# Blackboard vs Open LMS 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, stable platform. This organization helps users stay on top of their classes, as highlighted by feedback praising its ability to keep everything in one place.
- **Users say** that Open LMS offers a user-friendly interface that makes managing online courses convenient. Reviewers appreciate the clear organization of courses, which enhances their overall experience, particularly for those pursuing online degrees.
- **According to verified reviews** , Blackboard has a significantly higher overall satisfaction score, reflecting its strong market presence and user trust. Users frequently mention its reliability and institutional support, which contribute to a consistent and familiar digital learning environment.
- **Reviewers mention** that while Open LMS is customizable and easy to use, it may not match the comprehensive features of Blackboard. Users enjoy the ease of adding and updating content, but some may find that Blackboard's robust toolset better meets their diverse educational needs.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that both platforms receive positive feedback for their support, but Open LMS stands out for its fantastic technical support team. Users appreciate the helpful advice and solutions provided, which can be crucial for those needing assistance during their learning journey.
- **Users report** that Blackboard's implementation process is generally quick and intuitive, making it easier for institutions to onboard new users. In contrast, while Open LMS has its strengths, some users may find that Blackboard's established presence and resources provide a more seamless experience overall.



| | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.0 out of 5 | 4.0 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,067 | 90 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (46.7% of reviews) | Mid-Market (53.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Blackboard

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

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

### Open LMS

Pros:
- Helpful (7 reviews)
- Ease of Learning (4 reviews)

Cons:
- Feature Issues (5 reviews)
- Navigation Issues (3 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.3 (837 reviews) | 8.0 (62 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.8 (931 reviews) | 7.4 (60 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.5 (308 reviews) | 7.8 (36 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.4 (205 reviews) | 7.6 (38 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.5 (687 reviews) | 7.6 (59 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 7.9 (172 reviews) | 8.0 (39 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 6.7 (838 reviews) | 5.7 (62 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Blackboard

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Open LMS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Assessment

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | 8.2/10 | 99 |
| **Open LMS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Assessment delivery

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Question variety** | 8.9 (88 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **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 | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated grading** | 8.9 (85 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Gamification** | 6.9 (77 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Analytics dashboard** | 8.3 (82 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 8.3 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **Open LMS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Process Automation

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **Open LMS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Course Authoring

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Speech** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

### Talent Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | N/A | N/A |
| **Open LMS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **Open LMS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Course Authoring

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Course Builder** | 9.0 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Role-Based Templates** | 7.9 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Assessments & Quizzes** | 8.7 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Instructor-Led Training** | 8.7 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Course Delivery

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Learning Paths** | 8.2 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Communication & Notifications** | 8.6 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Assignment Scheduling** | 9.0 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Course Management

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Gamification** | 6.6 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Varied User Types** | 8.4 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Certifications** | 8.3 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Industry Compliance ** | 8.5 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### LMS Marketplace

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **E-Commerce** | 6.2 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Course Marketplace** | 7.1 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Subscriptions** | 6.7 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Interface

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **White Labeling** | 7.7 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multilingual** | 7.9 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Training & eLearning

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Assessments and Practice** | 8.6 (57 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Content Delivery and Tracking** | 8.2 (60 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Content Creation** | 7.7 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customer Training** | 8.0 (45 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manager Portals** | 7.2 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Content Storage and Management** | 7.6 (56 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Content Libraries** | 7.3 (51 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 7.6 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.5 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.7 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Corporate Learning Management Systems 

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Training eLearning

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Blackboard** | N/A | N/A |
| **Open LMS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform

| Feature | Blackboard | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 (1):** [Learning Management Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/learning-management-system-lms)

**Unique to Blackboard (4):** [Sales Training and Onboarding Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-training-and-onboarding), [Corporate Learning Management Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/corporate-learning-management-systems), [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 | Open LMS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 15.2% | 13.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 38.1% | 53.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 46.7% | 33.7% | 

### 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%

#### Open LMS

- **Higher Education:** 48.1%
- **Education Management:** 22.2%
- **Primary/Secondary Education:** 6.2%
- **Writing and Editing:** 3.7%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 3.7%
- **E-Learning:** 3.7%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.5%
- **Consulting:** 1.2%
- **Research:** 1.2%
- **Religious Institutions:** 1.2%
- **Other:** 6.2%

---
## 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)
- [D2L Brightspace](https://www.g2.com/products/d2l-brightspace/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (697 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 (530 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 (920 reviews)
- [Google Classroom](https://www.g2.com/products/google-classroom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1560 reviews)

### Alternatives to Open LMS

- [Canvas LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/canvas-lms/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1839 reviews)
- [Moodle](https://www.g2.com/products/moodle/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (448 reviews)
- [D2L Brightspace](https://www.g2.com/products/d2l-brightspace/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (697 reviews)
- [Google Classroom](https://www.g2.com/products/google-classroom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1560 reviews)
- [Docebo](https://www.g2.com/products/docebo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (741 reviews)
- [Tovuti LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/tovuti-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (296 reviews)
- [Absorb LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/absorb-software-absorb-lms/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (920 reviews)
- [PowerSchool Schoology Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/powerschool-schoology-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (395 reviews)
- [LearnUpon LMS](https://www.g2.com/products/learnupon-lms/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (253 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..."

### Open LMS

- Title: [What can an LMS do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-an-lms-do) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Allows your educational strategy to handle e-learning courses (online), and blended courses, as well as complement face-to-face classes with ed-tech..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/blackboard-vs-learning-technologies-group-plc-open-lms)