Learnomy vs LifterLMS
LifterLMS is powerful, but its real cost emerges when you add the bundles for payments, memberships, and community features. Learnomy ships all of that in the free plugin, with Pro starting at $104 per year.
Learnomy
- Free core, Pro from $104/yr
- All modules in one Pro license
- 166 REST endpoints, 40 custom tables
LifterLMS
- Free core + $149-$1,200/yr add-ons
- Large established add-on library
- Strong community/engagement add-ons
The short version
Core difference in one paragraph
Both LifterLMS and Learnomy have a free core plugin. The difference is what that free core includes. LifterLMS's core is a foundation - payments, advanced memberships, community features, and detailed analytics all live behind paid add-on bundles that can reach $1,200 per year. Learnomy's free tier includes Stripe and PayPal checkout, recurring memberships, instructor revenue sharing, 6 quiz types, and certificates with public verification. For course creators who want everything in one plugin at a predictable price, Learnomy is structurally different.
Side by side
Learnomy vs LifterLMS
Pricing reflects publicly listed plans as of mid-2026. LifterLMS add-on bundle pricing varies; verify at lifterlms.com before purchasing.
| Criteria | Learnomy Free + Pro from $104/yr | LifterLMS Free core + $149-$1,200/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free + Pro from $104/yr All modules in one Pro license, no a-la-carte add-ons | Free core + $149-$1,200/yr Advanced features require paid add-on bundles or individual purchases |
| Built-in payments (Stripe + PayPal) | Yes, in Free Direct checkout, no WooCommerce required | Partial in core, more via add-ons Core includes some gateways; advanced checkout may need paid add-ons |
| Memberships included | Yes, in Free One-time and recurring membership plans built in | Core + paid bundles for advanced Memberships available; advanced gating and renewals via paid add-ons |
| Instructor revenue sharing | Yes, in Free Configurable commission splits per course or per instructor | Via add-on Multi-instructor and commission management via paid add-on |
| Quiz types | 6 Free / 11 Pro True/false, MCQ, fill-in-blank, essay free; 5 more in Pro | Core types + paid quiz add-ons Advanced quiz and assessment features require additional purchase |
| Certificates + public verification | Yes + Open Badges in Pro Permanent URL, QR code, PDF, IMS Open Badges (Pro) | Yes Certificate builder available; verification link varies by setup |
| Analytics | Pro Student progress, quiz performance, revenue reporting in Pro | Core + paid add-ons for full reporting Basic reporting in core; advanced analytics via paid add-ons |
| REST API | 166 endpoints, JWT auth Every data type accessible for custom integrations or mobile apps | Yes REST API available for core data types |
| Architecture | Custom tables + Interactivity API 40 custom tables, WordPress Interactivity API for reactive UI | Established WP stack Post-meta and custom post types; proven and widely supported |
LifterLMS bundle pricing varies significantly. Verify actual costs at lifterlms.com before making a purchasing decision.
Why creators pick Learnomy
One plugin. No bundle math.
01
Payments built in for free
Stripe and PayPal direct checkout ship in Learnomy Free. No WooCommerce required, no separate gateway add-on to purchase. Set up your payment keys in Settings and you are ready to sell.
02
Memberships and commissions included
Recurring and one-time membership plans, coupon codes, and instructor revenue sharing all ship in the free plugin. LifterLMS charges separately for these via add-on bundles.
03
Predictable Pro pricing
Learnomy Pro is one license - $104/yr for one site - that includes cohorts, learning paths, content drip, advanced analytics, Stripe Connect, and all 16 Pro modules. No per-feature add-on decisions.
04
Certificates with public verification
Completion certificates auto-issue with a permanent public URL, QR code, and PDF download. Employers and institutions can verify credentials without contacting you. Pro adds IMS Open Badges.
05
166 REST endpoints
Every Learnomy data type is accessible via learnomy/v1 with JWT auth. Build custom mobile apps, external dashboards, or integrate with your existing marketing stack without needing a plugin add-on.
06
Built for scale from day one
40 custom database tables and the WordPress Interactivity API mean Learnomy handles large course catalogs and student bases without the query overhead of post-meta-based LMS plugins.
Honest assessment
Where LifterLMS is the better choice
LifterLMS has real strengths, particularly for operators who are already in its ecosystem or who rely on specific add-ons.
Established track record and community
LifterLMS has been around for over a decade with a large installed base and active community. If community forums, a history of stability, and peer support matter to your team, that track record carries weight.
Community and engagement add-ons
LifterLMS's engagement and community-focused add-ons are well-regarded. If live sessions, group coaching, or social learning are core to your product and you want a purpose-built add-on for it, LifterLMS has more options today.
Large third-party integration library
LifterLMS integrates with a wide range of third-party tools via its own add-ons and partner integrations. If you depend on a specific CRM, email platform, or tool that does not yet have a native Learnomy integration, confirm availability before switching.
If you are starting fresh and want a complete LMS without calculating which add-on bundles you need, Learnomy delivers it at a predictable price.
Common questions
How does Learnomy pricing compare to LifterLMS?
LifterLMS has a free core plugin, but meaningful capabilities require paid add-ons or bundles ranging from $149 to $1,200 per year. Learnomy Free already includes payments, memberships, instructor commissions, and certificates. Learnomy Pro starts at $104 per year for one site with all 16 Pro modules included.
Does Learnomy include memberships without a paid add-on?
Yes. Recurring and one-time membership plans are built into Learnomy Free. LifterLMS includes some membership gating in its core, but advanced membership features typically require paid add-ons or bundles.
Does Learnomy have built-in payment processing?
Yes. Learnomy Free ships with direct Stripe and PayPal checkout requiring no WooCommerce installation. LifterLMS free core supports payment gateways but some gateways and advanced checkout features require paid add-ons.
Can students earn certificates with Learnomy?
Yes. Learnomy auto-issues certificates on course completion. Each certificate has a permanent public URL and QR code for third-party verification. Learnomy Pro adds IMS Open Badges support for portable credential sharing.
Does Learnomy have a REST API?
Yes. Learnomy ships 166 REST endpoints under learnomy/v1 with JWT authentication, covering all data types: courses, lessons, quizzes, enrollments, certificates, memberships, and transactions.
Where does LifterLMS genuinely have the edge?
LifterLMS has a long track record with a larger installed base and an established community. Its engagement and community add-ons are well-regarded. If you are already embedded in the LifterLMS ecosystem and rely on specific community or gamification add-ons, switching has a real cost.
Try the free LifterLMS alternative
Download Learnomy free. Payments, memberships, instructor commissions, and certificates are all included - no add-on bundles required.