Buyer's guide
The best free WordPress LMS plugin
Most "free" WordPress LMS plugins make you pay for the parts that matter: payments, certificates, drip. Learnomy ships them all in the free version, with no add-ons and no platform cut. Here is how the free tiers actually compare.
What "free" should mean
Build, sell, assess, and certify, without paying for add-ons
A free LMS is only useful if it lets you actually run an academy. That means payments, memberships, quizzes, and certificates in the free version, not locked behind a paywall.
Learnomy
Most complete free tierFree includes: Courses, 6 quiz types, certificates with public verification, Stripe + PayPal checkout, memberships, coupons, instructor commissions, 166 REST endpoints
The most complete free tier: selling, assessing, and certifying are all included, no add-ons.
LearnPress
Learnomy vs LearnPress →Free includes: Course builder, lessons, basic quizzes
Popular and free, but payments, certificates, and content drip need paid add-ons.
Tutor LMS
Learnomy vs Tutor LMS →Free includes: Course builder, quizzes, basic monetization
Modern UX with a capable free tier; advanced selling and tools sit in Pro.
LifterLMS
Learnomy vs LifterLMS →Free includes: Core course + lesson engine
Strong foundation, but payments and most features are paid add-ons or bundles.
Masteriyo
Learnomy vs Masteriyo →Free includes: Courses, quizzes, certificates, built-in checkout
A close free + no-fees alternative; Learnomy adds deeper assessment and instructor payouts.
Competitor free tiers vary by version and add-ons; check each vendor for current details. Comparisons reflect typical defaults at the time of writing.
FAQ
Is there a truly free WordPress LMS plugin?
Yes. Learnomy is free and includes courses, quizzes, certificates, built-in Stripe and PayPal checkout, memberships, and instructor commissions, with no add-on wall and no platform fee. LearnPress, Tutor LMS, LifterLMS, and Masteriyo also offer free tiers, though several gate selling or certificates behind paid add-ons.
Can I sell courses for free without transaction fees?
With Learnomy, yes. Built-in Stripe and PayPal direct checkout means you keep 100% of your revenue minus only the payment processor fees. There is no Learnomy platform cut, and WooCommerce is not required.
What makes a free LMS "complete"?
A complete free LMS lets you build, sell, assess, and certify without paying for add-ons. That means a course builder, payments, memberships, quizzes, and certificates in the free version. Learnomy includes all of these.
Do I need WooCommerce to sell with a free WordPress LMS?
Not with Learnomy. It runs standalone with built-in Stripe and PayPal and bundled Action Scheduler for subscriptions and renewals. WooCommerce is an optional gateway if you already use it.
Start free, the complete way
Courses, quizzes, certificates, payments, and memberships, in one free plugin you own.