The world of online learning platforms is brimming with choices but when it comes to building and selling courses two names consistently rise to the top: Learnworlds and Thinkific.
It’s a bit like choosing between two fantastic restaurants – both offer delicious food but one might be better for a romantic dinner while the other is perfect for a casual lunch with friends.
Today we’ll be dissecting these two platforms examining their features strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one aligns best with your vision for your online learning empire.
A Quick Look at the Competitors
Let’s start with the basics.
Both Learnworlds and Thinkific are powerful platforms that enable course creators to build host and sell online courses.
They cater to a diverse clientele from solopreneurs launching their first course to established businesses creating internal training programs.
But as we dive deeper we’ll discover that each platform has a unique character catering to different preferences and needs.
Thinkific: Thinkific often gets praised for its simplicity making it a popular choice for newcomers to online learning. They’ve built a robust platform with a solid foundation that has helped countless individuals and businesses dive into the world of online education.
LearnWorlds: I have to admit I have a bit of a soft spot for LearnWorlds. It feels like a platform built by educators for educators. You can really feel the passion for learning and user experience woven into every aspect of its design. Its creators with their backgrounds in EdTech truly understand the nuances of online learning and have poured their expertise into building a platform that feels like it was made just for me.
Beyond the Surface: A Deeper Dive into Features
We’ve established that both platforms offer core features for building and selling courses but the devil as they say is in the details.
So let’s dive into some key areas where these platforms stand out (or fall short).
Course Creation: Building Your Learning Oasis
Both platforms provide the fundamental tools for building engaging courses including intuitive course builders robust video hosting and a variety of assessment tools.
Similarities
- Intuitive Course Builders: Thinkific and Learnworlds both prioritize a smooth course creation experience. Both have drag-and-drop functionality allowing you to easily arrange your content add quizzes and set up assessments.
- Multimedia Support: Both platforms allow you to embed videos PDFs and audio files within your courses providing a rich multimedia experience for your students.
- Assessments: Thinkific and Learnworlds have a range of assessment options including multiple choice quizzes true/false questions and even more interactive assessment types like open-ended questions and file uploads.
Where Learnworlds Shines
- SCORM Support: This is where Learnworlds truly stands out. Learnworlds actively embraces SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) a standard for creating reusable learning content. This is fantastic for individuals who have existing SCORM-compliant courses or who want to integrate third-party learning materials. Thinkific dropped SCORM support so if you need this feature Learnworlds is the clear winner.
- Interactive Learning: Learnworlds goes beyond simple quizzes and assessments offering features like interactive video gamification and a more robust built-in gradebook. These features help create a more engaging learning experience boosting student motivation and engagement.
- Whiteboard Integration: Learnworlds recently introduced a whiteboard feature allowing instructors to create and share interactive whiteboards with students facilitating real-time collaboration and visual learning.
Website Building: Creating Your Online Learning Haven
A strong online presence is crucial for attracting students and building your brand.
Both Thinkific and Learnworlds offer website building capabilities but their approaches differ significantly.
Similarities
- White-Labeling: Both platforms allow you to white-label your website removing branding elements from the platform and showcasing your own logo and design. This is essential for building a cohesive brand experience.
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Both Thinkific and Learnworlds leverage drag-and-drop functionality for their website builders making it easy to arrange elements add images and customize the layout of your website.
LearnWorlds Takes the Lead
- Robust Website Builder: LearnWorlds’ website builder is a powerhouse offering customizable templates designer assets and complete control over the look and feel of your website. This flexibility allows you to create a truly unique learning experience perfectly aligned with your brand identity.
- Advanced Features: LearnWorlds’ website builder includes features like pop-ups form builders and the ability to control specific content visibility for different user groups. This level of control enables you to personalize the user journey and deliver tailored experiences.
- Seamless Integration: Learnworlds seamlessly integrates your website with the learning platform creating a smooth and intuitive experience for your students.
Marketing and Sales: Getting the Word Out
Marketing and selling your courses is essential for attracting students and generating revenue.
Both platforms offer a suite of tools for reaching your target audience and driving sales.
Similarities
- Email Marketing: Both Thinkific and Learnworlds offer built-in email marketing tools enabling you to send course updates promotions and other communications to your students.
- Affiliate Marketing: Both platforms support affiliate marketing programs allowing you to incentivize others to promote your courses and earn a commission.
- Social Media Integration: Both platforms integrate with social media platforms enabling you to share your courses and promote your online learning business.
Thinkific Holds a Slight Advantage
- Email Broadcasts: Thinkific’s email marketing capabilities include the ability to send broadcasts reaching a broader audience segment beyond your existing students.
- Drip Campaigns: Thinkific allows you to create drip campaigns automatically sending a series of emails to your students nurturing their engagement and guiding them through their learning journey.
LearnWorlds Leverages Sales Power
- 1-Click Sales Funnels: Learnworlds takes a direct approach to sales with its 1-click sales funnels streamlining the checkout process and simplifying the buying experience for your students.
Administration and Security: Keeping Things Running Smoothly
Both platforms offer solid administrative tools for managing your courses students and overall school.
However Learnworlds distinguishes itself with its focus on security and administration.
Similarities
- Student Management: Both Thinkific and Learnworlds allow you to manage your students track their progress and access key metrics.
- Course Management: Both platforms allow you to manage your courses add new content and update existing materials.
LearnWorlds Takes the Lead
- Advanced Security Features: Learnworlds emphasizes security offering features like two-factor authentication SSL encryption and comprehensive data protection.
- Role-Based Permissions: Learnworlds allows you to create various user roles assigning specific permissions to different administrators within your online school.
- GDPR Compliance: Learnworlds offers a comprehensive suite of features designed for GDPR compliance crucial for educators operating within the European Union.
Scalability and Growth: Building for the Future
As your online learning business grows you need a platform that can handle increasing traffic larger student populations and a growing number of courses.
Both Learnworlds and Thinkific have proven their ability to scale but Learnworlds offers a more robust set of tools for future growth.
Similarities
- Scalability: Both platforms can support a significant increase in traffic and student volume.
- Multiple Courses: Both platforms allow you to create and manage unlimited courses providing a solid foundation for expanding your offerings.
LearnWorlds Offers Additional Growth Tools
- Mobile App Builder: Learnworlds has a mobile app builder allowing you to create a custom white-labeled mobile app for your school. This enables you to reach your students on their mobile devices providing a seamless and engaging learning experience.
- White-Labeling: Learnworlds goes beyond basic white-labeling allowing you to completely remove the Learnworlds branding giving you complete control over the look and feel of your online school.
- Flexible Invoicing: Learnworlds offers flexible invoicing options allowing you to customize invoice templates and manage payments more effectively.
Cost and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: price.
Both platforms offer various pricing plans catering to different budgets and needs.
But when you consider the value you receive Learnworlds offers a compelling package.
- LearnWorlds: Starts at $29/month offering a lower barrier to entry than Thinkific. It’s important to note that the $29/month plan offers solid features for launching your online course and getting started. LearnWorlds’ top-tier plan at $299/month unlocks a comprehensive suite of features including website builder mobile app builder interactive video and advanced branding options.
- Thinkific: Starts at $49/month for its basic plan offering a free plan with limited features. Thinkific’s top-tier plan at $499/month offers more robust features but at a higher price point.
Remember the most expensive option isn’t always the best.
It’s essential to evaluate the value you get for the price.
LearnWorlds consistently delivers a powerful set of features at competitive pricing offering exceptional value for your investment.
So Who Wins?
Choosing between Learnworlds and Thinkific ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
- If you’re just starting out: Thinkific’s simplicity and free plan make it an attractive option. However if you want a platform with a bit more power and flexibility LearnWorlds’ $29/month plan offers a strong value proposition.
- If you’re a seasoned course creator: LearnWorlds’ advanced features robust website builder and comprehensive security measures are likely to appeal to you.
- If you prioritize branding and control: LearnWorlds’ extensive branding options and white-labeling capabilities will help you build a unique and memorable brand identity.
- If you’re scaling your business: LearnWorlds’ mobile app builder flexible invoicing and robust admin features provide you with the tools to grow your online school effectively.
Remember you can always try both platforms for free.
LearnWorlds offers a 30-day free trial allowing you to experience its features firsthand.
Thinkific also provides a free plan with limited features giving you an initial taste of its platform.
Take advantage of these free trials to see which platform feels like the perfect fit for your online learning journey.
I hope this in-depth comparison sheds light on the nuances of Learnworlds and Thinkific helping you make an informed decision about which platform to choose.
Happy learning!