The year has started, and you’re probably looking at what authoring tools are making waves and will dominate the eLearning landscape in 2025. These tools are indispensable for creating engaging and impactful eLearning experiences. They empower learning designers, instructional designers, and other professionals to craft programs tailored to organizational needs. With rapid advancements in technology and a growing demand for adaptive learning, selecting the right authoring tools this year has never been more important.

As you navigate the year ahead, this guide explores the top 10 eLearning authoring tools for 2025, providing insights into their features, benefits, and use cases. Alongside these details, you’ll find practical tips to help you select the best tool for your organization’s unique needs.

What Are Authoring Tools? 

eLearning authoring tools are software platforms used to design, develop, and publish digital learning content. They allow learning professionals to create courses, quizzes, simulations, and multimedia materials that can be deployed across various devices and platforms. These tools come equipped with features such as SCORM and xAPI compliance for seamless integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS), tools for interactive multimedia creation including video, audio, and simulations, mobile responsiveness for on-the-go learning, collaboration capabilities for team-based projects, and accessibility options to support inclusive design. If you'd like a more extensive rundown of what authoring tools are, you can read the article here.

Top 10 Authoring Tools for 2025

1. Mindsmith

Mindsmith is the first AI-native authoring tool. Designed around the new and changing workflow of learning designers, Mindsmith incorporates AI at every step of the process. In addition to the AI features, Mindsmith is also built around modern user experience and collaborating workflow with features like real-time collaboration, dynamic SCORM, and drag-and-drop editing interfaces. This tool is ideal for modern organizations aiming to create dynamic, data-driven learning experiences.

Mindsmith helped a learning and development department at a large customer service company work more the 12x more efficiently by incorporating AI into the entire eLearning course development workflow. Their instructional designers said that tasks that would have taken at least a day and a half in other tools took around an hour in Mindsmith.

Key Features:

• Powerful AI engine and assistant

• Seamless team collaboration

• Intuitive interface, making it accessible for both new and experienced learning designers

• Automatic updating the LMS through the SCORM standard

• Seamlessly manage multilingual lesson/course versions

Best For: Companies seeking cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions for creating next-level eLearning experiences.

Pricing: Mindsmith offers a range of pricing plans, starting at $39 per month for individuals, with enterprise/Teams options available.

2. iSpring Suite 11

iSpring Suite 11 integrates seamlessly with PowerPoint, making it a familiar platform for those new to eLearning development. It supports quizzes, video lectures, and interactive role-plays, ensuring both versatility and ease of use.

Glasgow Caledonian University utilized iSpring Suite to train 1,500 staff members. By leveraging iSpring's rapid authoring capabilities, they developed online compliance courses efficiently, ensuring timely and effective training delivery.

Key Features:

• SCORM, xAPI, and cmi5 compliance, enabling compatibility with various LMS platforms.

• A built-in video editor to enhance multimedia content creation.

• Dialogue simulations designed specifically for soft skills training and role-playing scenarios.

Best For: Organizations seeking a versatile and familiar platform for rapid eLearning content creation, especially those with existing PowerPoint materials.

Pricing: iSpring Suite 11 offers annual subscriptions starting at $770 per user, with discounts available for teams and educational institutions.

3. Articulate Storyline 360

Articulate Storyline 360 offers unparalleled flexibility for creating custom, interactive courses with a variety of templates and design options. This tool is a favorite among professionals looking to build highly engaging eLearning experiences.

BJC HealthCare utilized Articulate Storyline 360 to enhance learner retention and authoring efficiency for over 35,000 employees. They developed scenario-based lessons combining instructor-led and virtual courses, which improved training outcomes across their organization.

Key Features:

• Slide-based editing similar to PowerPoint.

• Advanced triggers and variables for complex interactions.

• Compatibility with VR and AR content for immersive learning.

Best For: Companies needing highly customizable and interactive courses that support complex branching scenarios and gamification.

Pricing: Articulate Storyline 360 is available through the Articulate 360 subscription, starting at $1,399 per user per year.

4. Adobe Captivate

Adobe Captivate excels in creating immersive and interactive learning experiences, making it a top choice for organizations embracing VR and AR technologies.

Adobe Captivate was used to design adaptive learning paths for a training program, enabling personalized learning journeys tailored to individual progress. This innovative approach helped improve learner engagement and retention by addressing specific knowledge gaps effectively.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop editor for non-programmers.

• Responsive design for mobile-first strategies.

• VR course creation with 360-degree assets to enhance engagement.

Best For: Organizations focused on creating cutting-edge, immersive training experiences using VR and AR technology.

Pricing: Adobe Captivate is available through an annual subscription, starting at $33.99 per month.

5. Elucidat

Elucidat is a cloud-based platform designed for collaboration and scalability, making it an excellent choice for large teams managing high-volume training content.

Tesco, a leading retail brand, used Elucidat to create localized training for 400,000 employees across 12 markets. By leveraging Elucidat's collaborative tools and scalable solutions, Tesco ensured consistent messaging while tailoring content to meet local needs, significantly enhancing training effectiveness.

Key Features:

• Rapid content production with a library of customizable templates.

• Role-based collaboration for streamlined teamwork.

• Built-in analytics for monitoring learner progress and course effectiveness.

Best For: Enterprises and global organizations requiring scalable solutions and collaborative tools for producing consistent training materials.

Pricing: Elucidat offers custom pricing based on organizational needs, with scalable plans for teams and enterprises.

6. Gomo Learning

Gomo is a mobile-first, cloud-based tool that simplifies responsive eLearning content creation. It offers an intuitive interface, making it accessible for teams looking to create and distribute engaging learning materials.

Rentokil Initial, a global services company, utilized Gomo Learning to train over 1,800 local service teams across 70 countries. By adopting Gomo's platform, they experienced increased course completion rates as the responsive design allowed employees to access training on mobile devices and tablets, ensuring consistent delivery across regions.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy content creation.

• Cloud hosting for efficient content distribution.

• Offline access for learners in remote or low-connectivity areas.

Best For: Organizations needing a mobile-first solution for creating and distributing responsive eLearning content globally.

Pricing: Gomo Learning offers custom pricing based on user requirements, with scalable options for teams and enterprises.

7. Easygenerator

Easygenerator focuses on enabling rapid eLearning content creation, even for those without technical expertise. Its intuitive design and collaborative features make it ideal for teams looking to develop training materials efficiently.

Key Features:

• User-friendly interface with pre-built templates.

• Cloud-based platform for collaborative content development.

• Built-in review and feedback tools for streamlined editing.

Best For: Small to mid-sized organizations seeking an affordable and user-friendly tool for creating training materials quickly.

Pricing: Easygenerator’s plans start at $99 per user per month, with additional options for team packages.

8. Lectora

Lectora emphasizes accessibility and compliance, making it a go-to choice for organizations with diverse learners. This platform ensures that eLearning content meets accessibility standards and supports inclusivity.

Lectora has been used to create accessible eLearning courses adhering to WCAG standards, including a project highlighted by CommLab India. They showcased how Lectora's built-in accessibility features enabled the development of courses for visually impaired learners, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with accessibility guidelines.

Key Features:

• Integrated accessibility checker to ensure compliance with WCAG standards.

• Multi-device publishing for flexibility across platforms.

• SCORM and xAPI support for seamless LMS integration.

Best For: Organizations prioritizing accessibility and compliance, particularly in regulated industries or with diverse learner needs.

Pricing: Lectora’s pricing starts at approximately $999 per user annually, with options for enterprise plans.

9. dominKnow | ONE

dominKnow combines traditional eLearning development with tools for responsive content and real-time collaboration. It’s a versatile platform that supports a variety of learning needs, from interactive modules to software simulations.

A multinational pharmaceutical company utilized dominKnow | ONE to centralize and standardize training for its sales teams across 58 countries and 45 languages. By leveraging dominKnow's cloud-based authoring and learning content management system, they streamlined content development, facilitated international collaboration, and efficiently localized training materials. This effort resulted in a 150% increase in content output and a 25% reduction in development time per course.

Key Features:

• Multi-author collaboration for seamless teamwork.

• Centralized content management to streamline updates and revisions.

• Screen recording and software simulation for technical training.

Best For: Teams requiring collaborative tools and a platform capable of creating diverse eLearning content types, including technical and software training.

Pricing: dominKnow | ONE offers flexible pricing plans starting at $997 per author annually, with scalable options for teams.

10. H5P

H5P is an open-source tool known for creating interactive content directly within a browser. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a popular choice for learning professionals looking to incorporate engaging elements into their courses.

Loughborough University integrated H5P into their psychology curriculum to facilitate active learning among a large cohort of students. The use of interactive glossaries, drag-and-drop tasks, and short-answer exam practices led to improved student motivation and understanding, demonstrating H5P's effectiveness in large-scale educational settings.

Key Features:

• Integration with multiple platforms, including WordPress, Moodle, and Drupal.

• Support for quizzes, interactive videos, branching scenarios, and more.

• Free and open-source, reducing costs for organizations.

Best For: Organizations seeking a cost-effective, browser-based solution for creating diverse interactive learning materials.

Pricing: H5P is free to use, with optional premium services available through H5P.com starting at $57 per month.

Selecting the Right Authoring Tool for Your Needs

When selecting an authoring tool, consider the following:

Ease of Use

Match the tool’s complexity with your team’s skill level. For instance, a platform like Easygenerator may suit small teams without technical expertise, while tools like Articulate Storyline offer advanced customization for experienced instructional designers.

Integration

Ensure compatibility with your LMS or existing infrastructure. Gomo Learning, for example, integrates seamlessly with cloud-based distribution, making it ideal for global teams.

Budget

Balance cost with features and scalability. Tools like H5P are free to use, making them attractive for organizations with limited budgets, whereas Mindsmith offers scalable plans for teams of varying sizes.

Features

Focus on tools that align with your learning objectives. Adobe Captivate’s VR capabilities are great for immersive learning, while Elucidat excels in large-scale, collaborative content creation.

Trial Period

Leverage free trials or demos to evaluate usability. Many platforms, like iSpring Suite and dominKnow | ONE, provide trial versions that allow you to test their features before committing.

By considering these factors, you can identify the authoring tool that best suits your team’s needs and enhances your learning objectives.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right eLearning authoring tool can transform how your organization delivers training and development. While all the tools listed above have unique strengths, Mindsmith’s AI-driven innovation makes it an exceptional choice for creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences. Explore these tools, test their capabilities, and find the one that fits your needs best.

Explore how Mindsmith can revolutionize your training programs with AI-driven tools. Start your free trial today and transform your eLearning design!