# Blackboard vs D2L Brightspace Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that D2L Brightspace excels in user experience, with many users praising its **user-friendly interface** and adaptability. One reviewer highlighted how the platform allows administrators to innovate with its tools, enhancing learner engagement.
- **Users say** that Blackboard offers a straightforward navigation experience, making it easy to access essential tools like videoconferencing and assignment submissions. This simplicity is appreciated by users who value efficiency in their learning processes.
- **Reviewers mention** that D2L Brightspace's integration capabilities with third-party products are superior, contributing to a seamless experience. Users have noted that this flexibility has significantly improved their overall performance compared to previous LMS platforms.
- **According to verified reviews** , Blackboard users appreciate the ability to manage grading effectively, with features that allow for group assignments and easy grade editing. This functionality is particularly beneficial for educators looking to streamline their grading processes.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that D2L Brightspace's built-in quiz printer function is a standout feature, providing added convenience for educational institutions. This capability has been noted as a significant advantage for users who require efficient assessment tools.
- **Users report** that while Blackboard has a solid foundation, it sometimes struggles with more complex workflows, leading to configuration challenges. This feedback suggests that users seeking extensive customization may find D2L Brightspace more accommodating.



| | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.0 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,067 | 694 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (46.7% of reviews) | Mid-Market (45.1% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | Contact Us | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Blackboard

Pros:
- Ease of Use (44 reviews)
- Navigation Ease (25 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Features (18 reviews)
- Lack of Intuitiveness (11 reviews)

### D2L Brightspace

Pros:
- Ease of Use (95 reviews)
- User-Friendly (49 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Features (38 reviews)
- Limited Customization (28 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.3 (837 reviews) | 8.6 (538 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.8 (931 reviews) | 8.4 (546 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.5 (308 reviews) | 8.1 (319 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.4 (205 reviews) | 8.2 (321 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.5 (687 reviews) | 8.5 (491 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 7.9 (172 reviews) | 8.9 (297 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 6.7 (838 reviews) | 8.5 (508 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Blackboard

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### D2L Brightspace

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Brightspace Core

Price: Contact Us

Description: Brightspace Core is the foundation of your learning platform and your gateway to
continuous innovation. Brightspace Core combines the powerful tools, services, and
support you need to deliver a best-in-class teaching and learning experience- all in one convenient package.

Key Features:
- Activity Feed
- Accessibility Templates and Tools
- Accommodations and Special Access

[Learn more about D2L Brightspace](https://www.g2.com/products/d2l-brightspace/reviews)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Assessment

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | 8.2/10 | 99 |
| **D2L Brightspace** | 9.1/10 | 13 |

#### Assessment delivery

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Question variety** | 8.9 (88 reviews) | 9.8 (9 reviews) | 
| **Real-time assessment** | 8.6 (82 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Pre-made content** | 7.8 (78 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Grading and reporting

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated grading** | 8.9 (85 reviews) | 8.5 (9 reviews) | 
| **Gamification** | 6.9 (77 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Analytics dashboard** | 8.3 (82 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 8.3 (84 reviews) | 8.3 (5 reviews) | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **White-labeling** | 7.6 (74 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile compatibility** | 8.1 (81 reviews) | 9.2 (6 reviews) | 

### Course Authoring

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | N/A | N/A |
| **D2L Brightspace** | 8.5/10 | 135 |

#### Training & eLearning

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Content Creation** | 7.7 (52 reviews) | 8.9 (119 reviews) | 
| **Content Libraries** | 7.3 (51 reviews) | 8.3 (96 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Course Authoring

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Healthcare Learning Management Systems (LMS)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | 7.7/10 | 17 |
| **D2L Brightspace** | N/A | N/A |

#### Process Automation

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Course Authoring** | 8.4 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Online Learning** | 9.0 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Certificate Generation** | 7.3 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Tracking & Reporting** | 8.0 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Collaborative Environment** | 7.6 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automatic Boards Reporting** | 7.8 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Sales Training and Onboarding

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | 8.9/10 | 17 |
| **D2L Brightspace** | N/A | N/A |

#### Course Authoring

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Course Builder** | 7.6 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Questions** | 7.5 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Instructor-Led Training** | 8.8 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Customized Learning Paths** | 8.5 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Video simulations** | 7.9 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Course Management

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Gamification** | 7.3 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Assessments** | 8.7 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Certifications** | 8.1 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Manager Portals** | 8.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Feedback** | 7.7 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **File support** | 8.9 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile support** | 8.2 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Integration** | 8.0 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Onboarding

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Documentation** | 8.9 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Coaching** | 8.2 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Programs** | 8.7 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Speech** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

### Online Learning Platform

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | N/A | N/A |
| **D2L Brightspace** | 8.9/10 | 13 |

#### Reporting Analysis

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Progress Reports** | Not enough data | 7.9 (7 reviews) | 
| **Course Completion** | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 

#### Course Management

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Course Authoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Course Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Education ERP System** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Learning Management System** | Not enough data | 9.2 (6 reviews) | 

#### Customer Assistance

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Help and Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform Customization

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **White Labeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Online Learning Platform

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Talent Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | N/A | N/A |
| **D2L Brightspace** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Corporate Learning Management Systems

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | 7.9/10 | 71 |
| **D2L Brightspace** | 8.3/10 | 163 |

#### Course Authoring

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Course Builder** | 9.0 (37 reviews) | 8.7 (117 reviews) | 
| **Role-Based Templates** | 7.9 (35 reviews) | 8.4 (100 reviews) | 
| **Assessments & Quizzes** | 8.7 (41 reviews) | 8.8 (127 reviews) | 
| **Instructor-Led Training** | 8.7 (36 reviews) | 8.9 (112 reviews) | 

#### Course Delivery

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Learning Paths** | 8.2 (38 reviews) | 8.5 (104 reviews) | 
| **Communication & Notifications** | 8.6 (39 reviews) | 8.8 (123 reviews) | 
| **Assignment Scheduling** | 9.0 (39 reviews) | 8.9 (113 reviews) | 

#### Course Management

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Gamification** | 6.6 (33 reviews) | 8.4 (105 reviews) | 
| **Varied User Types** | 8.4 (34 reviews) | 8.9 (110 reviews) | 
| **Certifications** | 8.3 (35 reviews) | 8.7 (101 reviews) | 
| **Industry Compliance ** | 8.5 (28 reviews) | 8.8 (93 reviews) | 

#### LMS Marketplace

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **E-Commerce** | 6.2 (29 reviews) | 7.2 (66 reviews) | 
| **Course Marketplace** | 7.1 (29 reviews) | 7.4 (68 reviews) | 
| **Subscriptions** | 6.7 (29 reviews) | 7.5 (68 reviews) | 

#### Interface

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **White Labeling** | 7.7 (31 reviews) | 8.6 (90 reviews) | 
| **Multilingual** | 7.9 (29 reviews) | 8.5 (89 reviews) | 

#### Training & eLearning

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Assessments and Practice** | 8.6 (57 reviews) | 9.0 (110 reviews) | 
| **Content Delivery and Tracking** | 8.2 (60 reviews) | 8.8 (114 reviews) | 
| **Content Creation** | 7.7 (52 reviews) | 8.9 (119 reviews) | 
| **Customer Training** | 8.0 (45 reviews) | 8.7 (93 reviews) | 
| **Manager Portals** | 7.2 (43 reviews) | 8.2 (82 reviews) | 
| **Content Storage and Management** | 7.6 (56 reviews) | 8.6 (105 reviews) | 
| **Content Libraries** | 7.3 (51 reviews) | 8.3 (96 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 7.6 (22 reviews) | 7.0 (40 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.5 (12 reviews) | 6.8 (39 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.7 (22 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

#### Agentic AI - Corporate Learning Management Systems 

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | 7.3 (10 reviews) | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | 7.2 (9 reviews) | 

### Training eLearning

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | N/A | N/A |
| **D2L Brightspace** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Customization ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Integration APIs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Internationalization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Dashboards** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (3):** [Corporate Learning Management Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/corporate-learning-management-systems), [Learning Management Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/learning-management-system-lms), [Assessment Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/assessment)

**Unique to Blackboard (2):** [Sales Training and Onboarding Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-training-and-onboarding), [Healthcare Learning Management Systems (LMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/healthcare-learning-management-systems-lms)

**Unique to D2L Brightspace (2):** [Course Authoring Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/course-authoring), [Online Learning Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-learning-platform)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 15.2% | 14.8% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 38.1% | 45.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 46.7% | 40.1% | 

### By Industry

#### Blackboard

- **Higher Education:** 48.2%
- **Education Management:** 18.5%
- **E-Learning:** 9.8%
- **Primary/Secondary Education:** 3.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.8%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 1.4%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 1.4%
- **Internet:** 1.2%
- **Computer Software:** 1.1%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 0.8%
- **Other:** 12.6%

#### D2L Brightspace

- **Higher Education:** 61.4%
- **Education Management:** 15.4%
- **E-Learning:** 6.6%
- **Primary/Secondary Education:** 4.1%
- **Professional Training & Coaching:** 1.1%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 0.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 0.9%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 0.9%
- **Government Administration:** 0.6%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 0.5%
- **Other:** 7.5%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Blackboard

- [Canvas LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/canvas-lms/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1839 reviews)
- [TalentLMS](https://www.g2.com/products/talentlms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (797 reviews)
- [Moodle](https://www.g2.com/products/moodle/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (448 reviews)
- [Docebo](https://www.g2.com/products/docebo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (741 reviews)
- [Cornerstone Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/cornerstone-learning/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (531 reviews)
- [Kahoot!](https://www.g2.com/products/kahoot/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (405 reviews)
- [PowerSchool Schoology Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/powerschool-schoology-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (395 reviews)
- [Absorb LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/absorb-software-absorb-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (915 reviews)
- [Google Classroom](https://www.g2.com/products/google-classroom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1560 reviews)
- [Litmos](https://www.g2.com/products/litmos/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (698 reviews)

### Alternatives to D2L Brightspace

- [Canvas LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/canvas-lms/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1839 reviews)
- [TalentLMS](https://www.g2.com/products/talentlms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (797 reviews)
- [Absorb LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/absorb-software-absorb-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (915 reviews)
- [Docebo](https://www.g2.com/products/docebo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (741 reviews)
- [Moodle](https://www.g2.com/products/moodle/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (448 reviews)
- [PowerSchool Schoology Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/powerschool-schoology-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (395 reviews)
- [Google Classroom](https://www.g2.com/products/google-classroom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1560 reviews)
- [LearnWorlds](https://www.g2.com/products/learnworlds/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (378 reviews)
- [Tovuti LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/tovuti-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (296 reviews)
- [CYPHER Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/cypher-learning-cypher-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (319 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Blackboard

- Title: [It seems like I see a lot of reviews saying 'back in the day' in reference to how Blackboard has been surpassed by several new products. What new products are out there today that compete well or have surpassed Blackboard in both features and usability?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/outdated) — 3 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "It think D2L (Desire To Learn) is a pretty good modern alternative to Blackboard.  It requires far less down time and is more intuitive.  I've had better..."
- Title: [What is Blackboard Learn used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-blackboard-learn-used-for) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Really great Platform"
- Title: [Is Blackboard Learn Free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-blackboard-learn-free) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "yes"
- Title: [API](https://www.g2.com/discussions/27778-api) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Asmat,

This is Shaun from G2. If you’re looking for information about APIs in Blackboard Learn, this is a useful website:..."
- Title: [I would be curious if the designers have taken to heart the UX concerns that have been raised.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/i-would-be-curious-if-the-designers-have-taken-to-heart-the-ux-concerns-that-have-been-raised) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Everyone dislikes their enterprise level LMS and wants to replace it. I worked with Bb daily for 8 years. Yes. I had complaints about the UX. But the..."

### D2L Brightspace

- Title: [Is Brightspace and d2l the same?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-brightspace-and-d2l-the-same) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Brightspace is the name of the Learning Management Ssytem made by the company D2L."
- Title: [What is Brightspace platform?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-brightspace-platform) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "A learning management system — you can distribute courses or training to students or employees using videos, live classrooms, documents, etc.  Students can..."
- Title: [Who uses Brightspace?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/who-uses-brightspace) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Users at Maine Virtual Academy include students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff."
- Title: [What is D2L Brightspace used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-d2l-brightspace-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "D2L brightspace is a platform for online schooling. The way its organized makes things a lot easier to navigate and helps get to your assignments easier and..."
- Title: [How do i schedule any document to be publish?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-schedule-any-document-to-be-publish) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "HI, Noe; you may use release conditions tool:..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/blackboard-vs-d2l-brightspace)