15 Best eLearning Authoring Tools in 2024 

Finding the best eLearning authoring tools is crucial for creating engaging and effective online courses. With numerous platforms, software, and systems available, you’ll need to really consider your organizational goals and each platform’s features and pricing. This handy guide will help you compare the 15 most popular eLearning development tools in 2024 to find your perfect match!

In case you are strapped for time to review in detail all of the 15 best eLearning authoring tools in this article, here’s a handy comparison table. 

No	Tool	Quality of Output	Speed and Efficiency	Scalability
1	Articulate 360	High	High	High
2	Adobe Captivate	High	Medium	High
3	iSpring Suite	High	High	Medium
4	Lectora Inspir	High	Medium	High
5	Camtasia	High	Medium	Medium
6	Elucidat	High	High	High
7	H5P	Medium	Medium	Medium
8	Gomo Learning	High	High	High
9	Adapt	High	Medium	High
10	DominKnow	High	High	High
11	Easygenerator	High	High	Medium
12	Evolve	High	Medium	High
13	LearnWorlds	High	High	High
14	isEazy Author	Medium	High	Medium
15	Visme	High	High	High

People say: “Without the right authoring tools, eLearning content would be that much harder to create”. So, let’s explore the authoring tools with us to make creating online learning easier than ever.

1. Articulate 360

• Best For: Organizations needing a complete eLearning solution with both rapid development and advanced customization.

• Features: Comprehensive eLearning toolkit with Storyline 360, Rise 360, Review 360, and more.
• Pros: User-friendly, strong community support, continuous updates.
• Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve for beginners.
• Pricing: Starts at $1,099/year per user.

2. Adobe Captivate

• Best For: Experienced instructional designers creating complex and interactive eLearning content.

• Features: Advanced eLearning authoring tool for creating responsive content, VR experiences, and interactive quizzes.
• Pros: Powerful features, integration with other Adobe products, mobile-friendly output.
• Cons: High learning curve, expensive.
• Pricing: Starts at $33.99/month.

3. iSpring Suite

• Best For: Beginners and PowerPoint users looking for an easy transition into eLearning content creation.

• Features: PowerPoint-based eLearning authoring toolkit with quiz-making, video editing, and role-play simulations.
• Pros: Easy to use, quick learning curve, great for PowerPoint users.
• Cons: Limited design flexibility, requires PowerPoint.
• Pricing: Starts at $770/year per user.

4. Lectora Inspire

• Best For: Advanced users focused on creating accessible, SCORM-compliant eLearning courses.

• Features: Robust eLearning authoring tool with built-in graphics, video editing, and responsive design capabilities.
• Pros: Great for advanced users, responsive course design, strong accessibility features.
• Cons: Outdated interface, expensive.
• Pricing: Starts at $1,099/year per user.

5. Camtasia

• Best For: Educators and trainers who need to create professional screen recordings and video tutorials quickly.

• Features: Screen recording and video editing software, ideal for creating tutorials and how-to videos.
• Pros: Easy to use, all-in-one solution for video creation.
• Cons: Limited animation and interaction features, pricey.
• Pricing: One-time fee of $299.99 per user.

6. Elucidat

• Best For: Large organizations looking for scalable and collaborative eLearning solutions.

• Features: Cloud-based eLearning authoring platform with responsive design, collaboration tools, and analytics.
• Pros: User-friendly, strong collaboration features, analytics-driven.
• Cons: Expensive, limited customizability.
• Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size.

7. H5P

• Best For: Educators and developers who want a free, easy-to-integrate solution for interactive content.

• Features: Open-source tool for creating interactive content like quizzes, presentations, and videos.
• Pros: Free, easy to use, integrates with popular LMS platforms.
• Cons: Limited advanced features, relies on a hosting platform.
• Pricing: Free.

8. Gomo Learning

• Best For: Organizations prioritizing mobile learning and team collaboration in content creation.

• Features: Cloud-based responsive eLearning authoring tool with collaboration and analytics features.
• Pros: Great for mobile learning, cloud-based collaboration, and easy to use.
• Cons: Expensive, limited customization.
• Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization needs.

9. Adapt

• Best For: Developers and technical users who need a highly customizable, mobile-first eLearning solution.

• Features: Open-source, responsive eLearning authoring tool with a focus on multi-device compatibility.
• Pros: Free, highly customizable, great for mobile learning.
• Cons: Steep learning curve, requires technical skills.
• Pricing: Free (self-hosted), custom pricing for hosted solutions.

10. DominKnow

• Best For: Large teams needing a robust, all-in-one eLearning solution with strong collaboration and content management capabilities.

• Features: Comprehensive cloud-based authoring tool with collaboration, content management, and responsive design features.
• Pros: Strong collaborative features, integrated content management.
• Cons: Expensive, can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size.

11. Easygenerator

• Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses or educators looking for a simple, cost-effective eLearning solution.

• Features: Cloud-based, user-friendly eLearning authoring tool with templates, quizzes, and collaboration features.
• Pros: Easy to use, great for beginners, strong collaboration features.
• Cons: Limited design flexibility, pricing can add up.
• Pricing: Starts at $99/month per user.

12. Evolve

• Best For: Teams looking to create adaptive learning content with minimal technical skills required.

• Features: Web-based authoring tool with a focus on responsive and adaptive learning design.
• Pros: Easy to use, adaptive content creation, cloud-based collaboration.
• Cons: Limited advanced features, pricing can be high.
• Pricing: Starts at $770/year per user.

13. LearnWorlds

• Best For: Entrepreneurs and educators who want an all-in-one platform for course creation, marketing, and sales.

• Features: Cloud-based platform for creating, selling, and managing online courses with interactive elements.
• Pros: Comprehensive course management, built-in marketing tools, interactive elements.
• Cons: Expensive, limited customization for advanced users.
• Pricing: Starts at $29/month.

14. isEazy Author

• Best For: Beginners and small teams needing a simple, intuitive tool for creating professional eLearning content.

• Features: Cloud-based eLearning authoring tool with templates, multimedia integration, and responsive design.
• Pros: Easy to use, intuitive interface, great for beginners.
• Cons: Limited advanced features, relies on templates.
• Pricing: Starts at €39/month per user.

15. Visme

• Best For: Designers and educators who need a versatile tool for creating visually appealing content across multiple formats.

• Features: Versatile design tool for creating presentations, infographics, and eLearning content.
• Pros: User-friendly, versatile for various content types, strong design features.
• Cons: Limited interactivity for eLearning, expensive.
• Pricing: Starts at $29/month per user.

Versatile design platform for presentations, infographics, and interactive content

3 Common Types of Course Authoring Tools

Cloud-based Tools

Nowadays, many leading authoring tool providers offer cloud-based versions of their software. These tools are ideal for those who need to create content on the go, as they do not require any downloading or installation. 

The software is typically managed by the vendor, making it easier for users to focus on content creation. Cloud-based tools are hosted centrally, ensuring they are accessible at any time, from any location, and on any device. They are often available as a subscription-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or as part of a public, private, or hybrid hosting solution.

Desktop-based Tools

Desktop-based authoring tools require users to download, install, and configure the software before they can begin using it. These tools were extremely popular before the rise of mobile learning, and they continue to be a solid choice for small, co-located development teams or for creating individual learning modules.

Open-source Tools

Open-source authoring tools are freely accessible to anyone and are often used for eLearning purposes. Many of these tools are SCORM-compliant and enable content creators to quickly build courses featuring text, images, drag-and-drop elements, multiple-choice questions, and open-text responses. 

Since they usually offer limited or no support, open-source tools are best suited for organizations with some in-house technical expertise. Alternatively, a third-party vendor may offer a version of an open-source tool that comes with additional support and adaptations.

11 Tips to Selecting a Perfect eLearning Authoring Tool

Choosing the best eLearning authoring tool is critical for creating effective online courses without requiring extensive technical knowledge. With the growing number of options available, it’s important to carefully consider your specific needs before making a decision. Here are eleven key factors to consider

Content Creation Capabilities 

Examine how well the tool supports various types of content, including text, images, videos, audio, and interactive elements like quizzes or simulations. Ensure that it meets the learning objectives and requirements of your audience.

Import Functionality 

Assess the types of content that can be imported into the tool. While most tools allow for importing presentations, advanced tools may also support the import of Word documents, HTML pages, and video files like MP4.

Interactive Features

Explore the variety of interactive elements and assessments the tool offers. Look for features like games, quizzes, drag-and-drop activities, and clickable hotspots that can make learning more engaging and dynamic.

Templates and Branding Options 

Investigate whether the tool provides customizable templates and branding options to maintain a consistent and professional look across all courses. The templates should be clean, visually appealing, and easy to customize with your organization’s colors, fonts, and layouts.

Advanced Functionalities

Consider any advanced features the tool might offer, such as AI-powered suggestions for interactive elements. If AI is involved in content creation, inquire about the underlying models and how they ensure accuracy and originality.

Scalability

Evaluate how easily the tool allows for updating and scaling content as your course library expands. Scalability is essential for maintaining and growing your eLearning programs over time.

Future-Proofing

Look into the tool’s development roadmap and ensure it aligns with your long-term goals. This can help you stay ahead of emerging trends and ensure that the tool remains relevant.

LMS Integration 

Confirm that the tool is compatible with your Learning Management System (LMS) and supports common standards like SCORM and xAPI. Seamless integration is crucial for smooth content delivery and tracking.

Collaboration and Feedback 

Understand the collaboration features available, particularly how the tool handles input from Subject Matter Experts. Check for limitations on contributors and the ease with which feedback can be integrated into the course design.

Support and Training Resources 

Investigate the level of customer support provided, including technical assistance and training options. Determine if support is available through multiple channels (e.g., phone, email) and whether personalized training is an option.

Cost Considerations 

Review the pricing structure of the tool, considering whether it operates on a per-user basis, subscription model, or one-time purchase. Take advantage of free trials or demos to evaluate the tool’s performance before making a financial commitment.

Why you should hire F.Learning Studio for Creating Engaging eLearning Videos

Now you know the 15 best eLearning authoring tools to create effective online courses that captivate your learners from beginning to end. To support you in this endeavor, F. Learning is here to help. We have tailored services to meet your needs and goals.

We have extensive experience in transforming text into interactive materials, such as animations, hotspots, hover images, and more. All of these captivating elements are customized to match your learner profile. That’s also an important factor contributing to our strong track record, which helps us gain trust from many reputable corporations worldwide, such as UNSW or Simple Nursing.

Moreover, F.Learning studio even offers a reasonable cost for production while still meeting tight deadlines, which contributes to maximizing profits from your products. Our company is located in Vietnam, a low-spending region of the world, which means the cost is often lowered by 30% than that of other regions.

In addition, our team has the technical expertise to create a wide range of interactive elements. Plus, we can seamlessly support uploading these elements to your preferred learning management system (LMS). So share your challenges with us, and we can take the burden off your shoulders.

Conclusion

Selecting the best eLearning authoring tool is crucial for the success of your online courses. By choosing the most suitable authoring tool, you can ensure your content is both effective and memorable, leading to better knowledge retention and a more impactful learning journey. Leveraging the right technology empowers you to deliver high-quality eLearning experiences that resonate with your audience and achieve your educational goals.

Any other problems in creating your eLearning program? Do not hesitate to share with F.Learning for a Free Consultation. We love to support you with our experiences!

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