Learndash vs Tutor LMS

Learndash and Tutor LMS are the two top contenders for WordPress LMS solutions. Learndash provides fantastic peace of mind with managed hosting options. Tutor LMS focuses on robust marketplace features and unbeatable lifetime value. Both tools let you keep 100% of your course revenue earned.

Learndash
Learndash

Flexible LMS Powering WordPress Education

Ciroapp review
4.6
#2 in Learning Management System for WordPress

We found LearnDash provides exceptional flexibility and revenue control specifically for the WordPress ecosystem. Its robust support structure handles common technical hurdles easily, making it a reliable choice for educators and small businesses. Overall, we recommend LearnDash as the premier choice when building a professional course site on WordPress.

Pros

  • Outstanding and highly praised customer support team.
  • Users retain 100% of all course sales revenue.
  • Affordable and flexible investment for small companies.
  • Drag-and-drop builder simplifies course creation.

Cons

  • Advanced data analysis and specific unenrollment controls may require customization.
  • Self-hosted plugin requires management of the WordPress environment.
  • High one-time plugin cost compared to entry-level hosted subscriptions.
Pricing
$39/mo
Free trial
Money-back30 days
Best for
Solo entrepreneurs who want simplified, 'hands-off' infrastructure management., Users who prioritize guaranteed, high-quality, proven customer support., Small businesses starting out that need native AI tools without external API configurations.
Tutor LMS
Tutor LMS

Feature-rich LMS with lifetime value.

Ciroapp review
4.8
#1 in Learning Management System for WordPress

We analyzed Tutor LMS and found it provides comprehensive tools for building scalable learning platforms, supporting everything from solo educators to multi-instructor marketplaces. Overall, its flexible pricing and deep feature set make it a top contender in the WordPress LMS niche for maximizing revenue.

Pros

  • Offers diverse annual and cost-saving Lifetime pricing options.
  • No percentage cut taken from course sales or revenue.
  • Supports creation of profitable multi-instructor marketplaces.
  • Includes comprehensive built-in analytics and reporting.

Cons

  • AI Studio feature requires a separate, paid OpenAI API key.
  • Updates and priority support depend on annual renewals.
  • Top-tier Lifetime plan caps usage at 50 sites.
Pricing
$199/mo
Free trial
Money-back30 days
Best for
Entrepreneurs building a professional multi-instructor marketplace with required revenue sharing., Agencies or high-volume users seeking the cost stability of a Lifetime license purchase., Academies that need structured content reuse via the centralized Content Bank feature.
Quick verdict
Choose Learndash if you need a fully managed, hosted LMS solution (StellarSites) without worrying about server maintenance or security updates.
Choose Tutor LMS if you are building a professional multi-instructor marketplace and need robust, built-in financial features like revenue sharing and content reuse.

AboutLearndash

LearnDash is recognized as the leading Learning Management System (LMS) designed specifically for WordPress. This tool provides an essential out-of-the-box solution for building engaging, high-impact online courses. You get total control over your course structure and brand identity, ensuring your learning experience is uniquely yours 💡.

For those who prefer a fully managed experience, LearnDash offers StellarSites Learning. This solution removes common challenges like installation, maintenance, and domain setup. StellarSites handles hosting and integrated security, letting you focus entirely on your learners while your business scales seamlessly.

AboutTutor LMS

Tutor LMS is a comprehensive platform designed to elevate your online education efforts. It serves creators, educators, and organizations looking to build robust learning environments. You can easily create unlimited courses using the intuitive, advanced course builder. This tool helps you organize all your learning materials efficiently using lessons, topics, and engaging quizzes. It's also fully equipped to launch your own profitable, multi-instructor marketplace. 💡

Highlights

Quick winners by category at a glance.
Ease of Use
Both Learndash and Tutor LMS utilize intuitive drag-and-drop course builders. They both streamline the initial content structure and setup processes.
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Feature Set
Tutor LMS includes robust features like the Content Bank and full multi-instructor marketplace support. Learndash focuses more heavily on managed hosting availability.
Value for Money
Tutor LMS offers the long-term cost benefits of a Lifetime license purchase. Learndash users must continue paying annual renewal fees indefinitely.
Customer Support
Learndash receives highly specific, consistent praise from users regarding the competence and speed of their support team. This is a noticeable advantage.
Integration Options
Both platforms integrate seamlessly into the wider WordPress ecosystem. They both support essential tools like Stripe, PayPal, Zoom, and WooCommerce.
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Scalability
Learndash and Tutor LMS support unlimited courses and unlimited users. Both are positioned well to scale from solo operation to large academy.
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Feature Comparison

Compare key features side by side
Core Offering Type
Learndash:Plugin + Managed Hosting Option (StellarSites)
Tutor LMS:WordPress Plugin (Annual and Lifetime)
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Unlimited Courses & Users
Learndash:
Tutor LMS:
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Drag & Drop Course Builder
Learndash:
Tutor LMS:
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Multi-Instructor Marketplace
Learndash:Team Collaboration Tools only
Tutor LMS:True (Built-in revenue sharing)
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Content Reusability Library
Learndash:Not explicitly mentioned
Tutor LMS:True (Unified Content Bank)
Tutor LMS
Built-in AI Content Tools
Learndash:True (AI Outline/Quiz Builder Included)
Tutor LMS:AI Studio (Requires separate Open AI API key)
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Long-Term Pricing Option
Learndash:Annual Subscription Only
Tutor LMS:True (Lifetime Deal Available)
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Hosted Solution Available
Learndash:
Tutor LMS:
Learndash
Revenue Cut Taken by Platform
Learndash:0%
Tutor LMS:0%
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Advanced Business Analytics
Learndash:Detailed Learner Progress/Quiz Reports
Tutor LMS:Comprehensive Sales, Refunds, and Trend Tracking
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Advanced Quiz Features
Learndash:Question banks, Timers, Grading
Tutor LMS:Randomized Questions, Multimedia Support
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Flexible Monetization
Learndash:Subscriptions, Memberships, Bundles
Tutor LMS:Subscriptions, Withdrawal Options, Bundles
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Money-Back Guarantee
Learndash:30 Days
Tutor LMS:30 Days
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Feature Comparison Summary
1
Learndash
11
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1
Tutor LMS

Features Overview

We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.

Pricing & Lifetime Value

Tutor LMS offers Lifetime plans for permanent access; Learndash only provides annual renewals or monthly subscriptions.

Tutor LMS

Learndash requires an annual fee commitment for its core plugin license tiers. StellarSites, the hosted version, is billed monthly or annually. This means continuous yearly budget planning is necessary to maintain access. Tutor LMS provides flexible Annual plans but also highly valued Lifetime license deals. A single, one-time payment secures perpetual features, updates, and support forever. Tutor LMS delivers superior long-term financial value via the Lifetime plans. Learndash users must face continuous, recurring yearly renewal costs for similar functionality.

Marketplace Support

Tutor LMS has professional, built-in revenue sharing; Learndash is better suited for a single course owner or internal teams.

Tutor LMS

Learndash includes useful team collaboration tools for content management and assignment handling. It does not natively support or automate instructor revenue sharing easily. Tutor LMS is fully equipped to launch a profitable, multi-instructor marketplace instantly. It facilitates seamless revenue sharing and offers convenient withdrawal options for instructors. If running a platform with external trainers, Tutor LMS handles the complex financial splits automatically. This feature is fundamental to the Tutor LMS design. Learndash requires additional third-party plugins or custom solutions to manage instructor payments effectively.

Hosting & Management

Learndash offers optional fully managed hosting via StellarSites; Tutor LMS is strictly a self-managed plugin solution.

Learndash

Learndash's StellarSites Learning provides dedicated hosting, domains, and security management. Users gain peace of mind and can focus entirely on creating great content. Tutor LMS is solely a plugin, requiring users to source and manage their own hosting configuration. You are responsible for security, updates, and server maintenance. Learndash drastically simplifies the technical operations using StellarSites. This removes the major admin burden associated with maintaining a complex WordPress site. If you are not a technical person, the all-inclusive Learndash StellarSites option will save you considerable time and frustration.

Content Reusability

Tutor LMS uses a Content Bank for efficiency; Learndash users must usually copy content manually between courses.

Tutor LMS

Learndash allows efficient course creation but lacks an explicit centralized repository system. Content reuse often involves duplicating and adjusting existing lessons. Tutor LMS features the Unified Content Bank to maximize efficiency and consistency. You can easily reuse lessons, quizzes, and assignments across multiple curricula. For large academies or sites managing dozens of courses, Tutor LMS's Content Bank is a substantial time-saving feature. It ensures rapid curriculum standardization effortlessly.

Analytics & Reporting

Tutor LMS focuses on business metrics like sales trends; Learndash provides detailed reports on simple learner progress.

Tutor LMS

Learndash offers detailed reporting focused on learner progress, quiz results, and assignment grading. This is excellent for monitoring pedagogical effectiveness. Tutor LMS includes comprehensive built-in analytics for sales trends and refund rates clearly. It also tracks student progression and course performance metrics. Tutor LMS provides better business intelligence focused on profitability metrics instantly, right within the dashboard. This helps instructors quickly optimize monetization strategies.

AI Tools Integration

Learndash includes native AI tools instantly; Tutor LMS's AI features require a separate, paid API key purchase.

Learndash

Learndash includes a helpful AI course outline and quiz builder natively. This streamlines content planning right within your license and ecosystem. Tutor LMS offers the AI Studio feature for content generation and assistance. However, users must purchase and supply their own OpenAI API key to make it work. Learndash makes AI-assisted content creation simpler and more accessible. Tutor LMS introduces secondary costs and configuration complexity for AI utilization.

Customer Support

Learndash is famous for its exceptional, personalized support; Tutor LMS offers priority support included in Pro plans.

Learndash

Learndash is widely praised in user reviews for its patient, highly competent support staff. Specific staff members are often commended for complex technical problem-solving. Tutor LMS includes priority support across all Pro plans, but the data does not specify response times. Users appreciate the available service. For complex technical environments or critical site issues, Learndash provides greater reassurance. Their support quality is consistently highlighted as a major benefit. Users report Learndash support efficiently handles issues like WordPress plugin conflicts and site migrations successfully.

Our Verdict

Objective guidance based on features, pricing, and user fit.

Choosing between Learndash and Tutor LMS depends heavily on your specific business goals. Both are top-tier WordPress LMS plugins, but they offer distinct paths to success. Learndash is the clear winner if you value peace of mind and simplified operations. The StellarSites managed hosting option handles security, domains, and backups for you. Furthermore, Learndash support is frequently cited as best-in-class, offering rapid, competent help for complex site issues. Tutor LMS dominates the profitability and efficiency category for large-scale operations. Its built-in revenue sharing tools are essential for running a professional multi-instructor marketplace. Tutor LMS also guarantees exceptional long-term value by offering a permanent Lifetime license option for its Pro features. The deciding factor is management style versus monetization ambition. Pick Tutor LMS if you plan to launch a large marketplace or want guaranteed use forever. Choose Learndash if you prefer a 'turnkey' hosted solution with award-winning technical support always available for your team. Ultimately, Tutor LMS is better for agencies and high-volume operations seeking cost control. Learndash is the superior choice for solo creators who want white-glove technical management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for building a multi-instructor site: Learndash or Tutor LMS?

Tutor LMS is explicitly designed for building profitable multi-instructor marketplaces. It includes seamless, built-in financial features like automated revenue sharing. Learndash focuses more on single-creator or internal team collaboration tools instead.

Does Learndash offer a lifetime license option like Tutor LMS?

No, Learndash operates on annual plugin renewals or monthly/annual hosted subscriptions (StellarSites). Tutor LMS is the only one providing a one-time Lifetime purchase option. This Lifetime plan guarantees permanent access and updates.

Which tool offers a solution for content reuse and efficiency?

Tutor LMS is the clear winner here due to its Unified Content Bank feature. This central library lets you easily drag and drop existing quizzes and lessons. Learndash does not offer an equivalent structured content reusability feature.

Is managed hosting available with Tutor LMS, or is it only Learndash?

Only Learndash offers a managed hosting solution called StellarSites Learning. This handles security, domains, and daily backups for you. Tutor LMS is strictly a self-hosted plugin, requiring you to manage all server aspects yourself.

How do Learndash and Tutor LMS approach their built-in AI tools?

Learndash includes its AI course outline and quiz builder natively within the license. Tutor LMS requires users to purchase and supply a separate OpenAI API key to activate their AI Studio features. Learndash provides a simpler setup.

How do Learndash and Tutor LMS handle my course sales revenue?

Both Learndash and Tutor LMS follow a strict zero-revenue cut policy. This means you keep 100% of every sale you make. Both integrate easily with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.

Ready to Choose?

Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.