virtual classrooms.

Cons:

• Some customization options may be limited for advanced users.
• Could be costly for smaller organizations.

4. TalentLMS (Best Cloud-Based LMS for Enterprise Training)

TalentLMS is the best enterprise learning management system because it’s suitable for organizations of all types and simplifies employee training and onboarding. It's also great for companies needing a scalable solution for training and compliance programs.

TalentLMS is designed to be user-friendly, helping admins quickly create and deploy courses while offering strong gamification and progress-tracking features to boost learner engagement.

Key Features:

• Course building: Supports SCORM, xAPI, and many other formats for versatile content creation.
• User management: Easily add users through CSV/Excel or invitation links.
• Branching: Manage multiple sub-accounts with unique courses and branding.
• Reporting: Custom reports and scheduled exports to track training effectiveness.
• White labeling: Personalize your LMS with your own branding and domain name.

Pros:

• Easy to administer and deploy with quick course creation.
• Flexible course creation supporting various formats like SCORM and videos.
• Excellent customer support.
• Strong security features to protect data.
• Scalable solutions that grow with your business.
• Gamification options to keep learners engaged.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced educational features.
• Can be pricey for smaller organizations.
• Limited ability to modify specific learning paths.
• Reporting features could be more comprehensive.

5. LearnUpon (User-Friendly Cloud-Based LMS)

LearnUpon is perfect for companies that need a scalable, easy-to-use LMS solution, especially those looking for support in managing training programs. It’s a great LMS for small businesses with little experience in training management, as their customer experience team helps you through the process.

Key Features:

• Learning portals: Create tailored learning experiences for different audiences with multi-portals.
• White labeling and branding: Customize the platform with your own logos, images, and branding.
• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like reporting and user management.
• Personalized emails: Send automated messages with your company's details.

Pros:

• Simple to use with great navigation.
• Engaging, interactive gamification elements to keep learners motivated.
• Supports SCORM files for easy content sharing.
• Powerful integrations with CRMs and HRIS systems.
• Advanced reporting features with filters and export options.

Cons:

• Pricing is not very transparent.
• Limited options for creating custom courses.
• Cannot easily modify specific learning paths.

6. EducateMe (Best Cloud-Based LMS for Personalized Learning)

EducateMe is ideal for businesses that need a simple platform for employee training, partner onboarding, and team development. It’s great for companies of all sizes that want a platform with many customization options to make training feel more personal and keep students engaged.

Key Features:

• All-in-one platform: Manage employee training, partner onboarding, and customer education from one place.
• Custom learning paths: Create personalized training journeys for teams or individuals.
• Content variety: Use videos, SCORM files, live sessions, and more to keep training fresh.
• Automation tools: Automate notifications, workflows, and progress tracking.
• Built to scale: Grow with your business, no matter how large your team becomes.
• Extensive integrations: 1000+ integrations, including Zoom, Notion, Loom, Stripe, and Google Calendar.

Pros:

• 14-day free trial to explore the platform.
• Quick and responsive customer support.
• Customizable to fit your brand and needs.
• Flexible content management, supporting various formats and integrations.
• Zoom integration for live events and auto-recorded sessions.
• A mix of cohort-based and self-paced learning with powerful analytics.

Cons:

• No dedicated mobile app (but it’s mobile-friendly).
• Limited SCORM file support.

7. 360Learning (Best Cloud–Based LMS for Social Learning)

360Learning is perfect for companies that prioritize collaboration and social learning in their training programs. It’s a good fit for businesses looking to foster internal expertise and empower employees to become trainers.

If you're into blending online and offline training, this platform can work well, but it might not be the best for those needing a formal, top-down approach to learning.

Key Features:

• Mobile learning: Fully responsive mobile app to keep learning flexible and accessible.
• Integration options: Integrates with popular tools like Zoom, Google Drive, Salesforce, Slack, and more.
• Learner management: Supports easy user import, data sync with HCM/HRIS, and custom reports.
• Custom content creation: Use customizable templates, integrated videos, and AI-powered quizzes.
• Collaboration tools: Encourage social learning with forums, badges, leaderboards, and virtual classrooms.

Pros:

• Easy to create and manage courses.
• User-friendly mobile app for learners.
• 30-day free trial to try it out.
• Wide range of integrations (Zoom, Google Drive, Salesforce, Slack, and more).
• Great collaboration tools (virtual classrooms, forums, leaderboards, etc.).

Cons:

• High pricing and hidden costs.
• Lack of comprehensive course management tools.
• Limited reporting capabilities.
• Some drawbacks in user experience and engagement.

8. SkyPrep (Best Cloud-Based LMS for Selling Courses)

SkyPrep is great for businesses looking to earn a passive income from selling online courses while benefiting from SCORM support. It's ideal for those who want to manage personalized learning paths and leverage multi-tenant management for different learner segments.

SkyPrep is ideal for organizations looking for a user-friendly platform to create and sell online courses with SCORM compliance and gamification elements.

Key Features:

• Course management: Create learning paths, tests, and surveys with automated grading.
• Gamification: Use points, badges, leaderboards, and reward tiers to engage learners.
• Multi-tenant management: Create sub-platforms for different learner segments.
• Virtual classroom: Host remote training with integrations like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex.
• Course selling: Use the e-commerce tool to monetize your content and add a revenue stream.

Pros:

• 14-day free trial to explore the platform.
• SCORM compliance for standardized content.
• AI-powered chatbots to enhance user experience.
• Easy-to-use mobile app for on-the-go learning.
• Multi-tenant management for creating sub-platforms.
• Dedicated account manager for personalized support.

Cons:

• Limited course creation options compared to some platforms.
• Complicated process for building custom certificates.
• Non-transparent pricing policies.
• Lack of customization options for the platform.
• Limited reviewing and grading capabilities for assessments.

9. MoodleCloud (Budget-Friendly Cloud-Based LMS)

One of the myths about LMS platforms is that they’re hard to use, but MoodleCloud is proof that they’re actually not. This platform is best for educators or institutions seeking a low-cost, customizable, and easy-to-use LMS solution.

It’s particularly suitable for those familiar with Moodle or wanting a cloud-hosted version without the technical hassle of setup and maintenance.

Key Features:

• Course management: Supports various content formats, including text, multimedia, and interactive activities.
• Content storage integration: Easily integrate with Google Drive or Dropbox to store more files.
• User management: Manage student enrollment, assign roles, and track learner progress and performance.
• E-commerce integration: Supports multiple payment gateways, bulk discounts, and purchase orders (for Premium users).
• Security: Regular updates and patches to ensure platform security.

Pros:

• Extensive customization options, allowing personalized learning experiences.
• Low-cost pricing plans with low maintenance requirements.
• Integration with popular third-party tools like Google Drive and Dropbox.
• Frequent updates bring new features and improvements.
• Built-in web conferencing with BigBlueButton for live sessions.
• Enhanced security and data protection for peace of mind.
• 28-day free trial to test the platform.

Cons:

• Basic capabilities for users on Standard plans.
• Additional payment ($160/year) required for a custom domain.
• Very basic reporting tools, lacking detailed analytics.
• Limited to up to 1000 users on the Standard plan.
• Limited storage (only 5GB) on the free and lower-tier plans.
• Custom plug-ins unavailable on Standard plans.

10. Canvas (Best Cloud-Based LMS for Schools and Universities)

Canvas is ideal for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and companies looking to power corporate eLearning. It’s designed to be adaptable for various industries, with strong support for learning analytics and progress tracking, making it suitable for both academic and corporate environments.

Key Features:

• Live communication: Live audio and video chat to enhance interaction between instructors and learners.
• Large file support: Upload and share content of any size without restrictions.
• Third-party integrations: Seamlessly integrates with tools like Nearpod and Google Assignments for a richer learning experience.

Pros:

• Flexible and customizable for different learning needs.
• Strong integration capabilities with third-party tools like Nearpod and Google Assignments.
• Provides a solid range of learning management and reporting features.
• Live audio and video chat for interactive sessions.
• Supports unlimited file sizes for easy content sharing.

Cons:

• Primarily geared toward K-12 and higher education, which might not meet the needs of every corporate environment.
• Some features may require additional setup or third-party integrations.

Choosing the Best Cloud-Based LMS: Our Conclusion

Choosing a cloud-based LMS over hosting and maintaining one yourself comes with several benefits. With a cloud-based solution, the vendor handles hosting and maintenance, allowing you to focus on creating the best training experiences for your team. However, you must choose the right one by comparing LMS prices, features, and functionalities.

One great option is Coursebox AI, a cloud-based LMS designed to enhance your organization’s learning culture and training efforts. Want to learn more? Book a demo today!