Softwr

LMS · head to head

D2L Brightspace vs edX

D2L Brightspace logo

D2L Brightspace

LMS

The LMS built to focus on the learning moment

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
edX logo

edX

LMS

Online courses from the world's top universities

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: D2L Brightspace no pricing tiers, subscription costs, or feature pricing published; requires contacting sales; edX individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which D2L Brightspace and edX actually diverge.

Attributes where D2L Brightspace and edX differ
AttributeD2L BrightspaceedX
Pricing modelquotesubscription
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android
FoundedUnknown2012

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (LMS).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in D2L Brightspace

Nothing recorded that edX does not also cover.

Only in edX

  • Video lectures
  • Interactive exercises
  • Discussion forums
  • Certificates
  • MicroMasters
  • Professional certificates
  • Degrees
  • Mobile learning

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

D2L Brightspace

  • Learning management system for educational institutionsnot edX
  • Online course management and deliverynot edX
  • Student engagement and retention trackingnot edX
  • Course content creation and distributionnot edX
  • Learner achievement and certification managementnot edX

edX

  • Learners seeking university-level credentials from elite institutions (MIT, Harvard, Cambridge)not D2L Brightspace
  • Career changers pursuing MicroMasters or professional certificatesnot D2L Brightspace
  • Individuals in regions with limited access to higher educationnot D2L Brightspace

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

D2L Brightspace

  • No pricing tiers, subscription costs, or feature pricing published; requires contacting sales
  • Quote-based pricing model with no transparent cost information available
  • Multiple add-on modules (Lumi, Creator+, Achievement+, Performance+, Course Merchant, D2L Link) available but pricing not disclosed

edX

  • Individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view

Pricing, plan by plan

D2L Brightspace

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the D2L Brightspace review.

edX

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the edX review.

Which should you pick?

Choose D2L Brightspace if

Nothing in the data separates D2L Brightspace from edX on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

D2L Brightspace review

Choose edX if

  • You need video lectures.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want interactive exercises.
edX review

Questions people ask

Is D2L Brightspace or edX better?
Neither clearly leads. D2L Brightspace starts at On request and edX at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, D2L Brightspace or edX?
D2L Brightspace starts at On request and edX at On request.
Does D2L Brightspace or edX run on more platforms?
D2L Brightspace runs on Web. edX runs on Web, iOS, Android.
What is D2L Brightspace best used for?
D2L Brightspace is most often used for learning management system for educational institutions, online course management and delivery, student engagement and retention tracking, course content creation and distribution. Of those, learning management system for educational institutions and online course management and delivery are not what edX is typically brought in for.
What can D2L Brightspace do that edX cannot?
edX covers Video lectures, Interactive exercises, Discussion forums, Certificates.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

D2L Brightspace: How much does D2L Brightspace cost?

D2L Brightspace does not publish pricing on its website. Prospective customers must request a demo or contact D2L sales to receive pricing quotes customized to their institution's needs.

Source
edX: Does edX offer free courses?

Yes, edX allows you to audit courses for free, as indicated by their 'How to Audit a Course' resource. Auditing provides access to course content without earning a certificate.

Source
D2L Brightspace: What add-on modules does Brightspace offer?

Brightspace offers multiple add-on modules including D2L Lumi, Creator+, Achievement+, Performance+, Course Merchant, and D2L Link. Specific pricing and features for each are available by contacting D2L.

Source
edX: Do you have to pay for certificates on edX?

Yes, edX offers Verified Certificates which require payment. Exact pricing varies by course but is available when you view individual course pages.

Source
D2L Brightspace: What is D2L Brightspace's retention rate?

D2L reports an 82% retention rate among customers, though this does not reflect pricing or costs.

Source
edX: What types of credential programs does edX offer?

edX offers Professional Certificates (multiple bundled courses), Degree Programs (Master's, Bachelor's, MicroMasters, MicroBachelors), and Executive Education premium offerings.

Source
D2L Brightspace: Can I see D2L Brightspace before purchasing?

D2L Brightspace is available by demo request only. Contact D2L directly to schedule a demo and discuss pricing options for your institution.

Source
edX: Are there current discounts on edX?

Yes, edX offers periodic discount codes. Currently they have a code ACTION2026 providing up to 20% off for a limited time.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on D2L Brightspace

More on edX

Keep looking

Other head to heads