Spent months planning your first online course?
Poured your heart into creating content that changes lives, but now comes the big question. Where should you host it?
Well, LearnDash and Thinkific are two of the most popular platforms out there, each promising to make your journey easier.
A powerful WordPress toolkit, LearnDash offers complete control and advanced features, but beginners might find it overwhelming. Thinkific, on the other hand, is like a ready-to-go studio, simple to set up and beginner-friendly.
Below, my guide will explore their features, pricing, and usability so that you can make an informed decision.
However, if you're searching for the best alternative, I'll present an alternative platform that combines everything you need.
So, please read on!
A Quick Look at LearnDash
LearnDash is an excellent Learning Management System for WordPress. It enables anyone to create, manage, and sell online courses.
Globally, leading brands, universities, and instructors rely on this platform. It is perfect for educators, trainers, leaders, and businesses who wish to teach users online.
The platform is easy to use. You can create courses through a drag-and-drop course builder. Plus, you don’t have to be a coder.
You can also add quizzes and assignments to make learning more interactive. Quizzes help learners check what they’ve understood after each lesson.
Assignments let learners apply what they’ve learned in real situations. You can review their work, give feedback, and track their progress over time. This makes the learning experience more personal and goal-driven.
You can even set passing scores, deadlines, and automated grading. It saves time and ensures consistency. For group courses, you can see which lessons are challenging for students and update your content based on real data.
There are also ways you can earn from your courses on LearnDash. You can sell them as one-time purchases, subscriptions, and memberships.
It works with popular payment systems like Stripe, PayPal, and WooCommerce. This gives you a little control over how to manage your money.
Also, it helps learners retain their attention. You can drip out course content over time. Similarly, gamification incorporates badges, certificates, and leaderboards. These are all great motivators for learners and make learning fun.
Besides, the software comes with analytics and reporting capabilities. You can monitor learners’ performance and evaluate which parts of your courses need more attention.
The platform grows with your business. It has no limits for courses and students, so it is excellent for small educators and huge universities.
It also integrates with tools like Zoom, Mailchimp, and popular CRMs, making your workflow smooth and connected.
Mailchimp integration helps you stay in touch with your learners. You can send updates, reminders, and newsletters automatically, keeping engagement high without extra effort.
CRM connections make it easy to track leads, manage client relationships, and follow up on potential sales all in one place.
Furthermore, it offers mobile-friendly designs so that students can learn on any device.
All in all, LearnDash makes creating and selling courses easy for everyone, regardless of their tech skills.
What Does LearnDash Offer (Best Features)
Advanced Quizzes & Assessments
You can create quizzes with various question types, including multiple choice, true or false, and essays. In addition, you can also set timers and require a particular grade. Certificates can be given automatically. This is a way to keep class members accountable, and you can see who’s doing well.
Drip-Feed Content
Option to release lessons gradually. That is new content is added to students over time. This keeps them motivated and committed to studying. Learners are also prevented from skipping ahead.
Gamification
LearnDash allows you to incorporate badges, points, and leaderboards. These make learning fun. Students find this feature very motivating to complete the lessons and share. Gamification makes learners stay connected and be active.
Focus Mode
Focus Mode displays the lesson, and nothing but the lesson. It hides distractions. Students can focus more and complete courses more quickly. This provides a clean and straightforward learning experience.
Mobile-Friendly Design
The classes are compatible with phones, tablets, and computers. Students can learn anytime, anywhere. The signature looks excellent on all devices. This allows students to learn flexibly and easily.
Multi-Language Support
Translate courses into numerous languages. This benefits foreign students. It’s compatible with the most commonly used translation software. Thus, you can help more students without doing extra work.
Integrations
LearnDash integrates with Stripe, PayPal, WooCommerce, Zoom, and Mailchimp, among others. You can plug in the tools you already use. As a result, this facilitates payments, communication, and marketing.
Advanced Reporting
View student progress, quiz scores, and course completion. You can tell when students need help. Additionally, reporting also allows instructors to understand courses better and monitor success.
Customizable Certificates
Offer certificates when students complete courses. Logo and design may be incorporated into certificates. Reward the learners and make them feel proud. Besides, this also makes your courses look more professional.
Pricing Overview Of LearnDash
And LearnDash has something for everyone, with pricing that is structured to be just right:
Plugin Only:
1 Site: $199/year
10 Sites: $399/year
Unlimited Sites: $799/year
Cloud Hosting Plans:
Starter: $29/month
Growth: $49/month
Pro: $99/month
You'll Like About It
No revenue share taken by LearnDash.
User-friendly course creation tools.
Flexible monetization options.
Mobile-responsive design.
Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
Customizable branding options.
Multi-language support for global reach.
Scalable to grow with your business.
Dedicated support team.
Regular updates and improvements.
You May Dislike
Requires WordPress knowledge.
Initial setup can be time-consuming.
Some advanced features need additional add
Limited built-in marketing tools.
No built-in email marketing features.
A Quick Look at Thinkific
Thinkific is a powerful platform for creating and selling online courses. Over 35,000 businesses trust the platform and have helped users earn billions.
It helps educators, entrepreneurs, and businesses turn their expertise into revenue.
The platform supports unlimited courses, students, and digital content. You can run a whole learning business without technical headaches.
Also, you’ll be happy to know that the platform is easy to use. You can build courses with a drag-and-drop builder. No coding or tech skills required.
It allows you to personalize your courses and your branding. You can manage how learners see your content and professionalize the look of your site.
Aside from that, Thinkific exists to help you make money. You can sell online courses, memberships, webinars, and digital downloads.
Creators can pay by credit card in several different currencies. Integrated commerce features enable upselling, cross-selling, and recovering abandoned carts.
The platform also helps students stay immersed. You can create learning pathways, provide communities, and reward achievements.
Thinkific is scalable. You can begin small and scale to thousands of learners. As you grow, you can add on more communities, coaching sessions, and digital downloads.
Advanced functionalities such as SCORM support, API access, and single sign-on make it an appropriate software for large companies.
With Thinkific, launching your online learning business can be fast. AI-powered content tools, onboarding support, and customizable templates help you go live in weeks, not months.
What Does Thinkific Offer (Best Features)?
AI-Powered Content Tools
Thinkific uses AI to help create course outlines, lesson content, and quizzes.
It gives suggestions to make your content better. You can save time and reduce effort when designing courses. AI also helps ensure your lessons are engaging and well-structured.
Learning Paths
Take your class through it step-by-step. You can unlock lessons over time, or proceed through a prescribed set. That's what keeps learners attentive and engaged. Paths are a smart way to make the journey from beginner to advanced levels feel easy.
Easy Course Builder
Thinkific makes building courses simple. Lessons, videos, quizzes, assignments, and downloadable resources can be added. No coding is required. The builder allows you to structure your content in the order that best works. You can build prescriptive learning paths or flexible modules. This makes for easy-to-follow, professional-looking courses.
Unlimited Courses and Digital Downloads
You can add as many courses as you wish. There are also no restrictions on students or content. You can upload PDFs, slides, videos, and other resources. Now your learners have all the necessary resources in one place. You could also upsell extra value in the form of additional digital downloads.
Communities
Create spaces where students can connect. Students can ask questions, exchange ideas, and support one another. Communities drive participation and innovation in courses. They also promote the networking of learners.
Coaching and Webinars
Deliver live coaching and webinars directly through Thinkific. Easily track attendance, record lessons, and plan sessions anytime. These live interactions bring the human connection that drives better learning outcomes.
E-Commerce Tools
Thinkific allows you to sell courses, memberships, bundles, and digital products. It includes upsell features like coupons, order bumps, and abandoned cart recovery. Multiple payment options make transactions easy and secure.
Advanced Analytics
Track learner progress, engagement, and revenue in one place. See which lessons are most popular and where students struggle. Reports help you improve courses and make data-driven decisions.
SCORM Compliance
Thinkific supports SCORM files for corporate and compliance training. You can track learner results and integrate courses with other LMS platforms. This makes it suitable for enterprise training.
Custom Branding
You can fully brand your Thinkific site. Add logos, colors, and fonts to match your business style. Remove Thinkific branding to make the platform feel like your own. This creates a professional and cohesive learning experience.
Pricing Overview of Thinkific
Basic Plan: $49 per month, unlimited courses, 1 community, 5 downloads, 5 coaching sessions, sales tools.
Start Plan: $99 per month, unlimited courses, memberships, downloads, coaching, bundle sales (limited), HTML/CSS editing.
Grow Plan: $199 a month, includes 3 communities, analytics, group orders and invoicing, API access, custom branding, and premium support.
Plus/Enterprise Plan: Custom quote, unlimited everything, CRM integrations, SCORM support, SSO, Advanced reporting, and dedicated onboarding.
You'll Like About It
AI content suggestions
Unlimited courses and downloads
Customizable learning paths
Live coaching and webinars
Communities for students
Powerful e-commerce tools
SCORM compliance
Custom branding
You May Dislike
Free trial is limited
SCORM support is only available in Plus/Enterprise
Limited automation in the basic plan
Branding options are restricted in lower plans
Advanced reporting is only available in higher plans
Email marketing requires third-party integration
LearnDash vs Thinkific: Which Platform Truly Empowers Creators to Build and Grow
If you’re a creator dreaming of turning your knowledge into a successful online course, your platform choice matters more than you think.
Both LearnDash and Thinkific are powerful, trusted, but built for very different types of creators. Let's explore this in more detail.
Platform Type and Setup: How Easy Is It to Get Started?
LearnDash: Best for Creators Who Love Control
LearnDash is a WordPress LMS plugin, meaning it works only with WordPress. You’ll need your own website, hosting, and maintenance.
This setup gives you more control over your site, but it also means you’ll handle updates, security, and backups yourself.
For creators who already use WordPress or enjoy customizing every little detail, LearnDash can be a great fit. But beginners might find the setup a little tricky and time-consuming.
Thinkific: Best for Creators Who Want Simplicity
Thinkific is a fully hosted platform, so you don’t need any technical setup. Everything from hosting and security to maintenance is handled for you. You just log in, start building, and launch your course.
It’s perfect for creators who want to focus on teaching and growing their audience, not on tech work behind the scenes.
*Winner: Thinkific
Course Creation and Structure: Building a Great Learning Experience
LearnDash: Designed for Detailed and Structured Courses
LearnDash offers a highly organized structure with lessons, topics, quizzes, and assignments.
You can drip content over time, set timers, and issue certificates, great for academic-style courses or structured programs.
However, some advanced features may need paid add-ons, which means extra setup and costs.
Thinkific: Visual, Fast, and Creator-Friendly
Thinkific shines with its drag-and-drop course builder. You can upload videos, add quizzes, host live lessons, and even build communities all without touching code.
It’s built for creators who want a visual and flexible way to design engaging, interactive courses quickly.
*Winner: Tie (Depends on the Creator)
Pricing and Plans: Which Platform Gives More Value for Money?
LearnDash Pricing (One-Time Payment)
Starter: $199/year (1 site)
Plus: $399/year (up to 10 sites)
Pro: $799/year (up to 25 sites)
While it seems affordable at first, many features, such as marketing tools or design elements, require extra plugins, which can raise your total cost.
Thinkific Pricing (Subscription Model)
Basic: $49/month
Start: $99/month
Grow: $199/month
Thinkific Plus - custom price
It includes hosting and support, but some of the most powerful tools are locked in higher tiers.
*Winner: LearnDash. It has a lower yearly entry cost, but only if you don’t count paid add-ons.
Pro Tip for Creators: If you’re comparing prices, don’t forget to look at EzyCourse, an alternative that gives you unlimited courses, communities, marketing tools, and mobile apps at a lower rate.
It’s built for creators who want everything in one place without paying extra for every upgrade.
Sales and Marketing Tools: Turning Courses into Profit
LearnDash: Flexible but Requires Add-ons
LearnDash integrates with WooCommerce, so you can sell courses easily.
But for marketing tools like email campaigns or affiliate systems, you’ll need third-party plugins. It gives flexibility but also adds complexity and cost.
Thinkific: Built-in Tools for Smooth Selling
Thinkific includes ready-to-use sales features such as coupons, upsells, and payment plans.
It also connects with Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and more for easy marketing automation. You can sell and promote your courses without needing extra tools.
Winner: Thinkific
Analytics and Reporting: Tracking Your Growth
LearnDash: Basic Insights with Add-ons
LearnDash includes essential reporting, like student progress and quiz results. For deeper insights (such as revenue tracking or engagement data), you’ll need extra plugins.
Thinkific: Advanced Analytics Built In
Thinkific gives you complete visibility; you can track student progress, course completion rates, and revenue right from your dashboard. Perfect for creators who want to see what’s working and what’s not in real time.
*Winner: Thinkific
Integrations: Expanding Your Platform Power
LearnDash: WordPress-Driven Flexibility
LearnDash works well with WordPress plugins, CRM tools, and payment gateways. However, setup can be technical, especially if you’re managing many integrations.
Thinkific: Smooth, No-Code Integrations
Thinkific integrates easily with popular apps like Zapier, Stripe, and Mailchimp. The process is simple, automated, and perfect for creators who want everything to “just work.”
*Winner: Thinkific
Support and Community: Getting Help When You Need It
LearnDash: Community-Based Support
LearnDash mainly provides help through its website's knowledge base and community forums. Direct support is limited, especially for WordPress-related issues.
Thinkific: Reliable 24/7 Help
Thinkific offers 24/7 customer support, plus tutorials, guides, and a thriving creator community. You can easily get answers when stuck, which is a huge plus for busy creators.
*Winner: Thinkific
Customization and Branding: Making Your Platform Uniquely Yours
LearnDash: Maximum Design Control
Since it’s WordPress-based, LearnDash allows deep customization through themes and plugins. You can make your site look exactly how you want, but you’ll need some tech skills.
Thinkific: Easy Branding Without Code
Thinkific offers built-in design tools to match your brand colors, fonts, and layouts. It’s easier but not as flexible as LearnDash.
*Winner: LearnDash
Security and Compliance: Protecting Your Students and Content
LearnDash: Depends on Your Hosting
LearnDash’s security depends on your WordPress setup. You’ll need to manage SSL, backups, and GDPR compliance manually.
Thinkific: Managed and Secure by Default
Thinkific handles SSL encryption, backups, and data protection automatically. It takes the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on content.
Winner: Thinkific
Finally, which one is Best?
Choose LearnDash If You… | Choose Thinkific If You… |
|---|---|
Already have a WordPress site | Prefer an all-in-one, hosted platform |
Want complete control and deep customization | Want an easy, no-technical setup experience |
Are comfortable managing hosting, plugins, updates, and security | Need built-in sales and marketing features ready to use |
Don’t mind a more technical learning curve | Wish to launch quickly without dealing with tech |
LearnDash vs Thinkific vs Any Alternative: Which One Is Best for Creators?
As I already mentioned, creating and selling online courses has never been easier, but picking the right platform is key. LearnDash and Thinkific are two popular choices for course creators.
Both platforms offer course creation, quizzes, drip content, certificates, and analytics, but they differ in flexibility, pricing, and ease of use.
If you are looking for an alternative that combines the best of both worlds and adds even more powerful features, EzyCourse is worth considering.
What Is EzyCourse?
EzyCourse is an all-in-one platform for creators, educators, and entrepreneurs. It replaces multiple tools and platforms, saving time and money.
You can build courses, sell digital and physical products, run coaching programs, manage communities, and even have your own mobile app all under one platform.
With features such as SCORM compliance, AI subtitles, advanced analytics, and built-in Zoom, it provides capabilities that go beyond what LearnDash or Thinkific has to offer.
EzyCourse offers advanced content protection. DRM and other security tools prevent unauthorized sharing and piracy.
Multi-currency and geo-pricing features make it easy to sell globally. Your learners always see the right price in their local currency.
Email marketing and automation are included. You can send campaigns, track engagement, and automate follow-ups without connecting to external software.
Analytics and reporting give you real-time insights. Track student progress, course performance, and revenue. This helps you make smart decisions to grow your business.
Overall, EzyCourse is perfect for creators who want a simple, powerful, and complete solution. You can sell courses, coaching, memberships, and digital products all from one place. It replaces multiple tools and makes running your online business easy and efficient.
Why EzyCourse Is the Best Alternative?
Unlimited Courses and Digital Downloads
Create and sell unlimited courses without limits or hidden fees. Upload videos, PDFs, slides, or audio lessons. Add digital downloads to add value to your students.
Unlike Thinkific and Kajabi, which limit the number of products depending on your plan, EzyCourse lets you scale freely. LearnDash also requires add-ons to handle digital downloads, while EzyCourse includes them from the start.
Built-in Zoom Integration
Host live classes, group sessions, or coaching calls right inside your dashboard. Zoom integration is automatic. No setup or third-party apps are required.
Thinkific and Kajabi both need external tools for live sessions. LearnDash requires a separate paid plugin, making it less seamless.
SCORM Compliant
Upload SCORM files to deliver interactive, trackable lessons that meet global learning standards. It measures engagement and learning over time.
Thinkific only offers SCORM support in its higher plans, while LearnDash and Teachable rely on external connectors. EzyCourse includes it in all paid plans.
Multi-Currency and Geo Pricing
Sell worldwide with local currency displays and regional pricing. Students automatically see prices in their own currencies.
Thinkific and Kajabi both lack geo-based pricing capabilities. You need manual setups or custom apps, while EzyCourse handles it automatically.
AI Subtitles Generator
Generate accurate, real-time subtitles for your videos. Perfect for accessibility and global learners.
Neither LearnDash, Teachable, nor Thinkific offers this feature natively. You must use outside transcription tools.
Advanced Content Security and DRM
Keep your courses safe with built-in DRM protection. Only registered users can view your videos and materials.
Kajabi and Thinkific rely mostly on password access or basic video hosting, while EzyCourse encrypts your files and prevents unauthorised sharing.
Email Marketing and Automation
Automate your marketing directly from your dashboard. Send targeted emails, reminders, and follow-ups with the built-in tools.
Teachable, Thinkific, and LearnDash require external email software like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. With EzyCourse, it’s all in one place.
Built-in Affiliate Management
Create and manage affiliate programs with no plugins required. Track referrals, set commissions, and grow faster through partnerships.
LearnDash and Thinkific need separate add-ons for affiliate tracking, while EzyCourse gives it to you instantly.
Community, Groups, and Messaging
Create private groups, discussion boards, and chat rooms. Build real student communities inside your platform. No Facebook group is needed.
Kajabi and Teachable have limited community tools. LearnDash needs BBPress integration, but EzyCourse makes community management easy and seamless.
Native Mobile App for iOS & Android
Offer your own mobile app. Students can access the content anytime, even offline.
Thinkific has a shared student app that isn’t branded. LearnDash and Teachable don’t have built-in apps, only ad-free third-party options.
Drip Content & Course Scheduling
Release lessons over time to keep learners engaged. Schedule modules, lock in future content, and build momentum easily.
LearnDash offers drip features but requires extra setup. Teachable has limited scheduling options. EzyCourse makes it simple and flexible.
Gamification and Rewards
Add points, badges, and leaderboards to boost motivation. Encourage learners to complete lessons and celebrate progress.
Thinkific and LearnDash require gamification plugins. EzyCourse includes it as part of the core system.
Analytics & Reporting
Monitor revenue, engagement, and learner progress in real time. Get insights into what’s working so you can improve your content fast.
Thinkific and Kajabi provide only basic stats, while LearnDash depends on add-ons or Google Analytics. EzyCourse gives you advanced, visual reports instantly.
White Label Branding
Customise your platform with your own logo, colours, and domain. Build your brand, not another's.
Thinkific and Teachable charge extra for white labelling. EzyCourse offers complete branding from the start.
Certificates & Badges
Reward your learners automatically when they finish courses. Create certificates with your own branding easily.
LearnDash and Teachable require separate plugins or apps for certificates. EzyCourse includes this natively.
Built-in Blog and Website Builder
Create your whole website, landing pages, and blogs from the same dashboard. No WordPress or an external site builder is needed.
LearnDash needs WordPress hosting. Thinkific and Kajabi have page builders, but EzyCourse gives you more design freedom and better SEO control.
Secure Payments and Checkout
Accept payments globally through Stripe, PayPal, and other gateways. Offer subscriptions, bundles, and one-time payments easily.
Teachable charges extra transaction fees for the low plan. Thinkific lacks flexible bundle options. EzyCourse supports it all, with no hidden costs.
👉 Start EzyCourse 30 Day Free Trial!
EzyCourse Pricing: Choose the Perfect Plan for Your Online Business
EzyCourse offers multiple plans designed for creators, educators, and businesses. You can start with a 1-month free trial and choose the plan that fits your growth needs.
1. Essential Plan: Best for Personal Creators
Price: $59/month
Key Features:
Unlimited courses and custom pages
1 coaching program for 20 active clients
2 communities and 2 automation workflows
Drip courses and 1 calendar session with unlimited bookings
5 digital products, 2 group chats, 1 video library
Monthly 10,000 marketing emails
Best for: Individual creators who want to start their courses and community without complex setups.
2. Pro Plan: Best for Professional Creators
Price: $139/month
Key Features:
Everything from the Essential plan
5 coaching programs for 500 active clients
5 communities and unlimited channels
5 video libraries and advanced quiz settings
Up to 3 currencies and 3 languages
Best for: Creators scaling their business with multiple courses, communities, and coaching programs.
3. Unlimited Plan: True Unlimited Growth
Price: $199/month
Key Features:
Everything from the Pro plan
Unlimited coaching programs, communities, and private chats
Unlimited currencies and up to 10 languages
VIP support and advanced quiz retakes
100,000 marketing emails per month
Best for: Businesses or creators with a large audience needing unlimited resources and high-level automation.
4. Elite Plan: Best for Large Businesses
Price: $299/month
Key Features:
All current and future add-ons (worth $21,000+)
Unlimited courses, communities, coaching programs, and active clients
Unlimited languages, site admins, and custom roles
Zoom premium license, branded mobile apps, and direct CEO access
VIP customer support, 500,000 marketing emails per month
50,000 live video and 60,000 live audio streaming minutes
Best for: Large businesses or enterprises wanting complete control, branding, and priority support.
Key Notes About All Plans:
Free Mobile App: Available from the basic plan and above. And the branded app is free with the unlimited plan.
Custom Branding & White-Label Options: From the basic plan.
Unlimited Students and Courses: Across all plans
1-Month Free Trial: Available for all plans
Add-ons: Many useful features like Zoom integration, gamification, and DRM are included in higher plans
*Pricings are subject to change anytime
So, How EzyCourse Offers Better Value Than LearnDash and Thinkific
Comprehensive Features at Lower Cost
EzyCourse's plans include a wide range of features, such as unlimited courses, communities, and coaching programs, without the need for additional purchases.
In contrast, LearnDash and Thinkific often require purchasing add-ons for advanced features.
Free Branded Mobile Apps
EzyCourse provides free white-label mobile apps with higher-tier plans, allowing creators to offer a branded mobile experience to their users.
LearnDash and Thinkific charge extra for branded mobile apps
Transparent Pricing
EzyCourse offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring that creators know exactly what they're paying for.
LearnDash and Thinkific may have hidden costs for add-ons and advanced features.
You’ll Love About EzyCourse
All-in-one platform, no extra tools needed
Unlimited courses and students
SCORM compliant for interactive lessons
Multi-currency support for global sales
AI-generated subtitles for videos
Built-in Zoom for live sessions
Advanced analytics and reporting
Customizable communities and groups
Mobile apps for iOS and Android
Secure DRM-protected content
Email marketing and automation built in
Affordable pricing for all features
Limitations
Mobile app branding is only available with higher plans
Not ideal if you only need a simple course
Limited offline content options
Final Check
Choosing between LearnDash and Thinkific comes down to your goals, skills, and how much control you want.
If you love WordPress, want full ownership, and don’t mind handling hosting or technical setup, LearnDash is a powerful choice. It’s flexible, and perfect for creators who want to customize every detail of their learning website.
On the other hand, if you prefer a simple, all-in-one solution, Thinkific is ideal. It’s beginner-friendly, secure, and includes everything you need to create and sell courses fast.
However, if you’re looking for a better, more affordable alternative that combines the simplicity of Thinkific and the customization power of LearnDash, then EzyCourse is worth serious attention.
It offers built-in communities, email marketing, automation, and monetization tools all in one place, without extra plugins or hidden costs.
So, the final opinion is-
Choose LearnDash if you want full WordPress control.
Choose Thinkific if you want a simple hosted solution.
Choose EzyCourse if you want the best balance of price, features, and growth tools built for modern creators.
In the end, the best platform isn’t just about features. It’s about finding the one that helps you teach confidently, sell easily, and grow your creative business smoothly.
