LearnDash

Name: LearnDash
Brand: LearnDash
Rating: 4.4 (326 reviews)

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Build, sell, and manage online courses on WordPress

Online Course Platforms LMS Membership Sites

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4.4(326 across the web)

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Reviews onG2Capterra

326 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Paid plans only

Biggest pro

Zero transaction fees on all course sales

Biggest con

Requires WordPress, not a standalone platform

TL;DR - LearnDash

WordPress LMS for creating and selling online courses with drag-and-drop builder
Zero transaction fees with monetization via subscriptions, bundles, and memberships
Plugin from $199/year; hosted LearnDash Cloud from $24/month

Pricing: Paid only

Best for: Enterprises & pros

4.4/5 across review platforms

What is LearnDash?

Editorial review

LearnDash is a WordPress-based learning management system (LMS) for creating, selling, and managing online courses. It offers a drag-and-drop course builder, AI-powered course outline generation, drip-fed content scheduling, quizzes with multiple question types, assignment management, and certificate creation. LearnDash supports course monetization through one-time purchases, subscriptions, memberships, and course bundles with zero transaction fees. The platform is used by universities, training companies, and entrepreneurs. Pricing starts at $199/year for the WordPress plugin or $24/month for the hosted LearnDash Cloud solution.

Available on: Web

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourcelearndash.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Zero transaction fees on all course sales
Deep WordPress integration leverages existing ecosystem of plugins
One-time annual licensing, no per-student pricing
AI course outline tool accelerates content creation

Cons

Requires WordPress, not a standalone platform
WordPress hosting, themes, and plugins add to total cost
Learning curve for non-technical users managing WordPress

Ratings Across the Web

4.4(326 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Preview

Key Features

Drag-and-drop course builder for structured learning pathsAI-powered course outline generation toolDrip-fed content scheduling for paced learningQuiz engine with multiple question types and gradingAssignment management and submission trackingCertificate and badge creation for course completionCourse monetization via purchases, subscriptions, and bundlesGroup management for team and organizational training

Pricing

Paid

LearnDash offers paid plans. Visit their website for current pricing details.

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Is LearnDash worth the price?

85/100

LearnDash's plugin pricing, starting at $199/year for 1 site, is fair for the comprehensive features offered, especially considering the lack of transaction fees.

The jump to $399/year for 10 sites and $799/year for unlimited sites provides good value for agencies or those managing multiple courses. LearnDash Cloud at $24-29/month is competitive for a hosted LMS solution.

This pricing structure is best for individuals, educators, and businesses looking for a robust, self-hosted or fully managed WordPress LMS.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Annual renewal required for updates/support

Hosting costs for plugin (not Cloud)

Potential for premium add-ons (not included)

WordPress maintenance for plugin users

How LearnDash Compares to Competitors

Compared to Teachable, which starts at $39/month ($468/year) for basic features and transaction fees, LearnDash's $199/year plugin is significantly more affordable for self-hosted solutions. Thinkific's basic plan at $49/month ($588/year) also includes transaction fees, making LearnDash a strong value proposition for those comfortable with WordPress.

Reviews

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4.4/5

Across 326 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2

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Best LearnDash Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

View full list →

LearnWorldsPaid

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4.7

ThinkificFreemium

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4.5

KajabiPaid

Unify your course, marketing, and community business

4.3

PodiaPaid

Sell courses, downloads, coaching and more, commission-free

4.5

MemberfulPaid

Membership software for creators

4.5

TeachableFreemium

Create and sell online courses

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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LearnDash FAQ

How does LearnDash facilitate the creation of online courses?

LearnDash provides a drag-and-drop course builder and an AI-powered course outline generation tool to help users quickly structure their content. It also supports drip-fed content scheduling, quizzes with various question types, and assignment management.

Which teams or organizations benefit most from using LearnDash?

LearnDash is well-suited for universities, training companies, and entrepreneurs who want to create, sell, and manage their online courses. Its deep WordPress integration allows organizations to leverage their existing WordPress ecosystem.

How does LearnDash compare to Teachable regarding transaction fees?

LearnDash offers zero transaction fees on all course sales, allowing creators to keep more of their revenue. This differs from platforms that may charge a percentage of sales.

What kind of monetization options are available for courses built with LearnDash?

LearnDash supports various course monetization strategies, including one-time purchases, subscriptions, memberships, and course bundles. It does not charge any transaction fees on these sales.

What are the main trade-offs to consider when choosing LearnDash?

LearnDash requires a WordPress installation and is not a standalone platform, meaning users need to manage WordPress hosting, themes, and other plugins. There can also be a learning curve for users who are not familiar with managing a WordPress site.

How is LearnDash priced?

LearnDash is a paid product with no permanently free tier. It offers annual licensing for the WordPress plugin or a monthly subscription for the hosted LearnDash Cloud solution.

Can LearnDash help accelerate the content creation process for new courses?

Yes, LearnDash includes an AI course outline tool designed to help users quickly generate and structure their course content. This feature aims to accelerate the initial stages of content creation.

Source: learndash.com