The Best LMSs for Online Employee Training and Development in 2025 (and beyond)

Ever feel like there are too many options when it comes to eLearning technology and trying to select the right platform to serve you and your organization's training and development needs? Well, with thousands of learning management systems (LMSs) available, selecting the right one for your organization can feel overwhelming - this is exactly why I created this video (linked here and embedded above) to cut through the crap and help you select the best LMS for online employee training and development in 2025 and beyond.

Understanding Internal vs. External LMSs

Internal Learning Management Systems

Internal LMSs are designed specifically for training employees, contractors, and team members. These systems focus on employee engagement, offering performance tracking and rewards for completing training. Many internal LMSs integrate analytics that align with key performance indicators (KPIs), providing valuable insights into employee development beyond the LMS environment. Organizations focused on workforce training should consider internal LMSs to enhance employee growth and efficiency.

External Learning Management Systems

External LMSs cater to businesses looking to market and sell online courses, eLearning programs, and other digital products. These platforms include features such as website builders, landing page creators, and email marketing tools to attract and convert leads. If your company aims to monetize courses, an external LMS with e-commerce features, payment processing, and customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities will be most beneficial.

Desktop vs. Mobile-Focused LMSs

While most LMSs are accessible on both desktop and mobile, some specialize in mobile-first experiences. For organizations with a workforce that operates in the field or remotely, choosing a mobile-optimized LMS ensures training is accessible anytime, anywhere.

The Best LMSs for Online Employee Training in 2025

I highly recommend that you watch the video (linked here and above) in order to get a detailed look at each LMS and see how to use some of their best features to start training your employees and other team members today.

TalentCards: Best Mobile-First Internal LMS

Overview: TalentCards is a mobile-focused LMS ideal for organizations with an on-the-go workforce. It delivers training in bite-sized formats designed for smartphone learning.

Key Features:

• Free Trial for Small Teams: We can offer you an unlimited free trial of TalentCards for up to five users, making it an excellent option for small businesses testing new training methods. By using our link you will also gain access to our free bonus course - TalentCards Made Simple to help you get everything setup in TalentCards as efficiently and effectively as possible so you can start training your employees and team members as soon as possible.

• Optimized for Field Workers: Ideal for industries like HVAC, construction, and sales, where employees benefit from quick, accessible learning modules.

• Gamified Learning Experience: A built-in leaderboard fosters motivation and engagement among employees.

• Simple Course Creation: Users can design 'card sets' with videos, text, and AI-driven content, ensuring a streamlined learning experience.

• Data-Driven Insights: The platform provides analytics that track employee progress and link training outcomes to key business metrics.

TalentLMS: Best Customizable Internal LMS

Overview: TalentLMS is a versatile platform internal learning management system that integrates easily with HR software and offers extensive customization.

Key Features:

• Free Trial for Small Teams: We can offer you an unlimited free trial of TalentLMS for up to five users, making it an excellent option for small businesses testing new training methods. By using our link you will also gain access to our free bonus course - TalentLMS Made Simple to help you get everything setup in TalentLMS as efficiently and effectively as possible so you can start training your employees and team members as soon as possible.

• Multi-Purpose Functionality: TalentLMS supports employee training and franchise or multi-location training needs.

• Advanced Analytics: Businesses can track performance by department or office, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

• Built-In Course Authoring: TalentLMS includes native tools (like TalentCraft) for course creation, reducing the need for third-party authoring software.

• Cost-Effective Pricing: Despite its extensive features, TalentLMS remains competitively priced, offering significant value.

Kajabi: External LMS that Can Be Used as an Internal LMS

Overview: Kajabi is ideal if you are looking to both market and sell online courses and eLearning programs and train your employees.

Key Features:

• 30-Day Free Trial of Kajabi: Using our link you will be able to get an extended free trial of Kajabi and gain exclusive access to our bonus online course - Kajabi Made Simple for free to help you get Kajabi up and running so you can start selling your courses and training your employees by the time you start paying for Kajabi after your 30-day free trial.

• Comprehensive Course Creation: Beyond standard course creation, Kajabi enables the development of coaching programs, communities, and podcasts.

• Marketing & Sales Tools: Built-in website hosting, email marketing, and landing page creation make it easy to market courses.

• Internal Training Capabilities: While primarily designed for course commerce, Kajabi supports internal training with features like bulk enrollments and coupon-based access.

• Advanced Analytics: Organizations can leverage data insights to refine training strategies and improve employee engagement.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right LMS for online employee training is a strategic decision that directly impacts workforce development and business success. TalentCards, TalentLMS, and Kajabi are among the best options for 2025, each catering to different needs—whether mobile-first training, comprehensive corporate learning, or course monetization. By evaluating your organization’s specific training goals, you can select an LMS that enhances employee skills, engagement, and overall productivity for a very reasonable price (and even get things started for free).