LearnDash Vs Teachable 2025: Which One Is The Better Option?

If you want to sell online courses, you’ve probably heard of LearnDash vs Teachable. But which one is right for you?

LearnDash is a WordPress plugin, meaning you need your own website to use it. It gives you more control over your courses and pricing. If you like to customize things, this could be a great choice.

Teachable, on the other hand, is an all-in-one platform. You don’t need a website—it hosts everything for you. It’s easier to use but offers less customization compared to LearnDash.

So, do you want more control or more convenience? That’s the key question. In this guide, we’ll compare both platforms to help you decide.

Let’s dive in!

Bottom Line Upfront: Teachable is a better option when compared to LearnDash in terms of its teaching style, course content, course creation and much more. Most of the users trusted Teachable and they are working and learning with Teachable ever since and I am one of them. Start creating course or learning with Teachable today.

LearnDash Vs Teachable: Overview

LearnDash

LearnDash is a WordPress learning management system (LMS) plugin that lets you create multimedia courses directly on your blog. With LearnDash, you’re in control of hosting all of your content.

LearnDash is a WordPress LMS plugin that focuses on the features of a Learning Management System.

You’ll probably need to install additional plug-ins and add-ons to build on its core features so you can have a positive user experience from start to finish. To make this possible, LearnDash has a robust marketplace of integrations and add-ons.

Teachable

Teachable allows users to build online Schools and then fill them with multimedia courses hosted on Teachable.

Teachable is a one-stop shop hosting your online classes, allowing you to take payments, offer courses, and send tailored emails to individual students based on registration, code redemption, and other criteria.

This is an intelligent way to keep costs down if you’re just getting started online. As you gain experience, I suggest options that give you complete control over your content and more flexibility.

LearnDash Vs Teachable: Features Comparison

1. Design & Flexibility

The teachable only drawback for brand-conscious entrepreneurs is the basic plan’s lack of theme customization. Still, it has come a long way since its inception and is evolving to keep up with the popularity of WordPress page builders for their Professional and Business plans.

Remember that if you sign up for the cheapest pricing tier, you won’t be able to delete the Teachable branding.

It’s a fantastic tool for beginners who aren’t too concerned about the look and feel of their pages, but it’s not suitable for those who want complete design control.

On Teachable business and professional plans, you get more customization choices, and you can get even more advanced customization if you dive into the Liquid programming language and edit models by hand.

Teachable has a variety of themes, but your strategy limits your choices. These choices are restricted to the Basic package. Furthermore, if you select the Basic plan, your course will include the Teachable watermark. Page builders are included in the Pro and Business plans to help you customize your course. If needed, you can also code your own course.

LearnDash, on the other hand, is a WordPress LMS plugin that works with any WordPress theme or builder plugin. Most page builders are compatible with their built-in course templates and focus mode.

The drag-and-drop editor in the built-in course builder makes it simple to add material and reuse lessons or topics from previous courses.

However, it lacks versatility regarding the look and feel of your course pages. Aside from a few color choices, you won’t have complete control over the course layout and design.

Since LearnDash is a WordPress plugin, you can access many UI/UX and sensitive themes. If you want to create your own course, LearnDash has a simple drag-and-drop builder for those with no design experience (though this tool lacks flexibility).

Not only that, but LearnDash will work with any theme you already have. If you prefer, you can also code your own theme.

2. Learning Experience

This is one crucial aspect where LearnDash clearly takes a healthy win compared to Teachable.  

LearnDash lets you add a quiz or evaluation at any point in a course, whether at the end, in a particular lesson, or on a specific subject.

Your choices are limitless, with 8 question types, timed tests, and the ability to submit any form of media as an input area. You may also request homework submissions after some lessons or subjects, issue report cards, and use grade books to monitor homework and evaluations.

LearnDash has also taken progress tracking to a new level in its most recent update, with course progress tracking baked right into the interface across all course levels. You can also use the built-in certificates in LearnDash to reward your members as soon as they finish a lesson. This is a fantastic way to encourage students to finish the content.

Although Teachable allows you to build tests to reinforce content and evaluate student retention, the quiz and question types available are restricted. Multiple choice and true/false answers are the only options for their questions.

Teachable, like LearnDash, has built-in certificates that you can use to recognize your students’ achievements after they complete a course. Teachable also allows you to delegate and review homework submissions for your students.

The teachable platform is also less user-friendly than LearnDash. You can include course material, quizzes, and other reinforcements on a single tab. After each class, LearnDash also supports homework assignments (if desired).

You have access to a grade book that allows you to keep track of student homework and quiz results. You may also use the website to keep track of your student’s progress. Instructors may also give report cards and certificates to students who have completed the course.

Teachable has also tested, but they don’t have as many as LearnDash. You can choose between true/false and multiple-choice quizzes. You can also allocate homework to your students. Teachers provide qualifications but not detailed grade books or the ability to distribute report cards.

These reinforcements can be found in the curriculum portion of your course. Teachable’s evaluation features are impressive, but they pale compared to LearnDash.

3. Integration With Your Marketing Automation Platform

To integrate Teachable with your preferred email service provider, you must use Zapier, a third-party app. You can also use Zapier or custom APIs to set up webhooks to send updates between your two systems.

Teachable’s built-in email automation feature allows you to submit individual emails based on user behavior within the platform. Transferring your assets to a new platform is challenging because Teachable hosts all of your content on its closed platform.

In reality, it currently only has the following native integrations:

• Google Analytics 
• Zapier
• Mailchimp
• Sumo
• ConvertKit
• Segment
• Calendar

With LearnDash, you’ll also need a third-party tool like Zapier or WPFusion to link your online courses hosted on your WordPress site to your CRM. Native integrations with email service providers such as ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit are unavailable.

Since LearnDash does not host your content, it is much easier to transfer your content to another e-learning site if you decide LearnDash isn’t right for you.

The following are some of the most popular LearnDash integrations:

• Mailchimp
• WooCommerce
• PayPal
• Stripe
• Slack
• ConvertKit
• 2checkout
• GamiPress
• Easy Digital Downloads

Teachable has longer features, so third-party integrations aren’t as essential. You also have less leverage over your properties because your content is hosted on Teachable servers. While you own the rights to your course material, switching platforms can be difficult.

LearnDash, on the other hand, has a plethora of integrations, all of which are important. You’ll almost certainly need and find plugins to expand Learndash’s features, from payment processing to marketing and everything in between.

4. eCommerce & Affiliate Program

Teachable has Stripe and PayPal integration and single-use and universal coupon codes. You can also build and sell upsells during the checkout process on the thank you tab.

Teachable’s plans all have integrated affiliate marketing functionality. Affiliates can monitor their referral reports and retrieve their specific links via an affiliate dashboard.

LearnDash has minimal built-in e-commerce features, but if you have a basic setup and only offer one-time payments for courses, you won’t need any additional plugins, and it natively integrates with PayPal, Stripe, and 2checkout.

You’ll need an add-on or a separate plugin if you’re using LearnDash and want to sell subscriptions or offer payment plans. The same can be said for affiliate functionality.

LearnDash’s costs and complexities begin to mount at this stage. The most significant financial difference is that Teachable charges a 5% transaction fee on their lowest tier, while LearnDash does not.

5. Extensibility

You’re hosting your website and courses on Teachable’s closed platform, and there’s no simple way to export your content if you cancel or plan to move on. As a result, if they plan to increase their prices or change their business model, you will feel trapped and unable to adapt.

Teachable is a closed framework, so you can’t quickly expand its features by adding add-ons and plugins. You’re restricted to Teachable’s core functionality if you incorporate an interactive forum, gamification, or other features that might enhance your courses.

In terms of extensibility, LearnDash is the polar opposite. They provide integrations to expand its core features, and it’s not uncommon for LearnDash users to install six or more plugins to ensure that everything works together to create a functional learning experience. However, be mindful of your tech stack, as the more plugins you add, the greater the chance that something could go wrong. 

Since LearnDash is a WordPress plugin, you’re not building your site on leased property, which is a plus in our book. LearnDash, on the other hand, uses a proprietary Custom Post Type to create courses, which allows you to designate modules and lessons. Your content is no longer available if you revoke your LearnDash license. 

Fortunately, certain plugins, such as AccessAlly, will assist you in retrieving and migrating your content if you plan to abandon this plugin.

6. Reporting & Analytics

To make it easier to handle students, LearnDash allows you to divide them into groups and subgroups. You can also run reports on various groups to get more segmented metrics.

You can produce comprehensive reports on registration, growth, and results with LearnDash. You can also sync the manual grading of your LearnDash quizzes and assignments with the Gradebook add-on to keep track of your student’s progress.

Teachable makes it easy to monitor revenue and gain insight into student success from a robust dashboard. Advanced course reporting resources are available on the Pro plan (and higher).

This shows how many lectures you’ve completed and how well you did on the quiz. Course reports will provide information on the success and interaction of your video material.

You will see how many students are enrolled in packs and how many are paying or subsidized, and compare these numbers to course completion rates. You will use the student leaderboard to see how well the students are doing. This contains information about the user’s advancement, rank, enrollment, and name.

Your earnings and overall revenue can be tracked using the transaction history of your sales reports. This includes information on affiliates, relevant classes, and discounts, as well as your preferred payment portal, your earnings in USD, the price of the courses, and the period you specify.

Teachable, on the other hand, provides more sophisticated monitoring resources. This is particularly valid when it comes to sales reports. Teachable can easily disclose this information because LearnDash does not handle its own payment processing.

7. Marketing Capabilities

Teachable can come in handy if you use email a lot. They have email automation features for communicating with platform users and sending newsletters. You can also use custom APIs or a third-party platform like Zapier to connect Teachable to your preferred email service provider.

Teachable also supports other integrations. For example, you can use Facebook Pixels and Google Analytics to monitor your web and social media results. Teachable is also special because you can personalize your courses using your logo and other information.

Teachable has some shortcomings in this area. If you spend a lot of time creating content, this isn’t the best choice. They also don’t have the choice to integrate your CRM, but you may ask about additional integrations by contacting their customer service.

Because LearnDash is a WordPress plugin, it is very convenient. WordPress provides the world’s strongest CMS framework, allowing you to build content and customize your website for SEO.

LearnDash, on the other hand, has many marketing features. For example, if you already have a CRM, you can use Zapier or another third-party tool to link it to LearnDash.

LearnDash also supports additional integrations. For example, you can use their alerts add-on to handle email correspondence or incorporate MailChimp or another email automation software. Google Analytics can also be integrated with your WordPress website. Any WordPress website can also use Facebook Pixel.

In general, LearnDash offers more marketing features than Teachable. Teachable is the way to go if you only want to host email marketing campaigns and monitor your results on the web and social media.

8. Payment Options

Since LearnDash does not manage payments, you’ll need to find a different plugin. Not only will this result in additional costs, but you’ll also have to invest time in testing to find the best online checkout solution for your business.

Although both tools have a variety of sale formats, I believe Teachable has nailed it with an integrated payment processor.

Quizzes, Tracking Progress, Homework, And Certificates:

In comparison to Teachable, here is where LearnDash shines.

You can add a quiz or assessment at any point in a course, whether at the end of the course, a specific lesson, or a topic, with LearnDash.

Your options are unlimited, with 8 questions kinds to pick from, timed exams, and the opportunity to enter any sort of media as an input field.

You can also require homework submissions following certain courses or themes, issue report cards, and use grade books to manage homework and assessments.

LearnDash has even taken progress tracking to a new level in its most recent edition, with course progress monitoring baked right into the layout across all course levels.

You can also use the built-in certificates in LearnDash to award your members as soon as they finish a course. This is a fantastic technique to encourage kids to finish the material.

While Teachable allows you to design assessments to reinforce curriculum and test student retention, the quiz and question kinds available are limited. Multiple-choice and true/false responses are the only options for their inquiries.

Teachable, like LearnDash, has built-in certificates that you can use to recognize your students’ achievements once they complete a course. Teachable also allows you to assign and analyze homework submissions for your students.

LearnDash Vs Teachable: Main Differences 

LearnDash and Teachable differ because LearnDash is a WordPress plugin, while Teachable is a standalone platform. As a result, some audience members will benefit from one over the other in this regard. The following are the key distinctions between Teachable and LearnDash:

• LearnDash focuses on online course design, while Teachable focuses on creating and selling online courses.
• Teachable is a standalone platform, while LearnDash is a WordPress LMS plugin.
• LearnDash provides learning tests, while Teachable does not.
• Teachable does not give any integrations, while LearnDash does.

Pros & Cons: LearnDash Vs Teachable 

LearnDash

Teachable 

FAQs On LearnDash Vs Teachable:

What Is an LMS?

A learning management system (LMS) is a piece of software that allows you to design and host online courses. Instructors can build, manage, report, track, distribute, and even automate online courses using LMS services like the two we're looking at.

Who Should Use LMS Platforms?

Using an LMS for course development would help anyone who wants to develop online courses. Though independent instructors are among the most frequent users, LMS platforms are now being used by businesses to train their employees.

What is Teachable?

Teachable is a common online course hosting platform that offers a wide range of features at an affordable price. Its primary purpose is to create high-quality teaching websites and online interactive lectures.

What can I do with Teachable?

Teachable's integrated eCommerce tools allow all generated content to be sold. Business admin users can control their branding, student data, and messaging from a single platform. The Power Editor on the platform also allows you to customize the look of a course's homepage and landing page.

What are the key features offered by Teachable?

Teachable provides a variety of marketing tools, including discounts, deals, pricing customization, affiliate schemes, and sales pages. The drag-and-drop website builder is one feature that stands out.

What is LearnDash?

LearnDash is a WordPress learning management system plugin that instantly transforms every WordPress site into a functional learning management system. Big brands, major universities, best-selling writers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs all use it.

What can I do with LearnDash?

LearnDash makes it simple for users to build courses with tutorials, subjects, quizzes, and categories. LearnDash has a drip feed content feature that allows each course to be scheduled according to the author's preferences. There are a variety of test management resources available, each with multiple question styles, allowing authors to develop interactive, engaging courses that follow the latest e-learning industry trends.

What are the key features offered by LearnDash?

Multi-tier courses, drip-feed material, lesson timers, customizable prerequisites, forums, certificates, badges, and more are all available via LearnDash.

Which platform is suitable for WordPress websites?

If you're familiar with WordPress, you'll be pleased to learn that learn dash's content development platform is very close. Since LearnDash is built on WordPress, you can host other features like ads, various membership levels, and payments. These choices can be found on the dashboard.

Is Teachable suitable for creating professional courses?

Teachable is the place to go if you want to take a serious course. You can build and publish classes, accept payments, and host various marketing campaigns, including email newsletters. You can also use their dashboard to access these features.

Which platform offers better customer support?

To be honest, both businesses have bad customer service, but Teachable does far more than LearnDash. Teachable service varies depending on the plan you buy. All plans provide email support; everyone can access TeachableU, a learning library. All users can watch a webinar that walks you through the product when they sign up, but those with Pro and Business accounts will also have access to live chat. LearnDash only provides email assistance, and it is only available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quick Links:

• Teachable Pricing Plans
• LearnDash Vs LifterLMS
• Graphy VS LearnDash
• WP Courseware vs LearnDash

Conclusion: Teachable Vs Learndash 2025

LearnDash is the clear winner in this round. They are less expensive and provide more marketing, integrations, architecture, and learning reinforcements.

They lose points for not providing a free trial and having small customer service options, but LearnDash certainly gives you more bang for your buck.

That isn’t to suggest that no teacher can use Teachable. For instructors who already have a WordPress website, LearnDash is an excellent option. Teachable could be the best choice to create a course from the ground up.