17 Best Learning & Development (L&D) Tools in 2024
- March 25, 2022
For organizations investing in learning and development (L&D) employee programs, providing their workforce with a development roadmap provides individuals with the support to learn and grow.
Employee learning and development is an essential component of corporate talent management. L&D is a designated set of processes aimed at strengthening team members’ abilities and knowledge throughout their employee life cycle to keep them performing at high levels and feeling well-equipped to do their jobs.
In the digital age, HR teams rely on digital apps to help facilitate employee growth and management L&D challenges. There are various employee learning and development software tools that tackle learning, training, and development challenges from various perspectives.
In this article, we’ll look at different types of L&D apps and tools for organizations to leverage. We’ll also look at 17 of the best L&D software tools available on the market today to drive employee learning and skill development.
What are the best employee L&D apps in 2024?
- Whatfix
- iSpring Suite
- TalentLMS
- Docebo
- Valamis
- ProProfs
- Adobe Captivate
- Articulate Storyline 360
- Udemy Business
- LinkedIn Learning
- OttoLearn
- Lessonly
- LearnUpon
- Trainual
- Loom
- Camtasia
- GoToWebinar
8 Types of Learning & Development Tools
There are many tools in the employee learning and development market today that HR leaders should consider when facilitating a learning and development strategy. These include:
1. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Corporate learning management systems are eLearning platforms designed to help businesses create, organize, track, and measure their employee training and development programs. LMS implementation in corporate organizations helps facilitate compliance training, onboarding, and any other employee-based training program.
These platforms act as a dashboard for hosting learning courses and training material, as well as track and store employee performance records for evaluation purposes.
2. Learning Experience Platforms (LXP)
Learning experience platforms are similar to LMS in that they provide a centralized platform for learning, but they use AI to deliver a more personalized experience to learners. LXPs are open to integration with more third-party technologies and are better equipped to demonstrate analytics to the companies using them. This provides a training evaluation solution for L&D teams to measure the success of learners and ROI for the companies using them.
3. Course Authoring Platforms
Course authoring platforms are designed to help corporate instructors develop course content prior to distribution on a learning platform or system. This content can come in the form of audio or video recordings as well as software simulations or even in-lesson quizzes.
4. Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs)
Another helpful learning and development tool is a digital adoption platform (DAP). DAPs integrate with existing applications to provide in-app guidance to learners and employees. DAPs use helpful add-ons such as step-by-step instructions, interactive walkthroughs, task lists, and in-app self-help menus to provide contextual guidance, in the moment of need.
DAPs originally solved the problem of facilitating the onboarding process of new employees, as well as onboarding new software applications through new software training. However, in the digital age, DAPs have evolved into essential technology to provide ongoing training and on-demand employee performance support.
5. Microlearning Platforms
Microlearning is all about breaking lessons down into easy-to-digest tidbits. This teaching method is designed to increase knowledge retention and drive home the most important aspects of the information.
Microlearning platforms enable microlearning for your employees by providing them with short and focused training content. L&D teams can create effective and engaging learning modules in a short time frame for their employees to improve employee performance and focus.
6. Online Course Providers
Online course providers are online platforms that create and house training videos and educational content that can be accessed by companies looking to train their own employees, or by individuals seeking personal development. Many organizations have subscriptions to learning websites such as LinkedIn Learning or Udemy for employees to have access to thousands of different types of learning material.
These courses are not necessarily as customized as other types of L&D tools, but they are also effective and affordable options, especially for companies that have smaller L&D budgets that might not allow for robust, bespoke training programs.
7. Knowledge Sharing Tools
The learning and development process never stops for employees, even when a training course is completed. Knowledge sharing tools allow for the storage and distribution of important knowledge resources such as employee manuals or training overviews. This provides support for employees to have continued, easy access to learning materials, in the flow of work.
These asynchronous learning tools include various types of digital apps, such as knowledge base software, internal messaging apps such as Slack and MS Teams, recording tools like Loom, and so forth.
8. Video Training Software
Video training software helps training managers to create, publish, and share training videos – as well as analytic tracking features to measure the rate of training and learning progression.
Video training software is an easy-to-use tool that empowers L&D teams or course makers to unleash their creativity and create instructional training videos efficiently.
17 Best Learning & Development (L&D) Tools in 2024
Here are the best L&D software platforms available for organizations to implement and improve their employee learning and development strategy:
1. Whatfix
- Type: Digital adoption platform
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- Price: Contact the vendor for a custom quote
Whatfix is a digital adoption platform (DAP) utilized by Fortune 500 companies all over the world. This platform lies on top of existing software to provide interactive in-app guidance in the form of helpful nudges and interactive walkthroughs to facilitate employee onboarding, drive change management and digital transformation, provide on-demand performance support, and improve knowledge sharing.
Whatfix lies on top of digital applications and processes used daily by employees, allowing them to learn in the flow of work, and receive support in the moment of need.
Additionally, Whatfix is a no-code platform, meaning L&D teams are empowered to create in-app experiences without the need for engineering support. It also provides advanced employee analytics on software engagement, training effectiveness, and onboarding completion.
Software clicks better with Whatfix's digital adoption platform
Enable your employees with in-app guidance, self-help support, process changes alerts, pop-ups for department announcements, and field validations to improve data accuracy.
2. iSpring Suite
- Type: Course authoring platform
- G2 Rating: 4.7/
- Price: Price starts at $770 per user per year
iSpring Suite is a course-authoring platform designed for e-learning through multiple devices. It offers instructors tools to create content like training videos, interactive assessments, quizzes, and screencasts compatible with any learning management system. Users can easily convert existing powerpoints into online courses in minutes.
The Max version of iSpring Suite also includes a content library with over 89,000 resources for course building and an online team working space.
iSpring course content can be displayed across just about any platform, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones running on Windows, iOS, and Android. The platform ranked among the top authoring tools overall and in terms of user experience, customer support, and sales and service.
3. TalentLMS
- Type: Learning management system
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- Price: The Starter plan starts at $59/month billed annually
TalentLMS is a robust learning management system designed to grow smart, successful organizations through effective training. Over 70,000 teams have used this platform to train their teams,
Its intuitive platform allows instructors to quickly create new courses, customized to the specific needs of any team. Its course management tools are content-friendly and support leading eLearning content standards like SCORM and CMI5. It also includes over 400 ready-made courses for training in soft skills, through its trademarked MeetTalentLibrary.
TalentLMS courses are adaptable and can be optimized for blended learning with gamification and communication tools, video call support, custom certificates, and e-commerce features. It integrates with hundreds of apps and software for customizable video conferencing, eCommerce, calendar, and SSO features in addition to other web apps through Zapier.
4. Docebo
- Type: Learning management system
- G2 Rating: 4.4
- Price: Contact the vendor for pricing
Docebo’s Learning Suite is an AI-based learning management system that lets users create their own learning content with the help of AI or make use of their library of existing courses and deliver them to learners. Its platform promotes social learning to increase productivity and highlight the knowledge of business subject matter experts.
Docebo is designed to be a one-stop-shop with course authoring, delivery, and management tools, working best with larger enterprises with extensive learning and development efforts. This software has over 400 integrations including google drive, zoom, slack, and salesforce.
5. Valamis
- Type: Learning experience platform
- G2 Rating: N/A (Valamis LXP has 4.5/5)
- Price: Contact the vendor for pricing
Valamis is a comprehensive learning solution with its own learning experience platform (LXP), learning management system (LMS), and learning record store (LRS) that has proven to boost engagement and shared content. They offer scalable packages that can be useful for many kinds of businesses including large enterprises and the public sector.
Its solution comes with standard data analytics and reporting to ensure that users are getting the absolute most out of training initiatives and fill in any skill gaps. Its exports work together with L&D teams to build a custom solution. Valamis LXP is very security-minded as well, being fully GDPR compliant and was built in accordance with many important security guidelines and accessibility standards to protect customer data.
6. ProProfs
- Type: Learning management system
- G2 Rating: 4.4/5
- Price: ProProfs also offers a free trial.
ProProfs is a leading online training and assessment platform made up of a number of products including ProProfs Quiz, Survey, Knowledge Base, Project Management, and Learning Management System. Its LMS is cloud-based and includes course creation and feedback tools, learning aids, and flashcard features. Users can organize their learners into smaller units and assign administrative roles to train multiple teams simultaneously.
The versatility of ProProfs’ solutions makes it a great fit for businesses in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, nonprofit, and hospitality, particularly hospitality businesses undergoing digital transformation. ProProfs training management system integrates with popular services like MailChimp, SugarCRM, WordPress, and Salesforce. This system ranked among Softwareworld’s top 11 online training software for 2020 and has won several awards for its effective products and great user experience.
7. Adobe Captivate
- Type: Course authoring platform
- G2 Rating: 3.8/5
- Price: Subscriptions start at $33.99 per month with an annual commitment.
Adobe’s course authoring software, Adobe Captivate, is designed to help instructors of all levels to create premium eLearning content with ease. This solution includes Quick Start Project templates, PowerPoint conversion tools, VR walkthroughs, and application simulations.
Adobe Captivate’s intuitive features make it a fantastic value for the price. And while they don’t offer a great deal of training, Adobe’s instructional videos, knowledge base, and help desk make for easy adoption. Used by over 80% of fortune 500 companies, this solution is versatile enough to fit the needs of businesses of all sizes.
8. Articulate Storyline 360
- Type: Course authoring platform
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- Price: Articulate 360’s Teams plan costs $1,299 per user annually and includes several of its course authoring apps
Articulate Storyline 360 course authoring platform helps instructors deliver courses optimized for display on every device. Storyline 360 includes screencasting and software simulation tools to build better courses and learner assessment tools to increase ROI on every course.
Articulate 360 also offers a number of other creator tools for screencast recording and PowerPoint conversion, as well as a content library and helpful training videos. Consistently ranked among the best eLearning apps and trusted by large companies like Target, GE, and Google, Articulate’s products are solid options for businesses looking to create high-quality L&D content.
9. Udemy Business
- Type: Online course provider
- G2 Rating: 4.5/5
- Price: Team plan costs $360 per user per year. Contact the vendor for Enterprise pricing
Udemy Business is an online course provider focused on curating thousands of pre-made courses to help businesses upskill their team members. Its enterprise plan also features tools for proprietary course creation. Its Customer Success team works with businesses to develop long-term plans to support workforces and invest in L&D.
Udemy Business is also incorporating a solution for leadership programs called CorpU, which focuses on training executives to become industry leaders. Its content covers globally in-demand topics in many languages and serves businesses in wide-ranging industries including information technology, marketing, design, and project management.
10. LinkedIn Learning
- Type: Online course provider
- G2 Rating: 4.4/5
- Price: Contact the vendor for pricing information
Linkedin’s proprietary online learning program offers over 16,000 courses delivered by real-world experts in seven languages. LinkedIn Learning uses skills data from its professional social media network to determine the courses they create. Popular subject areas include marketing, coding, animation, and design, and learners can display their development success by adding completion certificates to their LinkedIn profiles.
Its L&D solution also features data analytics to help businesses curate its L&D strategies to provide the right training for each employee and is deployable via cloud, SaaS, and web and mobile apps. LinkedIn Learning is trusted by companies like Allianz, Kelloggs, and MGM resorts.
11. OttoLearn
- Type: Microlearning platform
- G2 Rating: N/A (Only one 0 star rating)
- Price: Microlearning plans start at $250 per month billed annually.
OttoLearn is a microlearning platform that uses gamification and is designed to boost learning and development efforts through learner engagement and rapid distribution. They offer a rapid authoring tool to create content using scaffolded learning and gamification.
OttoLearn’s content is structured with spaced repetition to expose learners in short bursts over time to help them absorb content more thoroughly over time. Its learner dashboard features leaderboards, contests, and rewards to help encourage learners to keep up with their training. Its solution also includes analytic tools to help businesses target knowledge gaps instructors can improve course content and prompt learners with Mini Moments to encourage recall.
12. Lessonly
- Type: Learning management system
- G2 Rating: 4.7/5
- Price: Contact the vendor for a quote
Lessonly is a learning management system by Seismic, a large-scale sales enablement solution. This solution boasts that its training solution delivers results 62% more quickly, with a 124% ROI. Lessonly offers content creation tools with drag-and-drop templates and custom quizzes. Its enablement software focuses on unique practice tools to help employees excel quickly and confidently.
This solution has an open API and allows businesses to assign custom roles and permissions for L&D team members. Lessonly Services help instructors create lessons, convert existing content, and analyze results. This LMS is trusted by companies like McAfee, Jostens, Scholastic, and MeUndies.
13. LearnUpon
- Type: Learning management system
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- Price: Essential tier costs $1249 per month for 150 active users
LearnUpon is a learning management system trusted by innovative companies such as Zendesk, Logitech, and Booking.com. This solution allows instructors to build and deliver courses to train team members in a wide variety of industries. LearnUpon’s philosophy is people-focused and customer-driven so users can expect engaging experiences and effective support.
This learning system’s course creation tools include many formats including webinar, SCORM, and instructor-led, and its modular structure allows instructors to designate optimal learning paths for team members. LearnUpon has over 11 million users, and its scalable nature makes it a great choice for enterprise-level training programs.
14. Trainual
- Type: Knowledge sharing tool
- G2 Rating: 4.7/5
- Price: Trainual’s Build plan starts at $49 per month for 5 users billed annually, they offer a 7-day free trial
Trainual is a knowledge sharing and training solution focused on onboarding in growing businesses. This platform’s centralized dashboard serves as a hub for training content, team member information, roles and policies, and even operational processes. L&D teams can add media, proprietary step-by-step training, and customizable quizzes and tests.
Its L&M solution integrates with popular apps and software such as Loom, Quickbooks, Slack, and Asana. Trainual typically serves businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
15. Loom
- Type: Knowledge sharing tool
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- Price: Loom’s business plan starts at $8 per user per month billed annually.
Loom is a screen and video capture software designed for asynchronous learning and development. This simple tool allows instructors to record training videos from Mac, Windows, or mobile to build and share visually appealing training content.
Loom’s features allow for instant editing, custom branding, and engagement insights to increase effectiveness and ROI. This tool has been used by over 14 million people at 200,000 companies including Hubspot, Atlassian, and Netflix.
16. Camtasia
- Type: Knowledge sharing tool
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- Price: A lifetime user license comes in at $224.99, including the first year of maintenance.
Camtasia is a video and screen capturing software that helps instructors create course content like tutorials, training videos, and software demonstrations. This software includes plenty of templates and themes to build out clean and effective training content and allows for instant exportation to online video platforms or learning management systems.
Its tool is easy to use and is trusted by many large companies such as Apple, 3M, and Salesforce. Camtasia is a TechSmith product, so it pairs well with its other training and communication tools like Snagit, Knowmia, and Audiate.
17. GoToWebinar
- Type: Knowledge sharing tool
- G2 Rating: 4.2/5
- Price: Lite package starts at $49 per organizer per month billed annually. This package includes 250 participants
GoToWebinar is a webinar-based teaching solution used by many companies for Learning and Development. This technology is simple to use, so businesses can spend more time getting results. GoToWebinar offers event promotion tools and allows instructors to teach via live webcasts and pre-recorded events. Its in-webinar engagement dashboard also allows instructors to respond and increase engagement at the moment.
GoToWebinar also features many customization tools for its webinars and registration tools, allowing businesses to incorporate their own branding. Webinars are automatically optimized for any device. They have a GoTo Training platform that facilitates training initiatives to increase productivity through webinar teaching. Its GoToStage is an online webinar library where team members can go to watch prerecorded courses on popular business topics.
GoTo Webinar has been used by over fifty thousand businesses like Equifax, Aetna, and St. John’s University.
Whatfix empowers employees to learn in the flow of work with in-app guidance such as interactive walkthroughs, step-by-step tutorials, tasklists, smart tips, and more. With
Whatfix, you also bring your documentation, knowledge base, intranet, and external links all into your employee’s applications – allowing them to find the right support and training material, without leaving the application they’re using.
Analyze your digital workflows to identify areas of friction. Optimize processes by enabling end-users with access to in-app Smart Tips, Flows, Field Validations, and more.
Software clicks better with Whatfix's digital adoption platform
Enable your employees with in-app guidance, self-help support, process changes alerts, pop-ups for department announcements, and field validations to improve data accuracy.
Request a demo to see how Whatfix empowers organizations to improve end-user adoption and provide on-demand customer support
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