We work with a lot of different customers across a lot of different industries. That means we know exactly which L&D tools are top of the list for leaders in the space.
Companies wanting to gain a competitive edge can do so with the right tools in play.
And when it comes to providing growth opportunities to your people, that’s where learning and development comes into play and more specifically, learning and development tools.
The right suite of tools can help you build more courses more easily, scale your learning output and create more impact.
Keep reading to learn more about different types of learning and development tools and which are the best.
Let’s get started.
Here are the basics
Businesses that prioritise L&D see higher productivity, better retention, stronger innovation, and ultimately healthier bottom lines.
But only when those efforts are well-designed and supported by the right tools do the benefits fully kick in.
Here are some numbers that make the case:
- Organisations with a strong learning culture experience 57% higher employee retention.
- Companies investing in training tend to be 21% more profitable than those that don’t.
- 94% of employees say they’d stay longer with a company if it invested in their learning and development.
- Upskilling and reskilling are identified by 59% of L&D professionals globally as their top priority.
Types of learning and development tools
There’s a diverse range of L&D tools on the market that can help you to:
- Upskill employees
- Curate and deliver learning experiences
- Prove your impact
Here are the key learning and development tools you need for your organisation:
Learning management systems (LMS) are platforms that deliver and track structured training programs, making them the backbone of compliance, onboarding, and certification learning.
Learning experience platforms (LXP) focus on personalised and learner-driven experiences, using AI recommendations and social features to encourage continuous, self-directed learning.
Content authoring tools allow organisations to create interactive training modules, quizzes, and simulations without needing advanced coding skills, making it easier to produce custom content.
Microlearning platforms deliver training in short, focused bursts, often mobile-friendly and gamified, ideal for reinforcing knowledge and supporting learning in the flow of work.
Performance Support Tools (EPSS) embed real-time guidance into workplace applications, offering tooltips or walkthroughs at the moment of need to boost productivity and reduce errors.
What to consider when choosing an LMS
The next part is the tricky bit. Deciding what tool is the right fit and which is going to work best for you and your team is so important.
Luckily, we pick out our top picks for each, and how to choose the right one for you.
How to choose learning and development tools
With so many learning and development tools available, choosing the right ones can feel overwhelming.
The key is to start with your business goals rather than the technology itself.
Ask: What outcomes are we trying to achieve: compliance, skills growth, faster onboarding, or improved employee engagement?
The answer will help you narrow down the toolset you need.
Consider the size and structure of your workforce.
A global, hybrid team may benefit more from virtual classroom platforms and mobile-friendly microlearning than a small, co-located group that thrives on in-person sessions.
Likewise, organisations in highly regulated industries often prioritise robust LMSs with strong reporting capabilities, while fast-moving, innovation-driven companies may lean toward LXPs that encourage self-directed, continuous learning.
It’s also important to weigh integration and scalability.
The best L&D tools should work seamlessly with your existing HR or collaboration systems and be able to grow as your organisation expands.
Finally, think about your content strategy.
Do you need authoring tools to build custom courses, or does it make more sense to license pre-built content?
Many businesses adopt a mix: structured training through an LMS, bite-sized reinforcement through microlearning platforms, and in-the-moment support via performance support tools.
The right choice isn’t about finding a “one-size-fits-all” solution, it’s about creating a balanced ecosystem of tools that align with your people, culture, and business priorities.
Our pick of the best learning and development tools
- Totara, with BuildEmpire Totara is an open-source LMS that delivers all the key learning features you need to create a robust, learner-focused platform.
BuildEmpire is a platinum partner that offers all the core Totara tools, but also has its own Edition which gives extra bits like the gamification plugin, or bonus dashboard blocks. - Elucidat Elucidat is an authoring tool that simplifies course creation for SMEs with built-in templates, collaboration, translations etc.
This makes it so much easier to scale high-quality content and means you can spend more time on other tasks in your to-do list. - 7Taps 7Taps is a microlearning platform that can take all of your learning content on upload and break it down into quality micro content.
It’s not filled with fluff by AI so you’re guaranteed good quality content. Simple to use with a simple UI, it’s as simple as dragging and dropping content and clicking a button. - Camtasia Camtasia is a user-friendly video recording and editing tool designed with L&D professionals in mind. Camtasia simplifies the process with pre-built video templates and a library of ready-to-use assets.
Its drag-and-drop editor ensures smooth navigation, while the built-in collection of royalty-free music helps you to create polished, professional-quality videos.
The best learning and development tools, by type
L&D has evolved into a vast ecosystem of tools designed to make learning more engaging, measurable, and impactful.
With so many platforms available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially since no single tool can meet every organisational need.
The key is to understand the categories these tools fall into and how each type supports different aspects of the learning journey.
Best learning management systems
At the heart of many corporate learning strategies lies the LMS.
Think of it as the backbone of L&D operations; a centralised hub where training is created, delivered, and tracked.
An LMS helps organisations manage everything from compliance courses and onboarding programs to continuous skills development, all while providing insights into learner progress and performance.
Here are our top picks:
Totara
Totara Learn is Totara’s enterprise LMS, now enhanced with everything that used to be in Totara Engage.
This means formal & structured learning (courses, programmes, certifications) plus informal learning, social learning, peer collaboration and content curation are all in one unified platform.
For organisations, this consolidation simplifies things: fewer separate systems, less complexity in rolling out and managing informal learning, and a more integrated learner experience.
From version 19 onwards, features like workspaces, forums, user-generated content, libraries, a modern catalogue, and collaborative content sharing (which were parts of Engage) are standard in Totara Learn.
Because Learn now covers both formal and informal learning, it’s more appealing for organisations who want to build a culture of continuous learning (not just compliance or structured training).
Also, bundling the features reduces overheads: fewer subscriptions, less integration work, fewer context switches for learners.
Strengths
- Comprehensive platform: supports both formal structured learning and informal / social / collaborative learning in the same system.
- Rich learner engagement tools: workspaces, forums, user-generated content, libraries etc. built in.
- Modern, improved UI/UX: better catalogue, search functionality, mobile-friendly design, cleaner navigation.
- Simplification: fewer systems to manage, less integration work, more consistent learner journey.
- Scalability and flexibility: it keeps Totara’s open architecture, powerful audience controls, reporting, multi-tenancy etc. so can serve large and complex organisations.
💡 Pro Tip
BuildEmpire is a platinum partner of Totara. We have our own Edition which includes extra plugins like gamification and eCommerce, as well as unique dashboard blocks to help you customise your platforms.
Check out our Edition in detail
360Learning
360Learning is a collaborative learning platform that emphasises peer-driven learning and knowledge sharing.
Unlike traditional LMS platforms that rely on top-down training, 360Learning enables employees and subject matter experts to co-create content, ensuring training stays relevant, up to date, and aligned with actual workflows.
The platform is particularly effective for organisations looking to scale learning across distributed teams, as it combines learning management features with collaboration tools similar to those found in modern workplace apps.
The platform’s key advantage lies in its emphasis on collaborative course creation, where employees themselves can generate and refine content, reducing bottlenecks in training design.
Social learning features such as discussion forums, reactions, and peer feedback make learning more engaging and interactive.
Combined with strong analytics and an intuitive interface, 360Learning empowers organisations to foster a culture of continuous learning while aligning training closely with business goals.
Strengths:
- Collaborative course creation tools
- Strong social learning features
- Easy scalability for large organisations
- Intuitive and modern interface
TalentLMS
TalentLMS is a cloud-based learning management system designed to simplify training delivery for organisations of all sizes.
It provides a streamlined, user-friendly interface that makes it easy for administrators to set up courses and for learners to navigate them. Companies often adopt TalentLMS for onboarding, compliance training, and professional development because it balances robust functionality with accessibility.
One of its biggest strengths is its flexibility: businesses can brand their portal, gamify courses, and integrate the platform with tools like Zoom, Salesforce, or Slack.
Gamification features such as points, badges, and leader boards keep learners motivated, while mobile accessibility ensures training can be consumed anywhere. TalentLMS is especially valuable for organisations seeking a scalable, cost-effective LMS that’s easy to implement without heavy technical resources.
Strengths
- Simple and user-friendly set-up
- Customisable branding options
- Gamification features to boost engagement
- Supports both compliance and employee training
Titus Learning
Titus Learning specialises in delivering customised eLearning solutions by tailoring platforms like Moodle and Totara to client needs.
It is especially well regarded in education, where schools and universities require systems that are not only feature-rich but also personalised to different teaching and learning styles.
Titus provides consultancy and ongoing support, ensuring institutions can maximise the value of their learning systems over time.
Unlike out-of-the-box LMS providers, Titus is highly customisable and adaptable, meaning it can be aligned to complex requirements such as blended learning models, multi-language support, or intricate reporting needs.
Its integration capabilities also make it a strong choice for organisations that rely on multiple systems working together seamlessly. Beyond technology, Titus’ consultancy services differentiate it, providing organisations with both the platform and the expertise to ensure their learning strategy delivers measurable outcomes.
Strengths
- Highly customisable for unique needs
- Strong integration with existing systems
- Focus on education and corporate training
- Reliable support and consultancy services
Accipio
Accipio is a learning technology consultancy known for its deep expertise in implementing Moodle and Totara platforms.
The company works closely with organisations to design solutions that not only deliver learning but also enhance business performance. This focus on impact-driven training distinguishes Accipio from LMS providers that emphasise technology alone.
Accipio’s services extend beyond just deploying LMS platforms; they include consultancy, performance improvement frameworks, and change management support.
Organisations can rely on Accipio to create tailored learning ecosystems that are scalable and aligned with corporate strategy.
This makes it an excellent partner for companies seeking not just tools but also strategic guidance to ensure learning investments translate into measurable improvements in employee performance and organisational efficiency.
Strengths
- Deep expertise in Moodle/Totara platforms
- Offers consulting and training alongside technology
- Strong focus on impact and performance improvement
- Scalable for SMEs to large enterprises
Best learning and development tools to add to your tech stack
While an LMS often serves as the foundation of an organization’s learning ecosystem, it’s rarely the whole story.
To create a modern, impactful L&D strategy, you’ll want to layer in complementary tools that address different learning needs and formats.
OttoLearn
OttoLearn is a microlearning platform built to deliver adaptive, bite-sized training experiences.
Unlike traditional LMS platforms, OttoLearn focuses on continuous, daily reinforcement of knowledge through short modules that can be completed in minutes.
This approach aligns with how people learn and retain information best: in small, repetitive bursts rather than long, infrequent training sessions.
Its adaptive learning engine ensures that learners are presented with content based on their prior performance, targeting knowledge gaps and reinforcing weaker areas.
Strengths
- Adaptive learning paths
- Short, engaging micro-content
- Mobile-first design
- Continuous reinforcement of knowledge
WorkRamp
WorkRamp is an all-in-one learning platform that supports both employee training and external education, such as customer onboarding and partner enablement.
It’s designed to streamline learning across the business ecosystem, helping companies not only improve internal performance but also enhance customer experience and product adoption.
This dual-purpose design makes WorkRamp especially appealing to growing SaaS companies and enterprises with complex training needs.
Strengths
- Unified platform for internal and external learning
- Strong analytics and reporting tools
- Supports customer onboarding and success training
- Intuitive interface with scalable features
Articulate
Articulate is a suite of tools designed for creating high-quality, interactive eLearning content. Its flagship products include Storyline, known for its powerful authoring capabilities, and Rise, which enables responsive, web-based course creation.
Articulate also offers Review for stakeholder feedback, Content Library for templates and assets, and training resources to support developers.
Strengths
- Industry-leading course authoring tools
- Responsive course design with Rise
- Easy collaboration and feedback via Review 360
- Large content library of templates and assets
Synthesia
Synthesia is an AI-driven video creation platform that enables organisations to generate professional training and marketing videos without cameras, actors, or studios.
Users can select from a library of realistic AI avatars and voices or even create custom avatars to represent their brand. This dramatically reduces the time and cost associated with traditional video production.
Strengths
- Quick, cost-effective video creation
- Multilingual support for global audiences
- Customisable AI avatars and voices
- Easy updates and scalability for training videos
Confluence
Confluence, developed by Atlassian, is a team collaboration and knowledge management platform. It serves as a digital workspace where teams can document processes, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects in real time.
By centralising information, Confluence reduces silos and ensures knowledge is accessible across the organisation
Strengths
- Powerful wiki-style documentation
- Seamless integration with Jira and Atlassian tools
- Great for centralising company knowledge
- Real-time team collaboration features
Loom
Loom is a video messaging tool that enables users to record and share screen captures, webcam videos, or a combination of both.
It’s widely adopted in workplaces for asynchronous communication, allowing employees to provide walkthroughs, updates, or feedback without the need for meetings.
By turning communication into short, shareable videos, Loom makes knowledge transfer more efficient and personal than written messages alone.
Strengths
- Fast, simple video recording and sharing
- Ideal for asynchronous communication
- Supports screen + webcam recording
- Speeds up feedback and onboarding
Guru
Guru is a knowledge management system that delivers relevant information to employees directly within their workflow. It integrates seamlessly with everyday tools like Slack, Chrome, and Microsoft Teams, so users don’t need to leave their workflow to access critical information.
This makes it especially powerful for sales and support teams who need instant answers while interacting with customers.
Strengths
- Real-time, in-workflow knowledge sharing
- AI-powered search for quick answers
- Browser extension for easy access
- Great for sales enablement and customer support
AhaSlides
AhaSlides is an interactive presentation tool that transforms static presentations into engaging experiences through polls, quizzes, word clouds, and live Q&A sessions.
It is widely used in education, training, and corporate settings where audience participation is critical. By encouraging interaction, AhaSlides helps presenters keep audiences engaged and ensures higher retention of information.
Strengths
- Interactive live polling and quizzes
- Audience engagement through gamification
- Easy integration with existing slides
- Cloud-based and mobile-friendly
Wrapping up
Choosing the right L&D tools isn’t about picking the flashiest platform or chasing the latest trend, it’s about understanding your learners, your organisational goals, and the gaps in your current training ecosystem.
By looking at tools by type, from LMSs and LXPs to content creation, coaching, and analytics platforms, you can start to see how each piece plays a distinct role in driving engagement, skill development, and measurable outcomes.
The most effective L&D tech stacks are strategic, integrated, and flexible.
They allow you to deliver structured learning while also supporting self-directed, experiential, and social learning opportunities.
By carefully combining the right tools, you can create a learning ecosystem that not only meets the needs of today’s workforce but also adapts as those needs evolve.
In the end, the best L&D tools are the ones that help your people grow—and your organisation thrive.
