Head-to-head · Learning Management Systems
D2L Brightspace vs Open LMS
D2L Brightspace leads on 0 checks, Open LMS on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreD2L Brightspace · 9.3/10
D2L Brightspace scores higher on our rubric for learning management systems: 9.3 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #15.
D2L Brightspace is the better fit for personalized learning in established institutions. Open LMS is the better fit for enterprise Moodle-based deployments.
- D2L Brightspace fits best
Personalized learning in established institutions
- Open LMS fits best
Enterprise Moodle-based deployments
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Side by side
| Feature | D2L Brightspace 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Open LMS 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Learning Management Systems | #15 in Learning Management Systems |
| Best for | Personalized learning in established institutions | Enterprise Moodle-based deployments |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Pricing on request | — |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs | Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Compliance | SOC 2, ISO 27001, SSO/SAML | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, SSO/SAML |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 14 integrations |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features D2L Brightspace 5/5 · Open LMS 5/5 | ||
| Assessments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Certificates | ✓ | ✓ |
| SSO support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Learner limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | D2L Brightspace is a cloud-based learning management system for higher education, K–12 schools, businesses, government organizations, associations, and training providers. It supports course creation and delivery, personalized learning,… Read the review → |
Open LMS is a Moodle-based SaaS learning management system for higher-education institutions, businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations. It covers course delivery, quizzes, assignments, grading, assessments, reporting,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
D2L Brightspace — where it wins
- Personalized learning with progress tracking and analytics
- Assessments, rubrics, outcomes, badges, and PDF certificates
- SAML SSO, LTI integrations, APIs, and Brightspace Pulse mobile access
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a customized contact-sales process
- Feature availability can depend on configuration or package
- Its broad institutional scope may exceed smaller teams' needs
Open LMS — where it wins
- Personalized pathways, adaptive recommendations, and analytics
- Multitenancy, delegated administration, SSO, and REST web services
- Branded mobile learning with offline access and H5P authoring
Where it doesn't
- Quote-based pricing limits upfront cost comparison
- No free plan is available
- Its enterprise scope may exceed simple training needs
- D2L Brightspace9.3/10 · Pricing on request
A feature-rich LMS for institutions that need personalization, assessment, analytics, and integrations.
Try D2L BrightspaceFull verdict → - Open LMS8.0/10 · Pricing on request
A broad Moodle-based LMS for organizations needing enterprise learning controls.
Visit Open LMSFull verdict →
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All learning management systems comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






