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LMS · head to head

D2L Brightspace vs Padlet

D2L Brightspace logo

D2L Brightspace

LMS

The LMS built to focus on the learning moment

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Padlet logo

Padlet

LMS

Collaborate on digital walls and canvases

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Padlet 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; Padlet the Internet Archive's capture of Padlet's premium plans page on 10 January 2020 named three distinct paid editions, Padlet Backpack for schools, Padlet Briefcase for businesses, and Padlet Pro for individuals, but the page itself carried no price figures.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where D2L Brightspace and Padlet differ
AttributeD2L BrightspacePadlet
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, IOS, Android
FoundedUnknown2008

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 Padlet does not also cover.

Only in Padlet

  • Digital boards
  • Multimedia posts
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Templates
  • Privacy controls
  • Reactions
  • Comments
  • Export options

What people use each for

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

D2L Brightspace

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

Padlet

  • Brainstormingnot D2L Brightspace
  • Collaborationnot D2L Brightspace
  • Portfoliosnot D2L Brightspace
  • Exit ticketsnot 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

Padlet

  • The Internet Archive's capture of Padlet's premium plans page on 10 January 2020 named three distinct paid editions, Padlet Backpack for schools, Padlet Briefcase for businesses, and Padlet Pro for individuals, but the page itself carried no price figures.

Pricing, plan by plan

D2L Brightspace

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the D2L Brightspace review.

Padlet

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 padlets
    • Basic features
  • Pro$8/month
    • Unlimited padlets
    • Privacy controls
    • Custom branding
  • Team$12/month
    • Shared workspace
    • Admin controls
    • Priority support
  • Classroom$99/month
    • Unlimited padlets
    • Student accounts
    • No ads

Which should you pick?

Choose D2L Brightspace if

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

D2L Brightspace review

Choose Padlet if

  • You need digital boards.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want multimedia posts.
Padlet review

Questions people ask

Is D2L Brightspace or Padlet better?
Neither clearly leads. D2L Brightspace starts at On request and Padlet at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, D2L Brightspace or Padlet?
Padlet has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for D2L Brightspace and Free for Padlet.
Does D2L Brightspace or Padlet run on more platforms?
D2L Brightspace runs on Web. Padlet runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use Padlet for free?
Yes. Padlet 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 Padlet is typically brought in for.
What can D2L Brightspace do that Padlet cannot?
Padlet covers Digital boards, Multimedia posts, Real-time collaboration, Templates.

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
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
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
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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