The online learning industry continues to boom in 2026, with more creators, educators, and businesses turning to WordPress to build and sell online courses. With the right LMS (Learning Management System) plugin, you can transform your WordPress site into a fully-functional online school, complete with course creation, student management, quizzes, certificates, and payment processing.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best WordPress plugins for creating and selling online courses, comparing features, pricing, and what makes each platform unique.
Quick Comparison: Best WordPress LMS Plugins 2026
| LMS Plugin | Best For | Starting Price | Free Version | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutor LMS | All-in-one solution | $199/year | Yes | Yes |
| LearnDash | Advanced features | $199/year | No | Yes |
| LifterLMS | Memberships + Courses | $120/year | Yes | Yes |
| Sensei LMS | WooCommerce users | $149/year | Yes | Native |
| LearnPress | Budget-friendly | $79/year | Yes | Yes |
What to Look for in a WordPress LMS Plugin
- Course Builder: Drag-and-drop interface for creating lessons and modules
- Payment Integration: Built-in or WooCommerce integration for selling courses
- Quiz & Assessment Tools: Multiple question types, grading, and certificates
- Student Management: Progress tracking and enrollment management
- Content Dripping: Schedule content release over time
- Membership Support: Recurring subscriptions and membership levels
Best WordPress LMS Plugins for Creating and Selling Online Courses
1. Tutor LMS
Tutor LMS by Themeum is one of the most feature-rich and user-friendly LMS plugins available for WordPress. It offers a complete solution for creating, managing, and selling online courses with an intuitive frontend course builder.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop course builder with frontend editing
- Advanced quiz system with 10+ question types
- Built-in video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet)
- Assignments, certificates, and gradebook
- Multiple payment gateways and WooCommerce integration
- Course marketplace with instructor commissions
- Mobile app available
Pros: Excellent free version, beautiful interface, strong multi-instructor support
Cons: Some advanced features require Pro, can be resource-intensive
Pricing: Free / Pro from $199/year
2. LearnDash
LearnDash is the industry-leading WordPress LMS used by Fortune 500 companies and major universities. Now part of StellarWP, it offers enterprise-grade features with WordPress flexibility.
Key Features:
- Advanced course builder with focus mode
- Sophisticated quiz engine with question banks
- Groups and group leader management
- Detailed reporting and analytics
- SCORM and xAPI support
- Integration with Zapier, bbPress, BuddyBoss
Pros: Most feature-rich, excellent for corporate training, proven at scale
Cons: No free version, steeper learning curve, higher price
Pricing: From $199/year
3. LifterLMS
LifterLMS is a powerful LMS that excels at combining courses with memberships. Popular among coaches and consultants building learning communities.
Key Features:
- Visual course builder with multimedia support
- Built-in membership functionality
- Engagement triggers and automation
- One-time payments, subscriptions, payment plans
- Private coaching and group areas
- Gamification with badges and achievements
Pros: Excellent membership + course combo, strong free core, great for community learning
Cons: Add-ons can add up, interface less modern
Pricing: Free / Universe Bundle $360/year
4. Sensei LMS
Sensei LMS is developed by Automattic (WordPress.com and WooCommerce). This means native, seamless integration with WooCommerce for selling courses.
Key Features:
- Block-based course editor (Gutenberg native)
- Native WooCommerce integration
- Learning mode for distraction-free learning
- Student progress tracking
- Course prerequisites and drip content
- Interactive blocks (flashcards, hotspots)
Pros: Built by Automattic, seamless WooCommerce, reliable long-term support
Cons: Fewer features than competitors, limited third-party integrations
Pricing: Free / Pro from $149/year
5. LearnPress
LearnPress by ThimPress is one of the most popular free LMS plugins with over 100,000 active installations.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive free core plugin
- Drag-and-drop curriculum builder
- Multiple quiz types and gradebook
- Course reviews and ratings
- WooCommerce and PayPal integration
- Certificates and badges (premium)
Pros: Most generous free version, affordable add-ons, lightweight
Cons: Premium add-ons needed for advanced features, slower support
Pricing: Free / Pro Bundle from $79/year
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Tutor LMS | LearnDash | LifterLMS | Sensei LMS | LearnPress |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Version | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quiz Types | 10+ | 8+ | 6+ | 5+ | 5+ |
| Certificates | Yes | Yes | Yes | Pro | Add-on |
| WooCommerce | Yes | Yes | Yes | Native | Yes |
| Memberships | Add-on | Add-on | Built-in | Add-on | Add-on |
| Mobile App | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Which LMS Should You Choose?
- Tutor LMS – Best all-in-one solution with modern interface
- LearnDash – Best for enterprise and corporate training
- LifterLMS – Best for memberships + courses combo
- Sensei LMS – Best for WooCommerce users
- LearnPress – Best budget-friendly option
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