Effective employee training is critical to success. For small businesses, the challenge is finding a Learning Management System (LMS) that is both affordable and capable of driving meaningful outcomes.
As the LMS market surged from $8.76 billion in 2019 to $16.19 billion in 2022, options have grown more diverse, offering tailored solutions for organizations of all sizes.
Here, we explore the best LMS platforms for small businesses.
Got questions on your mind?
Book a demo with our team today!
The Case for LMS in Small Businesses
Small businesses make up 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. Despite their importance, many lack structured training programs due to budget and resource constraints.
However, studies show that training an existing employee is far more cost-effective than hiring a new one. LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that 80% of small-business leaders prioritize learning opportunities to drive employee retention.
Here’s why investing in an LMS makes sense:
- Improved Productivity: Efficient training reduces time wasted on manual processes.
- Employee Engagement: Structured learning pathways increase job satisfaction.
- Scalability: Training systems grow as your team expands.
- Competitive Edge: Skilled employees adapt faster to market changes.
Selecting the Right Learning Management System for Small Business
When evaluating an LMS, consider the following:
- Affordability: Solutions must fit small business budgets without compromising quality.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces reduce onboarding time for both administrators and learners.
- Scalability: The LMS should grow with your business.
- Automation: Time-saving features like automated training paths and progress tracking.
- Mobile Access: Essential for deskless or remote workers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning Management Systems for Small Businesses
Implementing an LMS can significantly benefit small businesses, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective Training: Reduces the need for in-person sessions, saving time and money.
- Scalability: Easily adapts as your team grows.
- Automation: Streamlines repetitive tasks like assigning courses and tracking progress.
- Employee Engagement: Features like gamification and mobile access improve participation.
- Performance Tracking: Analytics help measure training effectiveness and identify skill gaps.
Disadvantages:
- Initial Costs: Even affordable LMS platforms may require upfront investment.
- Learning Curve: Admins and employees may need time to become proficient with the system.
- Maintenance: Regular updates and content creation require ongoing effort.
- Overwhelming Options: Choosing the right LMS can be challenging due to the variety of platforms.
Understanding these pros and cons will help you decide whether an LMS aligns with your business goals and resources.
Features to Look for in an LMS
Not all LMS platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to small business needs. Here are the critical features to prioritize:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable pricing without sacrificing essential tools.
- Automation: Simplify repetitive tasks like assigning courses and tracking progress.
- Customization: Tailor learning paths and course content to your team’s unique needs.
- Mobile Access: Ensure employees can learn anywhere, anytime.
- Reporting and Analytics: Track performance and identify gaps in training.
- Ease of Use: The system should be intuitive for both admins and employees.
Top LMS Platforms for Small Businesses
Here’s a comparison of five Learning Management Systems (LMS) suitable for small businesses:
| LMS Tool | Pricing | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whale | Free plan for up to 5 users. Scale plan at $99/month for 10 users, with additional users at $10/month each. | AI-powered documentation, screen and step recorder, training flows, quizzes, knowledge base, mobile app, custom branding, integrations with Slack and Zapier. | Small teams seeking to automate and scale employee onboarding and training with integrated documentation tools. |
| TalentLMS | Free plan for up to 5 users and 10 courses. Paid plans start at $89/month for up to 40 users. | Blended learning, course authoring, assessments, gamification, custom reports, mobile access, integrations with videoconferencing tools and HR systems. | Small to midsize businesses needing a customizable and user-friendly LMS for employee, customer, or partner training. |
| LearnUpon | Pricing available upon request; typically higher-end. | Course creation and management, reporting, eCommerce capabilities, user management, integrations with various platforms, customizable dashboards. | Organizations aiming to make learning a central part of their growth strategy, with a focus on scalability and comprehensive features. |
| TalentCards | Pricing details not specified in the provided sources. | Mobile-focused microlearning, creation of bite-sized training content, gamification, assessments, offline access, multimedia support. | Businesses looking to deliver training to deskless or mobile employees through engaging, bite-sized content. |
| Trainual | Plans start at $249/month for small teams. | Process documentation, role and responsibility tracking, onboarding workflows. | Small businesses seeking a comprehensive tool for documenting processes |
Note: Pricing and features are subject to change. It’s recommended to consult each platform’s official website for the most current information.</em
1. Whale LMS
Best For: Dynamic and automated training solutions tailored for SMBs.
Whale excels at creating personalized learning experiences. Powered by AI, it automates training flows and generates role-specific quizzes to ensure knowledge retention.
Automate role-based training with Whale
Design custom training journeys for each team and role, and let automation handle the delivery to save you a ton of time! Plus, you won’t have to wait for employees to finish one subject before allowing them to move onto the next—everything flows seamlessly.
Key Features:
- Automated Training Flows: Streamline onboarding with triggers and delays.
- AI-Generated Quizzes: Reinforce learning with tailored assessments.
- Certifications and Badges: Motivate employees with visible achievements.
- Mobile and QR Code Access: Seamless learning for remote teams.
- Integrations: Whale works well with existing business systems thanks to its native integrations with over 2,000 apps through Zapier.
Pricing of Whale:
- Free Plan: Up to 5 users.
- Scale Plan: $99/month for 10 users; additional users at $10/month each.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on organizational needs.
2. TalentLMS
Best For: Simplifying training with customizable course creation.
TalentLMS is a cloud-based LMS that facilitates the creation, management, and delivery of online courses. It’s recognized for its user-friendly interface and adaptability.
Features:
- Course Management: Develop and organize courses with various content types, including videos, presentations, and quizzes.
- Progress Tracking: Monitor learner progress and performance through detailed analytics.
- Gamification: Enhance engagement with points, badges, and leaderboards.
- Branching and Automation: Create personalized learning paths and automate routine tasks.
- Integrations: Seamlessly connect with tools like Zoom, Salesforce, and LinkedIn Learning.
Pricing of TalentLMS:
- Free Plan: Up to 5 users and 10 courses.
- Core Plan: $89/month for up to 40 users.
- Grow Plan: $139/month for up to 40 users, with additional features.
Pro and Enterprise Plans: Custom pricing for larger organizations.
3. LearnUpon
Best For Companies requiring a full-service training solution for customers, employees and partner
LearnUpon was founded on a belief: that learning should be simple, and its impact should be big. And today, they are helping 1,500+ businesses around the world do just that. By championing simple, learner-centric experiences and results-focused support, LearnUpon gives your teams the tools to deliver learning that impacts what matters – performance, retention, and growth
Key Features:
- Multi-Portal Functionality: Manage multiple training environments from a single account.
- Integrations: Connect with HRIS and CRM systems for cohesive operations.
- Automation Tools: Simplify user enrollment, notifications, and reporting.
- Content Support: Handle various formats, including SCORM and xAPI.
- Reporting and Analytics: Gain insights into learner performance and course effectiveness.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on organizational requirements; details available upon request.
4. Talent Cards
Best For: Deskless workforce training.
This mobile-first LMS offers microlearning solutions, empowering deskless employees to access training on the go.
Key Features:
- Microlearning Content: Create concise, engaging training materials.
- Mobile Access: Learners can access content via a dedicated mobile app, even offline.
- Multimedia Support: Incorporate images, videos, and quizzes to enhance learning.
- Gamification: Implement badges and challenges to motivate learners.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Up to 5 users.
- Standard Plan: $50/month for up to 50 users; additional users at $1/month each.
- Premium Plan: $75/month with advanced features.
5. Trainual
Trainual is a comprehensive platform designed to streamline the documentation and training processes within organizations.
Key Features
- Employee Onboarding: Create structured onboarding programs to get new hires up to speed quickly and effectively.
- Mobile Access: Provide employees with the ability to access training materials on-the-go via mobile devices.
Pricing
- Small Business Plan: $249 per month for 1-25 employees.
- Medium Business Plan: $279 per month for 26-50 employees.
- Growth Business Plan: $419 per month for 51-100 employees.
- Custom Plan: Pricing available upon request for organizations with over 100 employees.
LMS Use Cases and Applications for Small Business
- Onboarding: Save time with automated training flows that ensure consistent new-hire experiences.
- Compliance: Easily deliver industry-specific training to meet regulatory requirements.
- Upskilling and Reskilling: Equip employees with modern skills to adapt to changing business needs.
- Remote Learning: Provide instant access to training for distributed or deskless teams.
Small Business Learning Trends for 2025
1. Skills-Based Learning
As industries face rapid technological and operational changes, focusing on specific, actionable skills has become paramount. Skills-based learning prioritizes practical expertise over traditional, broad-based training. This approach ensures employees can immediately apply what they’ve learned to their roles.
Why It Matters:
- 60% of employees believe acquiring new skills will be essential for job security by 2027
2. Microlearning for Quick Knowledge Retention
Microlearning delivers content in short, digestible chunks that employees can easily absorb. This format is ideal for time-constrained workers and is particularly effective for reinforcing complex concepts.
Why It Matters:
- Studies show microlearning improves retention by 17% compared to traditional methods.
3. AI-Driven Personalized Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way employees learn by delivering tailored experiences. AI algorithms can analyze an employee’s progress, preferences, and role requirements to recommend customized learning paths.
Why It Matters:
- Personalization increases training engagement and completion rates.
- AI tools save time by automating content recommendations and assessments.
4. Mobile-First Learning
With remote and hybrid work here to stay, mobile-first learning ensures that employees can access training anytime, anywhere. This trend is particularly relevant for deskless workers in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Why It Matters:
- 59% of employees prefer learning on their personal devices
5. Gamification for Engagement
Gamified elements like points, leaderboards, and badges are becoming standard in learning programs. These features motivate employees by tapping into their competitive spirit and providing instant feedback on their progress.
Why It Matters:
- Gamification boosts learner engagement by 50%, according to research.
The Bottom Line? Find the right LMS for Your Business
The right LMS can transform your small business, boosting both engagement and productivity.
The key is to align the system with your team’s needs and your business objectives. Whether you prioritize scalability, ease of use, or mobile access, a well-chosen LMS will deliver a high return on investment by driving employee development and retention.
Start your LMS journey today to empower your workforce, improve retention, and position your business for success.
Ready to transform your training? Explore Whale and see how it can make learning simple, affordable, and effective for your business.
Get documenting & training NOW
FAQs about Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Small Businesses
How to Choose the Right Learning Management System?
When selecting an LMS, ask yourself:
- What’s my budget, and how does the pricing model scale with my team?
- Do I need advanced features like AI or gamification?
- How much customization do I require to match my brand and goals?
- Will my team need mobile or offline access?
Pro Tip: Platforms like Whale offer free trials, allowing you to explore features before committing.
How do I calculate the ROI of a Great LMS
Calculate ROI with costs and time saved.
Investing in an LMS is more than a cost—it’s a strategy for growth. With the right system, you can:
- Boost employee productivity by 30%.
- Reduce turnover by providing growth opportunities.
- Save thousands on recruitment by upskilling existing talent.
