D2L Brightspace vs Google Classroom

D2L Brightspace9.3Visit Google Classroom8.8Visit

Higher score D2L Brightspace #2 in E-Learning Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit D2L

vs

Google Classroom #7 in E-Learning Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 60-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 3 features Try Google Classroom

• D2L Brightspace fits best

  Institutions seeking a full-featured LMS

• Google Classroom fits best

  Schools wanting simple, low-cost class management

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	D2L Brightspace 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Google Classroom 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.8
Ranking	#2 in E-Learning Software	#7 in E-Learning Software
Best for	Institutions seeking a full-featured LMS	Schools wanting simple, low-cost class management
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Pricing on request	—
Free plan	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	60 days
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Web, iOS, Android
Support	Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs	Docs, Community · 24/7
Compliance	SOC 2, ISO 27001, SSO/SAML	GDPR, SSO/SAML
Integrations	6 integrations	9 integrations
Built for	Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features D2L Brightspace 1/3 · Google Classroom 1/3
Course authoring	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Live classes	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
API access	✓	✓
Specs
Max learners	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
SCORM or xAPI	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Mobile access	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Assessment types	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines course creation, assessments, grading and certificates. Supports analytics, personalized learning, and mobile access through Brightspace Pulse. Offers SAML SSO, REST APIs, OAuth integrations and LTI support.	Create classes, distribute work, grade submissions, and give feedback Google Forms, Drive, Docs, Meet, and Calendar integrations Web and mobile access, plus APIs for class and coursework management
Cons	Pricing is customized and requires contacting D2L. Mobile app availability and some features depend on institutional configuration. Its breadth may exceed the needs of teams seeking a narrowly focused learning tool.	Free access is limited to qualifying institutions Education Plus is bundled with Workspace for Education, not sold standalone Classroom's scope is less extensive than full LMS suites
Our verdict	D2L Brightspace brings course creation, content delivery, assessment and learner engagement into a cloud-based learning management platform. It is aimed at higher education, K-12 schools, training organizations, associations, businesses… Read the review →	Google Classroom gives schools and educational institutions a place to create and manage classes, share assignments and course materials, and track student work. Teachers can grade submissions, provide feedback, use rubrics and reusable… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• D2L Brightspace — where it wins

  • Combines course creation, assessments, grading and certificates.
  • Supports analytics, personalized learning, and mobile access through Brightspace Pulse.
  • Offers SAML SSO, REST APIs, OAuth integrations and LTI support.

  Where it doesn't

  • Pricing is customized and requires contacting D2L.
  • Mobile app availability and some features depend on institutional configuration.
  • Its breadth may exceed the needs of teams seeking a narrowly focused learning tool.

• Google Classroom — where it wins

  • Create classes, distribute work, grade submissions, and give feedback
  • Google Forms, Drive, Docs, Meet, and Calendar integrations
  • Web and mobile access, plus APIs for class and coursework management

  Where it doesn't

  • Free access is limited to qualifying institutions
  • Education Plus is bundled with Workspace for Education, not sold standalone
  • Classroom's scope is less extensive than full LMS suites

• D2L Brightspace9.3/10 · Pricing on request

  A broad LMS for institutions that need course delivery, assessment, analytics and integrations.

  Visit D2LFull verdict →
• Google Classroom8.8/10 · Free plan · 60-day trial

  A free class-management option for schools already working with Google Workspace.

  Try Google ClassroomFull verdict →