# Blackboard vs D2L Brightspace Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Blackboard excels in providing an all-in-one ecosystem, integrating core tools like course content management, graded assessments, and discussion boards into a single platform. Users appreciate how this organization helps them stay on top of their classes.
- **Users say** D2L Brightspace offers a clean interface with straightforward navigation, making it easy for both students and instructors to access essential features. This simplicity is highlighted as a significant advantage, especially when integrating additional tools.
- **Reviewers mention** that Blackboard has a solid reputation for being student and faculty-friendly, with many users noting its stability and institutional support. However, some users feel it could improve in meeting specific workflow needs.
- **According to verified reviews** , D2L Brightspace shines in its implementation and onboarding process, which users describe as meticulous and supportive. This seamless transition is often cited as a key strength, helping institutions avoid difficulties during setup.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while Blackboard has a higher overall satisfaction score, D2L Brightspace outperforms it in areas like ease of setup and quality of support, with users appreciating the open forum office hours and ongoing assistance provided by D2L.
- **Users report** that Blackboard's course builder feature is particularly strong, receiving high praise for its functionality. In contrast, D2L Brightspace is noted for its reliability and efficiency, integrating well with existing digital learning ecosystems and minimizing the need for external tools.



| | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.0 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,065 | 637 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (46.6% of reviews) | Mid-Market (44.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | Contact Us | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Blackboard

Pros:
- Ease of Use (48 reviews)
- Navigation Ease (27 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Features (24 reviews)
- Missing Features (15 reviews)

### D2L Brightspace

Pros:
- Ease of Use (20 reviews)
- User-Friendly (17 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Customization (9 reviews)
- Limited Features (9 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.2 (835 reviews) | 8.6 (505 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.8 (929 reviews) | 8.4 (511 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.5 (307 reviews) | 8.1 (293 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.4 (204 reviews) | 8.2 (293 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.4 (685 reviews) | 8.4 (459 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 7.9 (171 reviews) | 8.9 (270 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 6.7 (836 reviews) | 8.5 (482 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 | 97 |
| **D2L Brightspace** | N/A | N/A |

#### Assessment delivery

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Question variety** | 8.9 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Real-time assessment** | 8.5 (81 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Pre-made content** | 7.7 (76 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Grading and reporting

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated grading** | 8.9 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Gamification** | 6.9 (76 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Analytics dashboard** | 8.3 (82 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 8.2 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

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

### 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 | 70 |
| **D2L Brightspace** | 8.3/10 | 136 |

#### Course Authoring

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Course Builder** | 9.0 (36 reviews) | 8.7 (109 reviews) | 
| **Role-Based Templates** | 7.8 (34 reviews) | 8.4 (98 reviews) | 
| **Assessments & Quizzes** | 8.7 (40 reviews) | 8.9 (114 reviews) | 
| **Instructor-Led Training** | 8.7 (35 reviews) | 8.9 (109 reviews) | 

#### Course Delivery

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Learning Paths** | 8.2 (37 reviews) | 8.5 (103 reviews) | 
| **Communication & Notifications** | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 8.8 (117 reviews) | 
| **Assignment Scheduling** | 9.0 (38 reviews) | 9.0 (112 reviews) | 

#### Course Management

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Gamification** | 6.5 (32 reviews) | 8.3 (104 reviews) | 
| **Varied User Types** | 8.4 (33 reviews) | 8.8 (106 reviews) | 
| **Certifications** | 8.2 (34 reviews) | 8.6 (97 reviews) | 
| **Industry Compliance ** | 8.5 (28 reviews) | 8.7 (92 reviews) | 

#### LMS Marketplace

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **E-Commerce** | 6.2 (29 reviews) | 7.2 (67 reviews) | 
| **Course Marketplace** | 7.1 (29 reviews) | 7.6 (68 reviews) | 
| **Subscriptions** | 6.7 (29 reviews) | 7.6 (69 reviews) | 

#### Interface

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **White Labeling** | 7.7 (31 reviews) | 8.6 (91 reviews) | 
| **Multilingual** | 7.8 (28 reviews) | 8.5 (90 reviews) | 

#### Training & eLearning

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Assessments and Practice** | 8.6 (57 reviews) | 9.0 (108 reviews) | 
| **Content Delivery and Tracking** | 8.2 (60 reviews) | 8.8 (108 reviews) | 
| **Content Creation** | 7.7 (52 reviews) | 8.8 (113 reviews) | 
| **Customer Training** | 8.0 (45 reviews) | 8.7 (94 reviews) | 
| **Manager Portals** | 7.2 (43 reviews) | 8.2 (82 reviews) | 
| **Content Storage and Management** | 7.6 (56 reviews) | 8.6 (103 reviews) | 
| **Content Libraries** | 7.3 (51 reviews) | 8.2 (94 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 7.6 (22 reviews) | 6.8 (40 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.5 (12 reviews) | 6.5 (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 | 6.9 (8 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 (2):** [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)

**Unique to Blackboard (3):** [Sales Training and Onboarding Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-training-and-onboarding), [Assessment Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/assessment), [Healthcare Learning Management Systems (LMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/healthcare-learning-management-systems-lms)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Blackboard | D2L Brightspace | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 15.3% | 14.5% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 38.2% | 44.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 46.6% | 41.5% | 

### 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:** 61.5%
- **Education Management:** 15.1%
- **E-Learning:** 6.6%
- **Primary/Secondary Education:** 4.2%
- **Professional Training & Coaching:** 1.2%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 1.0%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 1.0%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.0%
- **Government Administration:** 0.7%
- **Telecommunications:** 0.5%
- **Other:** 7.3%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Blackboard

- [Canvas LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/canvas-lms/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1834 reviews)
- [TalentLMS](https://www.g2.com/products/talentlms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (794 reviews)
- [Moodle](https://www.g2.com/products/moodle/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (446 reviews)
- [Docebo](https://www.g2.com/products/docebo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (738 reviews)
- [Cornerstone Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/cornerstone-learning/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (523 reviews)
- [Kahoot!](https://www.g2.com/products/kahoot/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (404 reviews)
- [PowerSchool Schoology Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/powerschool-schoology-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (394 reviews)
- [Absorb LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/absorb-software-absorb-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (871 reviews)
- [Google Classroom](https://www.g2.com/products/google-classroom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1536 reviews)
- [Tovuti LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/tovuti-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (296 reviews)

### Alternatives to D2L Brightspace

- [Canvas LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/canvas-lms/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1834 reviews)
- [Docebo](https://www.g2.com/products/docebo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (738 reviews)
- [Moodle](https://www.g2.com/products/moodle/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (446 reviews)
- [Absorb LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/absorb-software-absorb-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (871 reviews)
- [Google Classroom](https://www.g2.com/products/google-classroom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1536 reviews)
- [PowerSchool Schoology Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/powerschool-schoology-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (394 reviews)
- [TalentLMS](https://www.g2.com/products/talentlms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (794 reviews)
- [Cornerstone Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/cornerstone-learning/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (523 reviews)
- [CYPHER Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/cypher-learning-cypher-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (319 reviews)
- [Tovuti LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/tovuti-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (296 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)