Softwr

Learning Management · head to head

Google Classroom vs LinkedIn Learning

Google Classroom logo

Google Classroom

Learning Management

Free, easy-to-use learning management for schools

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LinkedIn Learning logo

LinkedIn Learning

Learning Management

Develop skills with expert-led courses

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Google Classroom has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Google Classroom no SCORM or xAPI support for tracking learning analytics; LinkedIn Learning listed on UK G-Cloud 14 at £5.80 to £286 per user per year for LinkedIn Learning, submitted directly by LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company
  • They diverge on capability: Google Classroom covers Class management, LinkedIn Learning covers Video courses.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Classroom and LinkedIn Learning actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Classroom and LinkedIn Learning differ
AttributeGoogle ClassroomLinkedIn Learning
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded19982003

Identical on both: platforms (Web, iOS, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Learning Management).

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 Google Classroom

  • Class management
  • Assignments
  • Gradebook
  • Google Meet
  • Google Drive integration
  • Originality reports
  • Mobile app
  • Parent summaries

Only in LinkedIn Learning

  • Video courses
  • Certificates
  • Learning paths
  • Skill assessments
  • LinkedIn integration
  • Mobile learning
  • Offline viewing
  • Recommendations

Both cover

  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Google Classroom

  • Class managementnot LinkedIn Learning
  • Assignment distributionnot LinkedIn Learning
  • Gradingnot LinkedIn Learning
  • Communicationnot LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning

  • Skill developmentnot Google Classroom
  • Career growthnot Google Classroom
  • Team trainingnot Google Classroom
  • Professional developmentnot Google Classroom

Where each one falls short

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

Google Classroom

  • No SCORM or xAPI support for tracking learning analytics
  • Limited quiz types, relying on Google Forms instead of native assessment tools
  • No rubric-based grading workflow for detailed feedback
  • Minimal built-in analytics and no discussion forums for asynchronous engagement
  • Tightly dependent on Google Workspace ecosystem with limited third-party integrations

LinkedIn Learning

  • Listed on UK G-Cloud 14 at £5.80 to £286 per user per year for LinkedIn Learning, submitted directly by LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Classroom

Free
  • Education FundamentalsFree
    • Classroom, Docs, Gmail, Meet, Forms, Chat
    • 100 TB pooled storage
  • Google Workspace for Education Plus$5/month
    • Advanced features
    • Dedicated support

LinkedIn Learning

On request
  • Monthly$29.99/month
    • All courses
    • Certificates
    • LinkedIn integration
  • Annual$19.99/month
    • All courses
    • Offline viewing
    • Personalized recommendations
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Admin tools
    • Analytics
    • Learning paths

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Classroom if

  • You need class management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want assignments.
Google Classroom review

Choose LinkedIn Learning if

  • You need video courses.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want certificates.
LinkedIn Learning review

Questions people ask

Is Google Classroom or LinkedIn Learning better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Classroom starts at Free and LinkedIn Learning at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Classroom or LinkedIn Learning?
Google Classroom has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Classroom and On request for LinkedIn Learning.
Does Google Classroom or LinkedIn Learning run on more platforms?
Google Classroom runs on Web, iOS, Android. LinkedIn Learning runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use Google Classroom for free?
Yes. Google Classroom has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. LinkedIn Learning starts at On request.
What is Google Classroom best used for?
Google Classroom is most often used for class management, assignment distribution, grading, communication. Of those, class management and assignment distribution are not what LinkedIn Learning is typically brought in for.
What can Google Classroom do that LinkedIn Learning cannot?
Google Classroom covers Class management, Assignments, Gradebook, Google Meet. LinkedIn Learning covers Video courses, Certificates, Learning paths, Skill assessments. Both handle Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Classroom: How much does Google Classroom cost?

Google Classroom is free with Google Workspace for Education. Advanced AI features via Gemini Pro add-on cost $24 per user per month, and Google Workspace for Education Plus costs $5-$8 per user per month.

Source
Google Classroom: What are the limitations of Google Classroom compared to full LMS platforms?

Google Classroom lacks SCORM or xAPI support, has limited quiz types relying on Google Forms, no rubric-based grading workflow, minimal built-in analytics, and no discussion forums for asynchronous student interaction.

Source
Google Classroom: Can Google Classroom be customized for advanced course structures?

Google Classroom is not ideal for modular or branching content and offers limited customization compared to full LMS platforms like Moodle or Canvas.

Source
Google Classroom: Does Google Classroom integrate with Microsoft 365 or other SIS platforms?

Google Classroom is tightly integrated with Google Workspace and depends on Google Meet. Integration with other systems like Microsoft 365 or specific SIS platforms is limited.

Source
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Related pages

More on Google Classroom

More on LinkedIn Learning

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