Mid-Year Rankings – Learning Systems

There is nothing cooler, that seeing mid-year rankings and knowing that these vendors are in the “high” level pool for consideration to crack the top 10 2026 rankings.

When I say consideration, I mean that sure, someone can come out of nowhere and crack (it happens every year – which is very sweet – for the vendor of course) – and yep yourselves – because they usually are not as well known, but have a system that screams check us out – and it is worthwhile.

As usual, I will note vendors who are in my platform, FindAnLMS with the words (FAL) – being in the rankings, has nothing to do with FAL, nor part of any requirement.

These rankings are independent, and when the end of the year comes, specifics on what I look at, consider – and relevance of such, which is structured with points and weights, is how it is devised.

That said, here are a few items to recognize of relevance – to get an understanding of who is who and why for mid-year

• I have to see the system. Pretty simple. Nobody should be in any rankings without the analyst (me) or advisor (me) seeing the platform. I reach out to the vendors on my own. Are there vendors who reach out and ask me to check them out? Yes. I usually will take a gander, but being seen by me, doesn’t mean instant rankings nor pool – because there are so many systems out there it isn’t feasible to see them all.
• I go international here
• I do a deep dive – no, “Hey we are a vendor and here is a demo we present, or go into our site, and play around.” Nope, doesn’t work that way – I request, either a vendor says yes, or demurres or just flat out declines. The demur which means silence despite multiple requests or agreeing then backing out – is common this year, far more than before. Sad IMO. Especially since the goal in this industry is to be seen, recognized and oh yeah, generate sales.
• In my deep dive I am taking notes, because my questions are deep into the weeds. It is the only way to truly get at and go beyond the hype or vapor – “we have this, oh, uh, next year,” that a vendor may fail to disclose to you (it does happen). I couldn’t care a less on who they landed (a lot of vendors have the big names, rare to have the entire company), their marketing spin.
• 15 variables I look at – this will include a questionnaire each vendor will get when it comes to rumbling into those top 10, from the pool of folks you see here, plus I have a lot of vendors to look at in the coming months – so will have to see who is in the “pool” of consideration. Those variables are some common ones you have seen in the past from me, then I added a few new ones, due to market variables and changes.
• Balance – The rankings you see below and will see breakdowns requires balance. It isn’t fair to compare a vendor who is going L&D only vs someone going 80% or more in customer training or higher. Two different segments. Here is a key – if I am in customer training including product enablement my data set (business outcomes, intelligence) should be different than L&D, ditto with some feature sets. Thus, why would anyone want to stick everyone in the same boat and do a comparison? If a system is combo (L&D and external audience) then they are compared to others that are the same, and depending on percentages may be slotted into comparision – that is the nature of the business, but if the vendor is now focusing on L&D more than customer training, yet has a higher percentile of CT at the moment, it places me into a quandry – I will note who this vendor is, because I like them, but to get to where they want to go requires some tweaks, and honestly they were always combo, even though their market percentiles were heavily tilted to CT.
• AI – it has to be there. It’s 2026.
• Mobile app – Gear up, there are vendors who still lack it – this year, they will really take a point loss. I hear the reasons behind it, just as I hear reasons on why people prefer pencils. Makes no sense. Although I did see a person use a pencil sharpener the other day. I wanted to inquire why, but uh, yeah, more important things to do – like be stunned.

Vertical and Market Factors

There are way too many vendors who think L&D represents everyone. Despite repeatedly mentioning that isn’t the case, here is why it is a bad idea, they still ignore.

And yes, they will lose potential customers by playing the continued game.

Getting back to L&D, very few folks in L&D also do external training, that is the surprise, whereas you will find companies, where Training is doing internal – employees and external – customers/clients.

If a system is saying “employees” and “L&D” and you are doing external training – i.e. customer/client training, partner enablement – which is not L&D/employees – and you will see this in their pitch or marketing: run…run..and run… Ditto if a vendor says EdTech and they are referring to corporate training.

EdTech means educational technology – the word educational is academia. Just like education is uh, academia. I have seen customer training folks say this – one is Intellium – solid system, but EdTech? Yeah, no.

Let’s Get to the Mid-Year Rankings

The Pool (I have so far seen over 200 systems this year – globally), here are the 25 that I have SEEN this year, that stand out – I will note that for those in the top 20, 15, and of course 10, I will see them in Sept/Oct with updates in Nov for the finals. So fear not – those in the 10 are beyond scrunity – from my perspective.

In no particular order, although some folks, will be like, “Yeah right, he is doing it in some order, I just need my decorder pencil to figure it out.”

Top market system – LMS (really the majority of these systems are really LMSs, revamped under a new moniker.

I list either LMS or Learning Platform to represent combo, regardless of what the vendor says they are. Because here is the thing – that vendors ignore – as the customer you can buy a learning system that is specific for customers and use it for an internal audience.

There isn’t anything a vendor can really do – I mean what? Slap your hands?

Market Breakdown today

1. LMS (The King KONG of the industry – which is why you see others go – oh, they are so gone, and really lack an in-depth knowledge of the industry) – Can be internal, external, training orgs, associations. Fun Fact, with the exception of two vendors on this list, when you type in their name with LMS, they pop up. I guess, LMS isn’t such a “traditional” term – huh?
2. Learning Platforms – These are systems whereas the vendor slides into another name. I will say that vendors who play in learning operations only, or training management for example, are really in the LP side of the house. Vendors who call themselves LXP, are really an LMS or a LP – LXP is a ubiquitous term, and every vendor has an LXP – with the exceptions of training mgt, or learning operations.
3. Talent Development System/Platform – I am now changing the name to Workforce Development Platform/System – A growing segment. Simply because Talent Dev while accurate, the term “workforce development” aligns better with where we are today with learning. You will see me, referencing TDS as now Workforce Development – a more modern term. Still the same as a TDS, but let’s say rebranded for the new dawn of 26 into 27. And yeah, it’s really an LMS or even a learning platform, slides into both.

Don’t be fooled

Micro-Learning Platform – drives me bonkers – every SYSTEM since 1999 could do micro-learning. Even today, everyone can do it (sans KMs, which are not designed that way).

Audiences

1. L&D – Employee aka talent development, some L&D folks do external as well, so internal/external
2. Training – Customer/Client/Partner Enablement, Training Organizations, Associations, etc. Can also do internal only.
3. HR – Talent Development. When L&D gets gutted, and/or training, definitely more L&D, the system ends up going to HR, usually HRIS. Not a good idea, but it’s reality
4. Everyone else – I’ve seen external systems go straight to marketing. Is it the worst idea ever? No. The worst idea ever was the guy who strapped on wings and jumped off a cliff thinking he could fly. Granted it was the late 1890s, and seemed like a good idea, for about one second. RIP.

Learning System Vendors – Mid-Year Rankings

(They are in the Pool, so, 10 of them, okay, there will likely be one or two ties – based on total points; will be in the top 10, unless a newbie comes out of nowhere to make the jump – I have some systems on my list to see in the next month)

• Cornerstone Learning (FAL) – Combo system, since they are after L&D (heavily) but they offer external – customer training. If you want everything beyond just learning, then you go Workforce Intelligence which is L&D and even HR depending on needs. L&D is the dominator here. I see them more as a Workforce Development Platform, that said, I understand their angle – since it is all driven big time by AI. I personally wouldn’t buy them for customer/client/partner enablement, just because how the system is focused more along and stronger in the L&D side). Product Review Q4. Frontline works strong too.
• Absorb LMS (FAL) – Combo, but very strong in customer/client/partner enablement, frontline workers, training organizations, associations. #1 Learning System 2025.
• D2L (FAL) – Combo, very strong though in customer/client/partner enablement, and associations. Does well with frontline too.
• Eurekos (FAL) – Customer Training only – Ranked #1 for 2026 (mid-year for customer training), oh also plays well in frontline workers.
• BizLMS (FAL) – Employees only; includes BizSkills – Awesome, and BizCreate their AI content creator – This is a talent development platform (which can easily be noted as an LMS, which covers internal, external, grandma’s seltzer aka moonshine, etc.) Product Review Q4.
• ExpertusOne (FAL) – Blue-Collar segment ((i.e. employees in manufacturing, energy) can also be welders, and other audiences that are noted as blue-collar. Construction is a big player here.
• DigitalChalk (FAL) – Blue-Collar (i.e. employees in manufacturing, energy) can also be welders, and other audiences that are noted as blue-collar). Construction is a big player here.
• BenchPrep (FAL) – Up and coming system, Training Organizations, Customer/Client/Partner Enablement – focused on revenue generation entities. So, think B2B, D2C (Direct to consumer, some folks refer to this as B2C). Easily could play in association space. Product Review coming Q4. Yes, I have seen the system multiple times, I just have a list of upcoming Product Reviews on my blog coming in Q4.
• Learn Amp (acquired by Cezanne HR) (FAL)- Right now, they are a standalone which means they are not part of the infrastructure of Cezanne. If this changes, it will be updated. They reference themselves as Employee Development, I see them more as a Workforce Development platform. Bottom line – this is for employees only.
• Cypher Learning (FAL) – L&D and Training – i.e. customer, client, partner enablement. Currently #3 for AI.
• Thrive Learning – L&D heavy. I think they can do well in customer/client/partner enablement too, but right now heavy employees only. Currently #2 for AI.
• Docebo (FAL) – This gets tricky because they have a larger audience on the customer/client/partner enablement than employee-only focused L&D; they have always been combo – HOWEVER they are now moving heavy on Workforce Development. When I saw it, I thought HCM close, they are not an HCM though – I want to stress that. They are becoming a talent development platform.
• Pluralsight AI Academy – Tech Skills, legit learning labs – and what they have coming with skills, will blow you away – okay, it did for me. AI Academy is clearly in the top five best AI offerings in our industry. I believe AI Academy is an additional fee on top of your Pluralsight system if you want it, or you can also go solo – best to ask them. Best system for tech skills. Take out the kazoos and congrats! Oh L&D, and I see also D:C too.
• Talent LMS (FAL) – Combo system. Skews more towards customer training/partner enablement
• Praxis Learning – L&D. Run by former CLO at Litmos, up and comer, dig this system, so much potential – early on ride though.
• SparkLearn (FAL) – Frontline Workers and Blue-Collar workers – you need a strong mobile app here, they have it.
• LearnUpon (FAL) – Combo – I see them as a better fit in the customer training side, and associations. That’s just my take.
• Blossom (FAL)- Combo system. Slides more into L&D.
• Fuse – Combo System, includes associations, and yes, external audience. They are becoming heavy around AI and will be a legit threat on AI by the end of year, if they hit all their targets. Oh, also going into blue-collar.
• Learning Pool – (FAL) – Combo system. I see them more on the L&D side.
• Pifini (FAL) – Customer/Client/Partner Enablement – one of the top five for 2026 new platforms, this is more along the lines of a sales enablement, however it comes with an LMS too – that is very solid. I say more along the lines of sales enablement with core being learning – but this is so much more than you typical SE. Heavily driven by AI. Dig the system.
• Bridge – L&D, This is a Workforce Development Platform – i.e. learning, performance, skills
• Talvi.ai – Knowledge Management Platform – Best fit is for employees. On the short list of vendors who can do SCORM and xAPI parsing.
• Uplevel – Combo. Kind of hard to explain because it is up leveling skills, training for companies – internal, but you could go customer/partner enablement here, and the kicker easily D:C as in a creator selling direct to the customer, plus you can do coaching sessions, mentoring sessions, individual classes. Have to see it. Up and Coming. Early level – solid potential.
• Opus – Frontline Workers, heavy in the restaurant industry.
• KREDO (FAL) – L&D heavy focused.
• 360Learning (FAL) – Combo system. Unsure why folks they are customer/partner/client only. I didn’t see that. If anything I saw them more heading towards L&D driven.
• Intellium (FAL) – Customer/Client training, partner enablement, training organizations

In Consideration

This is a short group, who are scheduled to be seen by me, but at mid-year here, due to various factors out of my control..anyway, they are potentials to cross into the Top 15, even Top 10 threshold, and Top three in various other segments.

• Gainsight – For SkillJar and their AI pieces (i.e. Gainsight) that go into Skilljar
• Thirst (FAL) – L&D, targets SMB – which some folks now reference as small enterprise
• Learningbank – L&D, focuses heavy around blue-collar workers, such as folks working in manufacturing, etc.; plus plays in restaurant and hospitality for frontline workers. Refers as Workforce Development – and yeah, I can see it – but it’s a fine line.
• Valamis – L&D platform. Workforce Development Platform
• Kallidus – L&D Platform. Strong around compliance.

Others not on this list – again, a few newbies or haven’t been heard much by anyone beyond regional; could drop in – but this is mid-year rankings.

Top Five for AI in their Learning System

Right now, this is their actual ranking, could slide up or down, because we are mid-year.

1. Cornerstone Learning
2. Thrive Learning
3. Cypher Learning
4. Pifini
5. Pluralsight AI Academy

Top Four for Blue-Collar – This includes folks on the manufacturing plant, warehouse pick and pack, energy at plant or field locations.

I am going to toss in construction here – simply because it is the HOTTEST market right now in the industry.

1. ExpertusOne
2. DigitalChalk
3. Spark Learn
4. Cornerstone Learning

Top Five for folks totally brand new and want something up and running quickly with little to no learning curve.

Every vendor says this, but a lot of times it is not true.

If you want to buy, click and go, here are my top five (mid-year)

1. Eurekos – Strictly customer training/partner enablement, training orgs entity
2. Biz LMS
3. DigitalChalk
4. Praxis Learning
5. LearnUpon

Just because they are quick and go, doesn’t mean they are not robust.

In fact, all of them can go streamline for you, or robust. You choose which you want to go – and yeah I still think BizSkills which comes with BizLMS is a standout skills development/mgt piece.

Bottom Line

There you go, mid-year rankings.

Not seeing your system, don’t fret – there is always a chance someone busts through, that has yet to be seen, or has yet to be updated enough to crack the list.

Every vendor these days will say they are AI-focused, or AI-driven or AI-first or AI blah blah. But there are vendors that stand out above the rest.

AI is marketing spin, because if you do not have it in your system in 2026, at least something, you are way behind the eight, nine and 10-ball.

Skills is a standard these days too.

Now, at what level is another story.

Finally for folks who are saying, what defines Workforce Development – i’d go strong on performance, with skills and learning (especially learning) as the three-parts. They get close to HCM, but won’t cross it, because they lack a variety of pieces.

Generally speaking, any vendor can call themselves workforce development, because if they are going in the L&D side, you could twist it.

That said, learning is still and always will be the core. It’s the driver. It’s the reason, L&D and Training exist.

At least to me,

And it should be for

You

Too.

E-Learning 24/7