eLearning Platform vs. LMS: Understanding the Key Differences

Two of the most commonly discussed online learning tools are eLearning platforms and Learning Management Systems (LMS). This can get very confusing because while an LMS is technically a type of eLearning platform (and if that is all you wanted to know, you don't need to read any further or watch the video embedded above and linked here), people tend to use these terms interchangeably. And, there really isn't an eLearning technology that exists today that is a true LMS either. Therefore, if you really want to learn what the eLearning landscape looks like in 2025 and beyond, I highly recommend that you continue reading, or my preference would be for you to watch the video embedded above (and linked here) to not only learn about what is out there, but learn how to use the best tools on the market to grow your business today. 

So... what is the difference between an LMS and an eLearning Platform?

At a fundamental level, an LMS is a type of eLearning platform, but not all eLearning platforms are LMS. eLearning platforms refer to any online system that delivers educational content, whether structured courses, video tutorials, or interactive learning experiences. An LMS, however, focuses more specifically on managing, tracking, and delivering formalized training.

An LMS is particularly useful for organizations that require structured learning paths, compliance tracking, and administrative control. These systems store course materials, assign learning modules, monitor learner progress, and generate reports on user engagement. Traditional LMS tools were designed primarily for internal corporate training and academic institutions.

In contrast, modern eLearning platforms go beyond structured learning management. They incorporate elements such as AI-driven personalization, gamification, social learning, and eCommerce capabilities. This evolution has led to the rise of Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) and the Business Management System (BMS), which prioritize user engagement, content discovery, and giving you all the tools you need to run your entire business, not just host your online courses and elearning programs.

Types of eLearning Platforms

To better understand how eLearning platforms function, it’s helpful to categorize them based on their core features and capabilities.

1. LMS vs. LXP

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Focus on structured content delivery, tracking progress, and compliance reporting. Examples include TalentCards (well kind of, TalentCards is more of a basic LXP, but I had to give you an example of something).
• Learning Experience Platforms (LXP): Prioritize personalized learning, AI-driven content recommendations, and interactive experiences. Examples include TalentLMS (weird that it has LMS in the name, but is an LXP right? - this is why this can be confusing)

2. Business Management Systems (BMS)

• These platforms integrate eLearning with business functions like customer relationship management (CRM), payment processing, and email marketing.
• Kajabi and LearnWorlds are prime examples, combining course hosting with marketing and sales tools.

3. Authoring Tools

• Standalone software for creating eLearning content, often used in conjunction with an LMS. Examples include Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, and the lesser known (and my favorite) Descript.
• A lot of platforms, like TalentLMS, offer built-in authoring tools to streamline content creation (and TalentLMS may have the best internal authoring tool on the market - TalentCraft, so you should grab your free trial of TalentLMS here and get access to my free online course - TalentLMS Made Simple to access TalentCraft for free today).

Internal vs. External eLearning Platforms

The way an organization or educator plans to use an eLearning platform will determine whether an internal or external system is the better choice.

• Internal eLearning Platforms

  • Used primarily for employee training, skill development, and corporate compliance.
  • Typically designed for structured learning, with administrative oversight and performance tracking.
  • Examples: TalentLMS and TalentCards, corporate LMSs focused on workforce development.

• External eLearning Platforms

  • Designed for selling courses, marketing educational content, or building an audience.
  • Often include eCommerce features, community engagement, and content discovery tools.
  • Examples: Kajabi and LearnWorlds, which allows creators to sell and market online courses.

Final Thoughts and Examples of Versatile eLearning Platforms

To illustrate how these platforms function in practice, let’s look at a few well-known examples that serve different purposes.

1. Kajabi (External eLearning Platform - All-in-One BMS )

• Combines course creation, marketing, and business management tools.
• Ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, and content creators selling courses.
• Provides built-in website hosting, email marketing, and payment processing.

2. Talent LMS (Internal eLearning Platform - LXP with Authoring Capabilities )

• Offers structured course management with tracking and reporting.
• Integrates an authoring tool, Talent Craft, for AI-enhanced course creation.
• Best suited for corporate training, onboarding, and compliance courses.

3. Descript (Video-Driven Authoring Tool)

• A powerful tool for creating and editing video-based educational content.
• Ideal for educators and businesses leveraging multimedia learning.
• Integrates AI transcription, voice synthesis, and podcast production.

4. YouTube (Open eLearning Platform with Mass Reach)

• Not a traditional LMS, but a massive eLearning ecosystem.
• Ideal for free educational content, audience building, and monetization.
• Many educators use YouTube to drive traffic to paid courses on platforms like Kajabi.