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LMS · head to head

D2L Brightspace vs iSpring Learn

D2L Brightspace logo

D2L Brightspace

LMS

The LMS built to focus on the learning moment

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
iSpring Learn logo

iSpring Learn

LMS

Fast LMS for corporate training

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only iSpring Learn has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: D2L Brightspace no pricing tiers, subscription costs, or feature pricing published; requires contacting sales; iSpring Learn the smallest published plan is 100 users at $8,286 a year, so there is no entry point for a small team
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which D2L Brightspace and iSpring Learn actually diverge.

Attributes where D2L Brightspace and iSpring Learn differ
AttributeD2L BrightspaceiSpring Learn
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotesubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, IOS, Android
FoundedUnknown2001

Identical on both: 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 iSpring Learn does not also cover.

Only in iSpring Learn

  • Course player
  • Quiz builder
  • Learning paths
  • Certifications
  • Mobile app
  • Analytics
  • PowerPoint import
  • SCORM support

What people use each for

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

D2L Brightspace

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

iSpring Learn

  • employee trainingnot D2L Brightspace
  • corporate learning managementnot D2L Brightspace
  • staff developmentnot 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

iSpring Learn

  • The smallest published plan is 100 users at $8,286 a year, so there is no entry point for a small team
  • Per user rates fall steeply with volume, from $6.91 a month at 100 users to $3.97 at 500, so smaller buyers pay nearly twice as much per head
  • Billing is per active user, defined as anyone who logged in at least once in a month, so a single login costs a full seat
  • Plans are sold in fixed user bands rather than by actual headcount

Pricing, plan by plan

D2L Brightspace

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the D2L Brightspace review.

iSpring Learn

Free
  • Business 100 users$6.91/user/month
    • 100 users at this rate
    • unlimited learning content
    • reports and analytics
  • Business 300 users$4.46/user/month
    • 300 users at this rate
    • unlimited learning content
    • reports and analytics
  • Business 500 users$3.97/user/month
    • 500 users at this rate
    • unlimited learning content
    • reports and analytics
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • custom pricing
    • dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose D2L Brightspace if

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

D2L Brightspace review

Choose iSpring Learn if

  • You need course player.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want quiz builder.
iSpring Learn review

Questions people ask

Is D2L Brightspace or iSpring Learn better?
Neither clearly leads. D2L Brightspace starts at On request and iSpring Learn at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, D2L Brightspace or iSpring Learn?
iSpring Learn has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for D2L Brightspace and Free for iSpring Learn.
Does D2L Brightspace or iSpring Learn run on more platforms?
D2L Brightspace runs on Web. iSpring Learn runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use iSpring Learn for free?
Yes. iSpring Learn has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. D2L Brightspace starts at On request.
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 iSpring Learn is typically brought in for.
What can D2L Brightspace do that iSpring Learn cannot?
iSpring Learn covers Course player, Quiz builder, Learning paths, Certifications.

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
iSpring Learn: Does iSpring Learn offer a free trial?

Yes, iSpring Learn provides a free 30-day trial with no credit card required.

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
iSpring Learn: Are there hidden costs in iSpring Learn pricing?

No, iSpring Learn emphasizes transparent pricing with no hidden costs and offers a money-back guarantee.

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
iSpring Learn: How does iSpring Learn pricing scale with user count?

iSpring Learn uses per-user monthly pricing that decreases as you add more users: 100 users at $6.91/user, 300 users at $4.46/user, or 500 users at $3.97/user per month.

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
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