LearnDash vs LifterLMS: which should you choose?
Quick answer: LearnDash is built for wordpress site owners, while LifterLMS suits wordpress memberships + courses. For most users LearnDash is the stronger default, but LifterLMS can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. LifterLMS has the lower entry price.
If you're weighing LearnDash against LifterLMS, the right answer depends on your priorities. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| LearnDash | LifterLMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | WordPress LMS plugin | WordPress LMS plugin |
| What it's known for | Leading WordPress LMS plugin for building courses, quizzes and drip content on your own self-hosted site with full data ownership. | Flexible WordPress LMS for courses and memberships with strong e-commerce, engagement and membership features built in. |
| Pricing | From ~$199/year (single site) up to ~$799/year for higher tiers; also available as LearnDash Cloud hosted plans. | Free core plugin; paid add-on bundles and Universe/Infinity plans from a few hundred dollars/year. |
| Best audience | WordPress site owners who want a self-hosted, fully owned custom course platform. | WordPress owners building a self-hosted membership + course site who want to start free and add modules. |
| Best for | WordPress site owners, Full data ownership, Custom course sites | WordPress memberships + courses, Free start with add-ons, Self-hosted control |
| Entry price | $199/year | Free |
| Biggest strength | Full control and data ownership on your own WordPress site. | Free, functional core plugin to start. |
| Main caveat | Requires you to run and maintain WordPress (hosting, updates, security). | Real functionality requires paid bundles or a-la-carte add-ons. |
Features compared
Where they really diverge is in the day-to-day feature set:
LearnDash key features
- WordPress LMS plugin with full data ownership
- Drag-and-drop course builder
- 8+ quiz question types and drip-feed content
- Automated certificates and progress tracking
LifterLMS key features
- WordPress LMS for courses and memberships
- Free core plugin in the WordPress repository
- Quizzes, assignments and certificates (higher bundles)
- Membership and access-plan tools
Pricing tiers side by side
LearnDash plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Plugin 1-site | $199/year | Self-hosted |
| Plugin 10-site | $399/year | |
| Plugin Unlimited | $799/year | |
| LearnDash Cloud | $29-$99/mo | Hosted, includes WordPress |
LifterLMS plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Core plugin | Free | Basic course creation |
| Earth Bundle | $149.50/year | 1 site, payment gateways |
| Universe Bundle | $249.50/year | 5 sites, CRM/email add-ons |
| Infinity Bundle | $749.50/year | Unlimited sites, all add-ons |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where LearnDash wins
The leading WordPress LMS for owners who want full control of their course site and data, with no per-sale cuts.
- Full control and data ownership on your own WordPress site.
- 0% transaction fees.
That makes it the stronger pick for wordPress site owners who want a self-hosted, fully owned custom course platform.
Where LifterLMS wins
A free-to-start WordPress LMS built for selling memberships and courses together, scaling via add-on bundles.
- Free, functional core plugin to start.
- Strong combined courses + memberships e-commerce.
That makes it the stronger pick for wordPress owners building a self-hosted membership + course site who want to start free and add modules.
Verdict: choose by fit
There is no single winner; it depends on where you sit.
- Choose LearnDash if you fit its core audience — wordPress site owners who want a self-hosted, fully owned custom course platform.
- Choose LifterLMS if you fit its core audience — wordPress owners building a self-hosted membership + course site who want to start free and add modules.
FAQ
Is LearnDash better than LifterLMS?
LearnDash is the stronger default for most users, but LifterLMS can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between LearnDash and LifterLMS?
LearnDash is the leading WordPress LMS for owners who want full control of their course site and data, with no per-sale cuts. LifterLMS is a free-to-start WordPress LMS built for selling memberships and courses together, scaling via add-on bundles.
Which is cheaper, LearnDash or LifterLMS?
Entry pricing differs: LearnDash starts at $199/year, while LifterLMS offers a free tier. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for LearnDash and LifterLMS: