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LMS · head to head

D2L Brightspace vs Schoology

D2L Brightspace logo

D2L Brightspace

LMS

The LMS built to focus on the learning moment

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Schoology logo

Schoology

LMS

LMS that connects learning with the bigger picture

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Schoology 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; Schoology schoology (now PowerSchool's Schoology Learning) gates its full feature set behind a separate Enterprise package; the free version is a limited LMS tier, per the vendor's own archived K-12 page (2019), with no dollar figure published for the Enterprise upgrade.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where D2L Brightspace and Schoology differ
AttributeD2L BrightspaceSchoology
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotesubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, IOS, Android
FoundedUnknown2009

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 Schoology does not also cover.

Only in Schoology

  • Course management
  • Gradebook
  • Assessment builder
  • Discussion boards
  • Resources library
  • Parent portal
  • Analytics
  • Mobile app

What people use each for

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

D2L Brightspace

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

Schoology

  • Course deliverynot D2L Brightspace
  • Assessmentnot D2L Brightspace
  • Collaborationnot D2L Brightspace
  • Parent communicationnot 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

Schoology

  • Schoology (now PowerSchool's Schoology Learning) gates its full feature set behind a separate Enterprise package; the free version is a limited LMS tier, per the vendor's own archived K-12 page (2019), with no dollar figure published for the Enterprise upgrade.

Pricing, plan by plan

D2L Brightspace

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the D2L Brightspace review.

Schoology

Free
  • BasicFree
    • Course management
    • Assignments
    • Gradebook
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SIS integration
    • Analytics
    • Standards alignment

Which should you pick?

Choose D2L Brightspace if

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

D2L Brightspace review

Choose Schoology if

  • You need course management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want gradebook.
Schoology review

Questions people ask

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

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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