Link copied to clipboard # Adobe Captivate vs SmartBuilder Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/adobe-captivate/smartbuilder/export.csv) CaptivateSmartBuilder[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Adobe Captivate** Free Trial **$33.90** Flat Rate Per Month · Adobe Captivate **SmartBuilder** Free Trial **$1,399.00** 1 Installations Per Year · Annual Subscription **$1,399** per author per annum · SmartBuilder **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Adobe Captivate** $$$$$ **SmartBuilder** $$$$$ Average Discount **Adobe Captivate** 8% **SmartBuilder** Not enough reviews yet Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Adobe Captivate** 6 months Based on 100 responses **SmartBuilder** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Adobe Captivate** 6 months Based on 100 responses **SmartBuilder** 6 months Based on 100 responses ![Adobe Captivate](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/995bb4e42078c200fd16c099b6a8aff1/adobe-captivate.svg "Adobe Captivate") ![SmartBuilder](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7bc0e251866b0cbebcf8673f1a7d4d5c/smartbuilder.svg "SmartBuilder") G2 offers free advice on this comparison. Chat with an expert How would you like to receive Software Advice? ![](/assets/advisor_router/laptop_form-f1a7012279826105416befde8d882ffc7589b1f9db09c93a1379d601cafe8e0d.svg) FormAnswer questions at your own pace, no call required. ![](/assets/advisor_router/ai_agent-4d78629a3ba354fed449a65c60df3a6f2eda90fb98411b711df4b25d7be52a38.svg) AI AgentChat live and get a recommendation in minutes. ![](/assets/advisor_router/phone_call_picker-c48821ec36f4182d8ee3e54cfbd3937500eec54d7b7e0cfb80dc80a8a733842f.svg) Phone CallTalk it through live with a software advisor. **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Adobe Captivate** Interactive Content (2) Tool Quality (2) Limited Features (2) Learning Curve (1) **SmartBuilder** Not enough data Integrations **Adobe Captivate** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/vendor/image/311/large_detail_da820dfb0bceb23ead050c282acb6770.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Google Maps ](https://www.g2.com/products/google-maps/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-captivate/integrations) **SmartBuilder** Not enough data Screenshots **Adobe Captivate** ![Adobe Captivate screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/5435/Screen_Shot_2014-05-21_at_10.10.54_AM.png) **SmartBuilder** ![SmartBuilder screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/113933/SmartBuilder-Interface-large.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Adobe Captivate** **8.3** /10 Based on 174 responses **SmartBuilder** **9.7** /10 Based on 16 responses Ease of Use **Adobe Captivate** **6.8** /10 Based on 175 responses **SmartBuilder** **8.6** /10 Based on 16 responses Ease of Setup **Adobe Captivate** **7.8** /10 Based on 66 responses **SmartBuilder** **9.8** /10 Based on 7 responses Ease of Admin **Adobe Captivate** **7.8** /10 Based on 57 responses **SmartBuilder** **9.7** /10 Based on 5 responses Quality of Support **Adobe Captivate** **6.9** /10 Based on 142 responses **SmartBuilder** **10.0** /10 Based on 15 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Adobe Captivate** **7.3** /10 Based on 51 responses **SmartBuilder** **10.0** /10 Based on 5 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Adobe Captivate** **7.1** /10 Based on 178 responses **SmartBuilder** **10.0** /10 Based on 15 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Course Authoring **8.0** /10 Based on 139 responses **9.5** /10 Based on 13 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 27.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 42.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 27.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 42.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 41.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 23.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 35.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 41.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 23.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 35.3% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Adobe Captivate](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/995bb4e42078c200fd16c099b6a8aff1/adobe-captivate.svg "Adobe Captivate")](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-captivate/reviews) Adobe Captivate E-Learning 11.4% Computer Software 9.3% Higher Education 8.8% Information Technology and Services 8.8% Education Management 4.7% Other 57.0% [![SmartBuilder](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7bc0e251866b0cbebcf8673f1a7d4d5c/smartbuilder.svg "SmartBuilder")](https://www.g2.com/products/smartbuilder/reviews) SmartBuilder E-Learning 29.4% Higher Education 11.8% Computer Software 11.8% Veterinary 5.9% Utilities 5.9% Other 35.3% Alternatives **Adobe Captivate Alternatives** ![Articulate 360](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_9f13487cd4bbd25aec7f3c9dcb9cf957/articulate-360.png "Articulate 360") [ Articulate 360 ](/products/articulate-360/reviews) ![iSpring Suite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/114a4a1bc79f90b6b5c2e85fdbae19ba/ispring-suite.svg "iSpring Suite") [ iSpring Suite ](/products/ispring-suite/reviews) ![Bigtincan Readiness (formerly Brainshark)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/12afdd799738a4f0291f0bf4bcba7618/bigtincan-readiness-formerly-brainshark.svg "Bigtincan Readiness (formerly Brainshark)") [ Bigtincan Readiness... ](/products/bigtincan-readiness-formerly-brainshark/reviews) ![Easygenerator](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dc39618a424cbfa300d53e61efd6d131/easygenerator.svg "Easygenerator") [ Easygenerator ](/products/easygenerator/reviews) **SmartBuilder Alternatives** ![Articulate 360](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_9f13487cd4bbd25aec7f3c9dcb9cf957/articulate-360.png "Articulate 360") [ Articulate 360 ](/products/articulate-360/reviews) ![iSpring Suite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/114a4a1bc79f90b6b5c2e85fdbae19ba/ispring-suite.svg "iSpring Suite") [ iSpring Suite ](/products/ispring-suite/reviews) ![Bigtincan Readiness (formerly Brainshark)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/12afdd799738a4f0291f0bf4bcba7618/bigtincan-readiness-formerly-brainshark.svg "Bigtincan Readiness (formerly Brainshark)") [ Bigtincan Readiness... ](/products/bigtincan-readiness-formerly-brainshark/reviews) ![360Learning](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2204d24d16d24696a7eb77c4c563fae7/360learning.svg "360Learning") [ 360Learning ](/products/360learning/reviews) ## Captivate vs SmartBuilder FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: November 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Captivate vs SmartBuilder? SmartBuilder stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction across its rating, setup, and support scores, while Captivate has a much larger review base. | Dimension | [Captivate](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-captivate/reviews) | [SmartBuilder](https://www.g2.com/products/smartbuilder/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 3.9/5 (200+ reviews) | 5.0/5 (10+ reviews) | | Largest Segment | Enterprise | — | | Ease of Setup | 7.8 | 9.8 | | Quality of Support | 6.9 | 10.0 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Interactive content, fewer than 10 mentions | Flexible interactive course and simulation authoring | ### How do the pricing models of Captivate and SmartBuilder compare? SmartBuilder reviewers report stronger value satisfaction than Captivate reviewers, with SmartBuilder scoring 9.7 and Captivate scoring 8.3 on Meets Requirements, the available value-related measure. ### What are the best alternatives to Captivate and SmartBuilder? Articulate 360, iSpring Suite, and Bigtincan Readiness are the top alternatives to Captivate and SmartBuilder in G2's shared alternatives ranking. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Captivate](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-captivate/reviews) | 3.9/5 (200+ reviews) | Enterprise | Recent reviewers cite good company value. | Interactive simulations and learning content | | [SmartBuilder](https://www.g2.com/products/smartbuilder/reviews) | 5.0/5 (10+ reviews) | — | — | High-fidelity software simulations and flexible authoring | | [Articulate 360](https://www.g2.com/products/articulate-360/reviews) | 4.7/5 (1k+ reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | | [iSpring Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/ispring-suite/reviews) | 4.6/5 (900+ reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Bigtincan Readiness](https://www.g2.com/products/bigtincan-readiness-formerly-brainshark/reviews) | 4.4/5 (600+ reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | ### Which Course Authoring features should I prioritize when comparing Captivate and SmartBuilder? Prioritize interactive content, simulation authoring, ease of use, setup, and support when evaluating Captivate and SmartBuilder. - **Interactive content:** Captivate has 2 all-time mentions for interactive content; SmartBuilder reviewers describe gamified, branching, and hands-on learning experiences in recent reviews. - **Simulation authoring:** Recent Captivate reviewers highlight software simulations; SmartBuilder reviewers emphasize high-fidelity simulations and demonstrations. - **Ease of use:** SmartBuilder scores 8.6 versus Captivate's 6.8. Captivate has 1 all-time positive mention for ease of use, while recent SmartBuilder reviews describe accessible authoring alongside a learning curve for advanced features. - **Ease of setup:** SmartBuilder scores 9.8 versus Captivate's 7.8. - **Support:** SmartBuilder scores 10.0 versus Captivate's 6.9. ### What are the pros and cons of Captivate vs SmartBuilder? Captivate's headline strength is interactive simulation and e-learning creation, while SmartBuilder's is flexible, high-fidelity interactive authoring backed by responsive support. - **Captivate strengths:** G2 reviewers cite interactive content and tool quality, each with 2 all-time mentions; recent reviews also praise software simulations, responsive courses, and Adobe-tool workflows. - **Captivate trade-offs:** Recent reviewers describe a steep learning curve, a dated or confusing interface, and occasional slowness; limited features has 2 all-time mentions. - **SmartBuilder strengths:** Recent reviewers praise flexible course design, drag-and-drop action blocks, simulations, and support that responds quickly and offers live guidance. - **SmartBuilder trade-offs:** Recent reviewers note a learning curve for mastering advanced capabilities and that the breadth of options can make it harder to know where to begin. ### Is Captivate or SmartBuilder better for small businesses? Captivate is the better-supported small-business fit in the available segment data, because its largest reviewer segment is Enterprise while SmartBuilder's segment is not specified, and SmartBuilder reviews include a small-scale free-use case. - **Captivate:** Enterprise is its largest reviewer company-size segment; recent reviewers describe it as useful for creating business learning content and simulations. - **SmartBuilder:** No segment share is stated; a reviewer describes using its free version for a small learner pool and limited-budget e-learning, while another notes that the full product can feel expensive. ### Which Course Authoring platform has better integrations? Captivate has the clearer integration signal, with 1 all-time mention for easy integrations and recent reviewers citing Adobe Creative Cloud connections and LMS compatibility. - **Captivate:** Recent reviewers mention Creative Cloud tools including Photoshop and After Effects, Adobe Audition, and LMS compatibility; easy integrations has fewer than 10 all-time mentions. - **SmartBuilder:** Recent reviewers describe LMS and xAPI tracking through SmartTracker, plus the ability to insert HTML5 code. ### How do Captivate and SmartBuilder compare on customer support? SmartBuilder leads Captivate on Quality of Support by 3.1 points, scoring 10.0 versus 6.9. - **Captivate:** Recent reviewers describe support experiences ranging from helpful assistance to concerns about tutorial clarity; the support score is 6.9. - **SmartBuilder:** Reviewers describe prompt replies, live chat, tutorials, and tailored help; the support score is 10.0. ### Which is easier to implement, Captivate or SmartBuilder? SmartBuilder is easier to set up than Captivate, leading by 2.0 points with scores of 9.8 and 7.8, respectively. - **Captivate:** Reviewers describe straightforward license activation and installation, alongside setup experiences that require learning the product's extensive workflow. - **SmartBuilder:** Reviewers describe getting started quickly with tutorials, templates, and live training, including building an initial lesson during a trial. ### Which product has better Content Creation? Content Creation is the most frequently mentioned feature across Captivate and SmartBuilder reviews. - **Captivate:** Content Creation has 1 all-time mention; recent reviewers describe creating interactive courses, software simulations, assessments, and multimedia learning content. - **SmartBuilder:** Recent reviewers describe creating flexible courses, prototypes, gamified activities, and high-fidelity software simulations; reviewers also cite HTML5 code insertion and programmable features. ## Adobe Captivate vs SmartBuilder When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found SmartBuilder easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with SmartBuilder overall. - Reviewers felt that SmartBuilder meets the needs of their business better than Adobe Captivate. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that SmartBuilder is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of SmartBuilder over Adobe Captivate.