Modern learning management systems help organizations deliver effective training in a time when the landscape of employee skills is rapidly changing. Integrating these solutions with your existing Microsoft 365 tools can have serious benefits. With that in mind, which platform is the best LMS for Microsoft users?
A Microsoft-integrated LMS lets you deliver learning through systems employees already use with confidence. It also means your LMS can take advantage of the various professional-grade tools and systems Microsoft 365 has to offer.
Over two million businesses use Microsoft 365 worldwide, with Microsoft accounting for approximately 26% of the global market according to Statista data. That means there’s a fairly good chance your organization at least uses some of its features.
In this article, we’ll break down the role of Microsoft integration in modern learning management systems, then rate several top competitors to find the best LMS for Microsoft 365 compatibility.
- Key features for a Microsoft-integrated LMS
- Zensai’s Learn365
- Moodle
- Canvas LMS
- WorkRamp
- 360Learning
- Free demo of the best LMS for Microsoft
Why choose an LMS that integrates with Microsoft 365?
There are plenty of learning management systems around, but not all of them provide Microsoft 365 integrations. Businesses already using apps like Teams, SharePoint or OneDrive can cut down on redundant software and keep things centralized. The benefits of choosing the best LMS that integrates with Microsoft include:
- Seamless login and authentication: An integrated LMS can use Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) to provide a centralized login process with quick and secure authentication. Employees can start learning right away without having to memorize a new set of credentials.
- Collaboration within Microsoft Teams: Some platforms integrate with Microsoft Teams, while others put their own integrations on Teams’ built-in marketplace for extensions and integrations. Either way, having a learning management system for Microsoft Teams helps to enable social learning and shared development.
- Easy content sharing: Apps like OneDrive and SharePoint make it easier to host and share content. Admins can use them to deliver learning resources and training exercises, while employees can use them to submit coursework or share content of their own.
- Enhanced security and compliance: In addition to making logins and authentication more seamless, Microsoft integration assures your compliance with professional-grade security you’re used to with Microsoft products. That way, you can focus on delivering accessibility without worrying about compromising anything.
Key features for a Microsoft-integrated LMS
To find the best LMS for Microsoft compatibility, you need to know how much depth its integrations have. While some integrations only offer basic functions, others deliver something much closer to what you’d expect from an integration’s main app. These are the most essential LMS features for learning management in Microsoft 365:
- Microsoft Teams compatibility: Accessing learning in Microsoft Teams enables learning in the flow of work, which makes it easier for employees to transfer skills from practice environments to their actual roles. It also cuts down on app fatigue, as employees access everything in one place.
Some Teams integrations only provide basic alerts and the ability to review updates, while others allow employees to fully access course content. - SSO and Microsoft authentication: Single sign-on functionality lets employees use their existing Microsoft credentials to access LMS profiles. So, no having to memorize a laundry list of logins and passwords. It also centralizes everything under Microsoft’s secure and seamless authentication process.
Bonus features
- Built-in compliance and reporting: A good learning management system should include ways to track and document training progress. Documentation for course enrollments, progress milestones, completions and certifications provide evidence of compliance.
Bonus points if it lets you automate these common learning management workflows. On top of that, you’ll need analytics and reporting that’s compatible with L&D data from Microsoft 365 apps. - Course and content management in Microsoft 365: Having an LMS for Microsoft 365 gives you different ways to manage and deliver course content. For example, a lot of Microsoft Teams integrations may let employees access materials, but the best LMS for Microsoft includes course builder and content management functionality in Teams.
Similarly, a good SharePoint integration gives you another space to organize and develop content, and then deliver it to employees via your chosen LMS.
These are the essential features a platform needs to be crowned the best LMS for Microsoft 365. Now you’ve got a good shopping list, let’s start our Microsoft LMS comparison.
1. Zensai’s Learn365
Kicking off the battle to be the best LMS for Microsoft functionality, we have Learn365. As part of our Human Success Platform, Learn365 connects learning and development with employee engagement and performance for a multifaceted approach to people management.
Core features of this LMS for Microsoft
As its name suggests, we’ve built Learn365 from the ground up to work with Microsoft apps and services. In other words, our learning management system offers full Microsoft 365 integration. Its core features include:
- Single Sign-On access using Microsoft Entra ID for seamless authentication and centralized access.
- Full course content access in Microsoft Teams for agile learning in the flow of work
- Comprehensive tracking, analytics and reporting and Zensai’s Audit Trail for compliance.
Selling points
Besides the features we’ve highlighted so far, there are a couple of things that make Learn365 a strong contender for the title of best LMS for Microsoft users, such as:
- Huge content libraries: Learn365’s content libraries cater to various industries, from manufacturing to finance. Our Content365 add-on lets you access major content libraries, like Go1 and LinkedIn Learning.
- Workflow automation: Our automations ensure that documentation and course management run smoothly without manual control, freeing up L&D admins to deliver the best learning experience possible.
Limitations
Of course, there’s no such thing as a perfect LMS. Since we’ll be highlighting drawbacks for each competitor, let’s start with our own:
- No dedicated support for higher education: While educational institutions like colleges need modern systems too, Learn365 mainly focuses on delivering learning in the workplace.
- Only addresses L&D without the full platform: If you’re looking to combine employee development with performance and engagement, Learn365 by itself won’t cut it. For that, you’ll need the full Human Success Platform.
Best fit and pricing
Learn365 is flexible and scalable, making it a great fit for both SMBs and enterprise businesses. Like many of its competitors, you can get pricing for Learn365 by contacting a member of our sales team.
2. Moodle
Moodle is an open-source LMS committed to responsible AI use. The platform promotes accessible learning for all, but does it have what it takes to be the best LMS for Microsoft compatibility?
Core features of this LMS for Microsoft
Moodle stands out on this list, thanks to its unique blend of functions and flexibility. The core version only includes partial Microsoft 365 integration, like authentication and OneDrive support, but more features are available with plug-ins. Moodle’s main features include:
- Open-source build for complete coding customization.
- Extensive plug-ins selection with Moodle-certified integrations for easier modifications.
- Growing AI functionality with new features in development.
Selling points
With the following strengths, Moodle is certainly an option worth considering for sufficiently skilled users:
- Full ownership over learning management: Between its plug-ins and the ability to code your own, you can truly create the ideal learning experience for your employees. One that reflects your workplace culture and addresses the needs of your people.
- Broad educational focus: All kinds of learners can use Moodle. On top of Workplace, government and vocational training, the platform also caters to K-12 and higher learning needs.
Limitations
While there’s a lot to love about Moodle, these drawbacks mean that it may not be the best LMS for Microsoft use in your business:
- Requires experimentation: Near-limitless customizability is a double-edged sword. You’ll probably need to spend time testing out different plug-ins before you land on the exact combo that’s right for your company.
- Setup required for extended Microsoft 365 functionality: If you want more than basic authentication and OneDrive access, you’ll need to install several plug-ins for different elements of Microsoft 365.
Best fit and pricing
Based on the number of times we’ve said “open-source”, Moodle is clearly a great fit for companies with tech skills and an eye for platform customization. The core system is free, while many of its plug-ins and integrations are paid.
3. Canvas LMS
Canvas LMS from Infrastructure is heavily focused on K-12 and higher education, but also serves as a corporate LMS. Specifically, Canvas has a good number of integrations on offer, making it a reasonably flexible choice.
Core features of this LMS for Microsoft
To start, Canvas LMS is divided into several components that cover different areas of learning management. It includes an integration for Microsoft Teams, as well as apps like Excel and OneNote. The platform’s main features include:
- Canvas Catalogue and Credentials for employee and student use.
- Canvas Studio for next-gen video learning.
- Impact and Intelligence Insights for data-driven learning management.
Selling points
Whether you consider Canvas the best LMS for Microsoft or not, it offers a good deal of flexibility, thanks to these selling points:
- Mobile-friendly platform: Mobile LMS apps are common, but Canvas LMS is particularly well-optimized for mobile devices. That means employees and students can access learning any time, anywhere.
- Can enable SCORM functionality: Canvas LMS includes SCORM functionality for enhanced integration compatibility. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll have to go into the settings to enable it manually.
Limitations of this LMS for Microsoft
While Canvas LMS may be a pretty picture, it’s worth considering these factors before you commit to it:
- Learning curve: Between its wide range of integration options and a somewhat busy UI, Canvas LMS can take some getting used to. Be sure to include tutorials for admins and end-users.
- Lacks built-in gamification: Canvas LMS doesn’t offer its own gamification features, like scores, badges or leaderboards, although its integrations might have you covered.
Best fit and pricing
Chiefly, Canvas LMS is best suited for educational institutions. It’s also a reasonably good corporate training system. Like Learn365 and many of its competitors, pricing for Canvas is available on contact.
4. WorkRamp
WorkRamp positions itself as a “next-gen” LMS with strong enterprise features and an emphasis on AI functionality. Let’s see if this forward-thinking approach is enough to claim the title of best LMS for Microsoft 365!
Core features of this LMS for Microsoft
In terms of Microsoft 365 integration, WorkRamp connects with OneDrive and SharePoint, Teams and Outlook. As an LMS, its core features include:
- Prebuilt content for easy course management.
- AI Assist to customize and manage courses.
- Out-of-the-box reporting and analytics with ready-made visuals.
Selling points
After two competitors focused on higher learning, WorkRamp is a solid return to form for platforms focused on workplace learning. Its main selling points include:
- AI-powered L&D: Features like AI Assist make it easier to organize content with editing suggestions in WorkRamp’s text editor, while AI Practice lets employees practice their pitches and presentations using bots as an audience.
- Extensive corporate training: WorkRamp’s prebuilt course content covers a wide range of essential workplace learning topics, from sales training and project management to soft skills, like emotional intelligence.
Limitations
While WorkRamp definitely does a lot right, a couple of key issues still jumped out at us:
- Reporting issues: Users reported problems with WorkRamp’s reporting functions, including some discrepancies between sources, and difficulties tailoring reports to organizational needs.
- May be less suitable for SMBs: WorkRamp’s services are designed with enterprise businesses in mind. This, combined with their opaque pricing, means it’s harder to recommend them for smaller companies.
Best fit and pricing
As noted, WorkRamp is best-suited for large enterprise businesses. Their pricing is customized depending on the specific needs of your business, which is typical for vendors with an enterprise focus.
5. 360Learning
360Learning is an LMS with a distinct focus on communal learning among peers. Eagle-eyed readers might remember that we’ve previously talked about this one, but it’s relevant if you’re trying to find the best LMS for Microsoft Teams.
Core features of this LMS for Microsoft
360Learning lives up to its name by enabling collaborative learning through their Teams integration on Microsoft AppSource. The platform is as feature-rich as its name entails, but the most relevant ones are these:
- AI course builder and writing assistant for quick content creation.
- Personalized user dashboards and reactions so employees can engage with course materials.
- Centralized analytics with course dashboards and mobile-accessible manager dashboards.
Selling points
360Learning certainly has a lot to offer, but let’s see if its strengths manage to back up quantity with quality.
- Another AI-powered competitor: 360Learning’s AI course builder lets L&D admins quickly assemble or modify courses, allowing you to tailor your training options in an agile way.
- Peer-driven training: Social learning through reactions and Microsoft Teams functionality allows employees to keep each other motivated and discuss course content.
Limitations of this LMS for Microsoft
As usual, let’s round things out by looking at the potential drawbacks of 360Learning as a Microsoft LMS:
- Platform complexity: 360Learning’s volume of features can be quite intimidating, especially for new users. Admins especially may need time to get used to the various options and their layout.
- Content authoring limitations: Users find 360’s content authoring tools (such as its text editor) to be a bit rigid. While its content creation may be quick, companies with more nuanced training needs might not be satisfied.
Best fit and pricing
360Learning is best-suited for organizations looking to move away from traditional, top-down learning. Unlike many of its alternatives, it actually has fairly transparent pricing, which starts at $8 a user per month.
Why Learn365 is the best LMS for Microsoft users
While some competitors may give us a run for our money, Zensai’s Learn365 still takes the title of best LMS for Microsoft users. Let’s finish up by looking at what helps our LMS stand out.
Deepest integration with Microsoft tools
As an LMS built for Microsoft 365, deployed on Microsoft’s GCC, Learn365’s integrations offer much deeper functionality than the comparatively shallow equivalents offered by its peers. Besides offering full course access via Teams, Learn365 includes fully functional integrations for SharePoint, Outlook, Copilot and more.
Preloaded learning content
Learn365 comes with out-of-the-box content libraries ready to go, with easy, AI-assisted course creation tools. This ease of use on the admin side is why tech consultancy firms like Synalis recommend our LMS to their clients. Similarly, our AI-assisted course management makes us a good fit for companies like Bossard the prize innovation.
Robust security and compliance
Companies like the risk management firm GrECo Group rely on Learn365 because of our robust security and compliance. Microsoft Entra ID ensures safe access and easy authentication, while our Audit Trail documentation ensures you can prove compliance.
Real-time tracking and analytics
Like the rest of the Human Success Platform, Learn365 takes a real-time approach to analytics and reporting. Ongoing L&D metrics feed into our ready-made dashboards, which compile and visualize the latest data for digestible insights.
This ensures that HR and L&D admins can always act from an informed place to create policies and courses that properly reflect the needs of your organization and its employees.
Effective learning management with Microsoft
There are good reasons why Microsoft 365 has become such a corporate standard. Its Single-Sign-On supports balanced ease of access with security and compliance, while tools like SharePoint, Outlook and Teams help you communicate and share course content.
Then there’s the fact that Microsoft 365 is a familiar standard for so many. This minimizes the need for LMS training, meaning employees can get stuck in. Just remember that different options aren’t always equal.
Do your research if you want to find the best LMS for Microsoft users. Speaking of which, book a demo of Zensai’s Learn365 to see how it seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365!
