Comparison of the best e-learning authoring tools
Not all authoring tools are easy to use or have the same features. That’s why we have created the best e-learning authoring tools’ comparison so that you can start asking yourself the right questions to choose your ideal course creation tool.
What should I look for in an e-learning authoring tool?
When comparing authoring tools, it isn’t easy to know where to start. Depending on your needs, some features or benefits will be more vital than others. Here are some tips that can help you choose the right one for you:
Look for a simple and intuitive authoring tool that doesn’t require previous training, with templates that help you create your content quickly and with many interactives ready to use.
Ensure the tool has an easy-to-use editor that allows you to see the result while editing (WYSIWYG), saving time and avoiding frustration.
Finally, assess whether the tool meets your distribution needs. Some e-learning authoring tools offer an integrated distribution system (an All-in-one platform). With this feature, you won’t have to worry about uploading your courses to other platforms.
In this case, you should avoid e-learning authoring tools focused on technical profiles and look for the latest-generation software. Using the authoring tool’s old version required significant time and effort to develop courses.
Luckily, now there are tools with plenty of ready-to-use interactive resources and stunningly designed templates so that you can focus only on your content. You’ll see that you can get incredible results without worrying about technical issues.
If you don’t know how to take advantage of your current tool, the rest of the team doesn’t know how to use it, and you don’t want to invest in training; if all your courses look alike and you can’t quickly customize them; then the time has come to look for alternatives.
Look for an online course creation software that is intuitive and easy to use and that allows you to achieve incredible results. A reliable tool in which you and your coworkers feel comfortable.
You can find alternatives in the market with a free trial, which can help you to make a suitable choice. Find the e-learning authoring tool that works for you the best!
An LMS implementation process can be long and expensive. Luckily, some e-learning authoring tools provide a built-in distribution system, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Keep in mind that not all tools offer equally complete solutions. Look for the one that helps you organize your audience efficiently, provides accurate tracking statistics, and allows you to create certificates.
You should also ensure you can view the courses and the distribution platform on mobile devices without problems.
If you need an affordable authoring tool, look for one you can hire monthly (not all of them allow it). Remember that an easy-to-use tool will save time and improve your project’s profitability. Also, you should be able to have a free trial for as long as you need before taking the shot.
If you have an LMS (such as isEazy LMS, Moodle, Cornerstone, Blackboard, or SuccessFactors), you are interested in having an e-learning content creation tool that does not give you problems. Check the compatibility of the tool with your LMS before taking the step.
A thrilling option is that your authoring tool offers you its distribution system to cover all the situations in which you cannot use your LMS (training of external collaborators, the need for greater agility when convening courses, etc.).
The training success depends on being able to connect with your students, and not only because of the content. Training through PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, or very static courses will not help you get your learners engaged and motivated to learn.
A good e-learning strategy should stimulate the curiosity of your audience. Look for a tool with fun and ready-to-use interactive resources, like exercises and games.
Whether you are a freelancer or work in an e-learning content factory, you need to adapt to your clients’ needs. For this reason, when choosing an authoring tool, consider how it will allow you to personalize your courses based on your client’s corporate branding.
We’re not only talking about just the logo but a complete customization: Colors, fonts, images, slide layouts, etc. New features such as SmartColors have emerged that allow you to change the entire color palette of your project in a matter of seconds, saving much time.
The e-learning course creation is being delegated to each organization’s different experts, even if they don’t belong to the training department. If this is your case, you should opt for a cloud-based tool that allows you to have all your projects centralized and organized. That does not require installation (especially If you have employees working remotely) and will enable you to quickly give and remove permissions to collaborators.
Your authoring tool must offer the possibility to edit projects collaboratively, be easy to use, and allows the creation of corporate templates so that the contents are homogeneous.
If you need to create courses in several languages, you should pay special attention to features that can speed up the translation of your content.
It would be best to look for an e-learning authoring tool that allows you to export and import your texts in formats compatible with translators. Also, some tools will enable you to use the latest advances in neural networks to perform automatic translations without worrying about anything.
Comparison of the best e-learning authoring tools
USER EXPERIENCE
Fully cloud based
WYSIWYG
Intuitive / not training required
High Performance user interface
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CUSTOMIZATION
Full Corporate Branding & Corporate fonts
Style templates library
Image Filters
Style templates editor
SmartColors
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COLLABORATION
Shared environments & folders
Collaborative project editing
Permission management + Team managment
Transfer projects
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ENGAGEMENT
Auto-Responsiveness on all gadgets
More than 25 interactives
Gamification
Horizontal & vertical navigation
Sequential navigation
Voice Over & Subtitles
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PRODUCTIVITY
Stock images bank
Restore points
Auto-translation
Autosave
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DISTRIBUTION
Export LMS (SCORM/xApi)/Web/Link
All in one platform (LMS Lite)
Certifications
Learners Groups Managment
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HELP
Academy
Live Webinars
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PRICING
Freemium account
Flexible pricing for adding extra authors
Monthly Subscription
Pricing starts at
- $759
$69/Month
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- $4788
$469/Month
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- $1,299
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- $1,035
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- $1,099
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- $979
POPULARITY
Customers rating (G2Crowd)
- 4.9
- 4.5
- 4.7
- 4.8
- 4.6
- 4.9
Comparison of the best e-learning authoring tools
Advantages of isEazy Author
All-in-one platform
Create, distribute, and analyze your courses effortlessly.
Intuitive and powerful
Only worry about the content and maximize your productivity. 
Adapted to your needs
As many authors as you need, collaborative editing, role management. 
More than 25 interactive ready-to-use
Developed to engage, enjoy, and learn.
Spectacular results with your corporate image
Personalize your courses in seconds with SmartColors.
Free trial, no strings attached, no waiting
Discover isEazy Author and fall in love.
We understand if you need more opinions!
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Over 1,000 brands around the world trust isEazy Author to create their trainings.
Lena Seeger Human Resources Development Specialist en Fischer
Carmen María López Fernández de Córdoba Learning Contents Factory Team Leader at Vodafone
Lidia Krasowski Head of CSM for Enterprise Customers at Sellics
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