LifterLMS

LifterLMS is a mature WordPress LMS plugin first released in 2014, now used by more than 10,000 active WordPress sites globally, according to vendor data. It is developed by LifterLMS, LLC, an independent software company based in the United States. For WordPress users who want to run a course business on their own infrastructure — with complete control over student data, hosting environment, and site design — LifterLMS is among the strongest options available.

The core LifterLMS plugin is free and available from wordpress.org. It provides course creation with lessons and quizzes, basic drip content scheduling, manual payment processing, and student progress tracking. The free version is functional for small-scale use but most serious course businesses will need at least one paid add-on: payment gateways (Stripe and PayPal integrations are sold separately), marketing integrations (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, AWeber), or advanced reporting tools.

**Pricing (as of 2026, per lifterlms.com/pricing):** LifterLMS sells its add-ons both individually and in bundles. The Universe Bundle at $149/year is the most practical entry point, including the most-needed payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), basic marketing integrations, and priority support. The Infinity Bundle at $349/year adds every add-on LifterLMS offers, including advanced eCommerce features, private coaching tools, integration with bbPress, and Group management for corporate training. Both bundles are annual licenses for use on a single WordPress site; multi-site licenses are available at additional cost.

LifterLMS integrates natively with WooCommerce, enabling course creators to sell courses through WooCommerce's checkout system and use existing WooCommerce payment gateways. The WooCommerce integration is particularly valuable for site owners who already run e-commerce stores and want to add courses without managing a separate payment stack.

According to G2 (100+ reviews as of Q1 2026), LifterLMS users frequently cite data ownership and the absence of per-transaction fees as primary reasons for choosing the platform over hosted alternatives.