Cornerstone OnDemand is a leading talent management platform with a strong learning management system (LMS) at its core. Designed for large enterprises, Cornerstone excels in offering robust features for learning automation, talent management, and compliance training. Its scalability and advanced reporting capabilities make it a popular choice for organizations seeking to align their training initiatives with broader business goals.

However, Cornerstone’s complexity and steep learning curve can pose challenges for some users, particularly smaller organizations or teams looking for a more straightforward solution. Common frustrations include lengthy implementation times, basic evaluation tools, and a high degree of customization that requires significant time and effort to configure.

If Cornerstone OnDemand doesn’t fully meet your organization’s needs, there are many competitors that deliver comparable—or even enhanced—capabilities. This article highlights the top Cornerstone competitors in 2025, offering alternatives that provide easier implementation, better usability, and tailored features for a range of industries and organizational sizes. Whether you’re seeking a simpler LMS, more affordable pricing, or specialized tools, these platforms could be the perfect fit for your training and talent development needs.

Table of Contents

Why Are Organizations Moving Away From Cornerstone?
Vendor Comparison Table
Top Cornerstone Competitors in 2025
1. Knowledge Anywhere
2. Litmos
3. Absorb
4. Docebo
5. TalentLMS
6. Moodle
7. LearnUpon
8. iSpring Learn
9. Skillsoft

Why Are Companies Leaving Cornerstone?

Cornerstone OnDemand is a well-known platform for its comprehensive talent management features and scalability. However, several user-reported challenges have driven organizations to explore alternative solutions.

While Cornerstone remains a strong choice for large-scale talent management, these drawbacks have led many organizations to seek alternatives that offer smoother integrations, more responsive support, and a more modern user experience. These common pain points (taken from real customer reviews) include:

Integration Issues

While Cornerstone offers a wide range of features, integrating the platform with existing systems can be a complex and time-consuming process. Users often report difficulties in connecting third-party tools and workflows seamlessly, leading to inefficiencies and frustration.

“Integration of some apps has been harder than we thought—for example, getting Zoom links and Google Calendar aligned with the automated emails the system sends to users who enroll in sessions. Also, the customer support team has not been able to assist us and instead recommended 3rd party install help.” – G2

Poor Customer Support

Many users express dissatisfaction with the platform’s customer service. Delayed responses and insufficient resolution of issues can leave organizations feeling unsupported during critical times, such as system rollouts or troubleshooting efforts.

“Technical support has been a glaring issue with Cornerstone. Any issues short of a complete system outage are handled quite sloppily. Communication on the tickets is poor and response times to receive meaningful responses and not just SLA check ins are frustrating.” – G2

Poor Interface Design

Despite its robust functionality, Cornerstone’s user interface has been criticized for being outdated and unintuitive. Both learners and administrators report challenges in navigating the platform, which can reduce engagement and increase administrative workload.

“Overall I feel the user interfaces of Cornerstone Learning could be improved. The aesthetic of the system is lacking a little bit, it looks dated.” – G2

Limited Features for Certain Needs

Although Cornerstone is powerful in enterprise settings, some users find it lacks key features for specific use cases, such as advanced analytics, real-time feedback tools, or user-friendly customization options. This limitation can make the platform less versatile for diverse organizational requirements.

“Sometimes it feels like it can do so much, but not exactly what you need it to do.” – G2

Vendor Comparison Table

LMS PLATFORM	BEST FOR	CONS	PRICING STARTS AT
Knowledge Anywhere	Price, customization, Course Libraries	Limited offline mobile learning capabilities	$450/month
Litmos	Compliance training and pre-built content	Limiting reporting, slow customer support response	Not publically available
Absorb LMS	Enterprise scalability and learner engagement	Expensive data analytics module	Not publically available
Docebo	AI-powered personalization and scalability	Complex admin interface; steep onboarding	Not publically available
TalentLMS	Small to mid-sized businesses	Basic reporting, limited enterprise features	$89/month
Moodle	Full customization with IT resources	Requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance, outdated interface	$130/year + hosting/support
LearnUpon	Multi-audience training	Limited reporting features, high pricing	Not publically available
iSpring Learn	Fast implementation and content creation	Basic reporting, not ideal for complex orgs	$6.64/user/month
Skillsoft	Professional development and leadership skills	Outdated interface, reporting capabilities could be improved	Not publically available

Top Cornerstone Competitors in 2025

1. Knowledge Anywhere

Knowledge Anywhere is a leading LMS that combines user-friendly design, robust functionality, and a personal touch. With a focus on helping organizations deliver effective training programs, Knowledge Anywhere excels in customization, seamless integrations, and top-notch customer support.

Knowledge Anywhere is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses as well as enterprises seeking a cost-effective yet feature-rich LMS.

Pricing Starts At: $450/month (see pricing here).

Customer Feedback:

• “Great Features and Intuitive Design. Is a great product for use in training employees. Easy to make the courses and see what employees have completed. The user interface is great!” – G2
• “The LMS you have been looking for! After reviewing several solutions and companies, we settled on Knowledge Anywhere. Their service has been second to none. Every interaction has been professional, timely and enjoyable. Implementing the LMS was smooth and efficient.” – Gartner

Why Switch to Knowledge Anywhere?

1. Customization Made Simple
   Knowledge Anywhere offers robust options for branded dashboards, tailored workflows, and course content, giving organizations the ability to create a learning environment unique to their needs.
2. Affordable and Scalable
   Its competitive pricing structure provides value for businesses of all sizes. Knowledge Anywhere scales effortlessly as your organization grows, offering advanced features without breaking the budget. And its transparent pricing allows you to know exactly what you’re getting, from the get-go.
3. Seamless Integrations
   One of Knowledge Anywhere’s greatest strengths is its ability to integrate effortlessly with popular course providers like LinkedIn Learning, OpenSesame, and BizLibrary. This gives you immediate access to thousands of expert-designed, off-the-shelf courses, saving time and resources while delivering high-quality learning content.
4. Top-Notch Customer Support
   Known for their dedicated support team, Knowledge Anywhere ensures smooth implementation and ongoing assistance, standing out as a customer-focused LMS provider.

2. Litmos

Litmos is a flexible LMS tailored for compliance training, workforce development, and customer education. Renowned for its rapid implementation and extensive library of pre-built courses, it allows organizations to quickly roll out training programs without lengthy preparation. Its seamless integration with the SAP ecosystem makes it a natural fit for businesses already leveraging SAP solutions.

Litmos is well-suited for companies seeking a straightforward, ready-made compliance training platform that requires minimal technical effort. However, some users have noted delays in customer support responsiveness, which can be a drawback for time-sensitive needs.

Pricing Starts At: Not publically available

Customer Feedback:

• “Litmos makes it effortless to distribute training across different teams within our company, enabling convenient self-paced learning.” – SoftwareReview
• “Reporting is problematic, with inaccurate information displayed on screen. The learning library lacks engaging content, and organizing courses is challenging. Support responses are slow, and basic features often have issues.” – SoftwareReview

Why Switch to Litmos LMS?

1. Quick Implementation with Pre-Built Content
   SAP Litmos includes a library of ready-to-use courses for compliance, professional development, and onboarding, allowing organizations to roll out training quickly.
2. Strong Focus on Compliance Training
   Litmos excels in simplifying regulatory training, helping industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing meet compliance standards.
3. Seamless SAP Integration
   For organizations already invested in SAP systems, Litmos integrates smoothly, creating a unified ecosystem for employee training and performance tracking.
4. User-Friendly Experience
   The platform’s straightforward interface provides an easy-to-navigate experience for learners, ensuring training completion rates stay high.

3. Absorb

Absorb LMS is a modern and highly scalable learning platform that provides a user-friendly experience for both learners and administrators and is frequently recognized for its sleek design and intuitive interface, which simplifies navigation and reduces administrative burden. While its features support large-scale training initiatives effectively, some organizations have reported delays during onboarding and implementation, along with concerns regarding the timing of new feature releases.

Absorb LMS is best suited for large enterprises and organizations managing complex training needs across multiple teams or global locations, seeking a robust, engaging platform with strong analytics capabilities.

Pricing Starts At: Not publically available

Customer Feedback:

• “This learning management system (LMS) is incredibly helpful for enhancing the business and customer focus. It feels almost tailor-made for cloud-based content.” – SoftwareFinder
• “The pricing is a concern, especially for small businesses. The monthly cost per active user can be high, which may not be feasible for solo entrepreneurs or small teams.” – SoftwareFinder

Why Switch to Absorb?

1. Ease of Use
   Absorb LMS is renowned for its intuitive and user-friendly design, making it easy for both learners and administrators to navigate. The platform minimizes the learning curve, ensuring quick adoption and efficient training management. Its straightforward interface allows users to focus on delivering impactful learning experiences rather than grappling with system complexities.
2. Exceptional Customer Support
   Organizations frequently highlight Absorb LMS’s responsive and knowledgeable support team. Whether it’s during implementation or troubleshooting, customers appreciate the platform’s commitment to addressing concerns promptly and providing tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.
3. Helpful Tools and Resources
   Absorb LMS goes beyond basic functionality by offering a range of tools and resources to optimize training programs. From detailed analytics to advanced engagement options like gamification, the platform equips organizations with everything they need to create impactful and effective learning experiences.

4. Docebo

Docebo is an AI-driven learning platform that stands out for its ability to deliver personalized, scalable training solutions. With features like AI-powered content recommendations, gamification, and robust administrative tools, Docebo makes it easy for organizations to create engaging learning experiences tailored to individual needs. Its modern interface and strong reporting capabilities simplify training management for both learners and administrators.

Docebo is best suited for mid-sized to large organizations looking for a scalable platform that prioritizes learner engagement and administrative efficiency. It’s particularly effective for companies seeking to integrate personalized learning paths, gamification, and advanced analytics into their training programs. Industries that benefit most from Docebo include corporate training, customer education, and compliance-heavy sectors.

While Docebo shines in personalization and scalability, its steep learning curve for administrators and premium pricing structure make it more suitable for organizations with the resources to invest in implementation and ongoing support.

Pricing Starts At: Not publicly available

Customer Feedback:

• “The ability to personalize experiences, customize pages, and user-friendly administration interface make Docebo stand out. The detailed power user visibility and comprehensive support further enhance its appeal.” – SoftwareFinder
• “I find the admin menus challenging to navigate. There is a lot to sift through, and I believe they could benefit from some reorganization.” – SoftwareFinder

Why Switch to Docebo?

1. Ease of Use
   Docebo’s intuitive interface simplifies the learning process for both administrators and learners. Navigating the platform is straightforward, reducing the time and effort needed to manage training programs and enabling faster adoption across teams.
2. Customer Support
   Docebo is recognized for its responsive and helpful customer service team. From onboarding assistance to resolving technical issues, the support team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth user experience and successful implementation.
3. Customizability
   The platform’s robust customizability allows organizations to tailor learning environments to align with their unique goals and branding. From personalized dashboards to adaptable workflows, Docebo ensures that training programs meet specific organizational needs.

5. TalentLMS

TalentLMS is a versatile and cost-effective learning platform designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. Known for its intuitive interface and fast implementation, it’s ideal for small to mid-sized organizations looking to create engaging and scalable training programs. With advanced AI tools for content creation and seamless course management features, TalentLMS empowers businesses to build customized learning experiences that align with their goals.

Pricing Starts At: $89/month (see pricing here)

Customer Feedback:

• “I love how I can customize the platform to match my business branding. It makes it really welcoming for newcomers. Having access to a wide range of content to include in training courses is incredibly beneficial.” – SoftwareFinder
• “Progress Reports are essential for our management, and the ability to create Custom Reports is a game-changer. Developers find the interface simple and intuitive, while learners can navigate their courses effortlessly.” – SoftwareFinder
• “When it comes to setting up and implementing the platform, you are pretty much left to your own devices. Support tickets are an option, but live calls are not on the table. Instead, they direct you to webinars and their knowledge base. The user experience for admins and learners leaves much to be desired with its limited features and difficulty managing courses and users.” – SoftwareFinder

Why Switch to TalentLMS?

1. Ease of Use
   TalentLMS is celebrated for its user-friendly interface, making it simple for both learners and administrators to navigate the platform. The clean dashboards and intuitive design ensure a smooth onboarding process and hassle-free course management.
2. AI-Powered Features
   TalentLMS leverages advanced AI tools to streamline content creation. From writing course text to generating images and even entire training programs, these features save time and enhance the quality of learning materials.
3. Effortless Course Creation
   TalentLMS provides robust tools for building engaging courses. Its drag-and-drop interface and versatile templates allow administrators to design interactive and visually appealing content with ease.

6. Moodle

Moodle is a powerful open-source Learning Management System (LMS) that stands out for its flexibility and adaptability. Known for its extensive customization options, Moodle allows organizations to create fully tailored learning environments to meet unique training needs. With a vast library of plugins and strong community support, Moodle is ideal for organizations seeking to build a highly specialized platform for educational or corporate training.

Moodle is best suited for educational institutions, non-profits, and businesses with access to technical resources. It excels in environments where blended learning, certifications, and structured classroom-style training are priorities. Its cost-effectiveness and open-source nature make it an attractive choice for organizations with budget constraints or those looking for full control over their LMS.

While Moodle is celebrated for its flexibility and robust features, it requires technical expertise for setup, maintenance, and customization. This makes it a better fit for organizations with dedicated IT teams or those willing to invest in hosting and support services to maximize its potential.

Pricing Starts At: $130/year + hosting/support (see pricing here).

Customer Feedback:

• “I like how easy it is to create a new module depending on the subject. This allows us to organize information and keep track of files. It’s also simple to invite others to each subject and create forums and events.” – SoftwareFinder
• “Usability is not very intuitive. The platform’s tools are not easy to use for large groups and require a lot of practice and time to master.” – SoftwareFinder

Why Switch to Moodle?

1. Complete Customization
   As an open-source LMS, Moodle empowers organizations to customize its interface, features, and workflows to align perfectly with their unique training requirements.
2. Cost-Effective and Adaptable
   With low initial costs, Moodle offers a budget-conscious solution for businesses and educational institutions seeking a flexible and scalable LMS.
3. Active Community Support
   Moodle’s thriving community contributes to ongoing platform enhancements and provides a wealth of resources, helping users maximize its potential.
4. Classroom-Inspired Learning Environment
   Designed to mimic traditional classroom settings, Moodle is particularly well-suited for organizations prioritizing structured, education-focused training programs.

7. LearnUpon

LearnUpon is a versatile LMS designed to simplify training delivery for employees, partners, and customers. With an emphasis on usability, it provides organizations with a platform that’s easy to navigate and packed with features to enhance learning experiences. From robust integrations with tools like Salesforce to an intuitive mobile app for on-the-go access, LearnUpon ensures training remains seamless and accessible.

Best for small to mid-sized businesses and enterprises alike, LearnUpon stands out for its exceptional customer support, making it a trusted choice for organizations seeking reliability and simplicity in their learning management system.

Pricing Starts At: Not publically available

Customer Feedback:

• “Switching to LearnUpon has made a monumental difference in how we deliver our onboarding and training. Previously, we relied on Excel and Microsoft Stream, which pales in comparison. Uploading videos and adding headings is relatively simple with LearnUpon.” – SoftwareFinder
• “The platform’s customization options are limited, and it lacks the ability to create a unique course format beyond the standard headings, text, video, and quiz. During my time using the platform, I noticed minimal progress in its development. While communication with our representative was good, there weren’t many noticeable changes that stood out to me.” – SoftwareFinder

Why Switch to LearnUpon?

1. Intuitive Navigation
   LearnUpon features a streamlined interface that makes it simple for both learners and administrators to find their way around the platform effortlessly.
2. Exceptional Customer Support
   Renowned for their responsiveness and expertise, LearnUpon’s support team ensures a smooth onboarding process and ongoing user satisfaction.
3. Flexible Mobile Access
   With a robust mobile app, LearnUpon enables learners to access training materials on the go, making it an excellent choice for remote or hybrid teams.
4. Seamless Integrations
   The platform connects easily with widely used tools like Salesforce and Zoom, simplifying training management and tracking across your organization.

8. iSpring Learn

iSpring Learn is a streamlined LMS that combines ease of use with powerful tools for creating and delivering engaging training programs. Designed for organizations that need quick implementation, iSpring Learn offers seamless content management and built-in authoring capabilities, making it simple to create professional, interactive courses.

Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, compliance training, and employee onboarding, iSpring Learn excels in its ability to deliver effective learning experiences. Its responsive support team and straightforward interface ensure organizations can launch and manage training programs with minimal effort.

Pricing Starts At: $6.64/user/month (see pricing here)

Customer Feedback:

• “Overall iSpring Learn LMS was simple to work with. It didn’t have much of the fancy features many of the older LMS systems do – making it quick and easy to learn and work with.” – Gartner
• “Besides being a Learning Management System, it also comes with an e-learning authoring tool that allows the users to create interactive digital content.” – Gartner

Why Switch to iSpring Learn?

1. Ease of Use & Intuitive Interface
   iSpring Learn’s intuitive interface ensures that both administrators and learners can navigate the platform without difficulty. This user-friendly design reduces the learning curve and allows organizations to implement training programs quickly and efficiently. Both administrators and learners can easily understand and use the platform, making it a hassle-free solution for training management.
2. Course Creation
   The platform’s built-in authoring tools make it easy to design professional, engaging courses. Features like PowerPoint conversion, animations, and interactive elements enable organizations to create high-quality content that captivates learners.
3. Excellent Customer Support
   iSpring Learn is backed by a responsive and knowledgeable support team. Customers consistently praise the team for their quick responses and dedication to solving issues, making onboarding and troubleshooting seamless.

9. Skillsoft

Skillsoft is a comprehensive learning platform designed for organizations prioritizing professional development, compliance, and leadership training. With an extensive library of ready-made courses, Skillsoft provides tailored learning pathways to help employees upskill and meet organizational goals. Its focus on content variety and accessibility makes it an attractive choice for businesses aiming to cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

Skillsoft is particularly well-suited for organizations looking to enhance workforce capabilities across diverse departments. While it shines in its course offerings, some users note areas for improvement in the platform’s interface and reporting capabilities.

Pricing Starts At: Not publically available

Customer Feedback:

• “This software is userfriendly and offers all the capabilities needed as a user. It’s been a reliable resource for watching training videos and it rarely crashes.” – SoftwareFinder
• “There are not many language options yet, and most courses are outdated. Content does not match the cost.” – SoftwareFinder

Why Switch to Skillsoft?

1. Vast Course Selection
   Skillsoft offers an expansive library of ready-made courses covering leadership, compliance, and technical skills, making it easy for organizations to address diverse training needs.
2. Tailored Learning Experiences
   AI-driven recommendations customize learning paths based on individual roles and interests, ensuring that training remains engaging and relevant for each learner.
3. Strong Leadership and Soft Skills Training
   Skillsoft excels in providing training programs designed to develop leadership and essential soft skills, equipping teams to thrive in evolving work environments.
4. Seamless Integration
   With its compatibility with existing LMS platforms, Skillsoft allows organizations to enhance their training ecosystems without requiring significant changes or additional infrastructure.