BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is an open-source virtual classroom software designed specifically for online learning, providing teachers with essential tools like real-time polling, breakout rooms, and multi-user whiteboards to engage students effectively.
Litmos
Litmos is a cloud-based learning management system that enables you to create, deliver, and track online training courses for employees, customers, and partners through a centralized, mobile-friendly platform.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BigBlueButton | Litmos |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bigbluebutton.org | litmos.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada | San Ramon, USA |
Overview
BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is a specialized web conferencing system built by and for educators. Unlike general-purpose meeting tools, you get a platform designed specifically for the dynamics of a classroom. You can engage your students through integrated tools like multi-user whiteboards, real-time polling, and shared notes, all within a browser-based interface that requires no software installation for your participants.
You can easily manage large groups by moving students into breakout rooms for collaborative work or using the 'raise hand' and emoji features to maintain order. Because it is open-source, you have the flexibility to host it on your own servers for maximum privacy or integrate it directly into your existing learning management systems like Moodle, Canvas, or Schoology.
Litmos
Litmos is a versatile learning management system designed to help you streamline your entire training process. Whether you are onboarding new hires, training a global sales team, or educating customers on your products, you can manage everything from a single dashboard. You can create custom courses using the built-in content authoring tool or choose from a vast library of pre-made professional development courses to get started immediately.
The platform focuses on accessibility, allowing your team to complete training on any device, including smartphones and tablets. You can automate repetitive administrative tasks like course assignments and deadline reminders, freeing up your time for higher-level strategy. It scales effectively for mid-market and enterprise organizations across various industries, providing the tracking and reporting tools you need to measure the impact of your training programs.
Overview
BigBlueButton Features
- Multi-User Whiteboard Collaborate with your students in real-time by letting them draw and annotate directly on your presentation slides.
- Breakout Rooms Group your students into private sub-sessions for team projects and collaborative problem-solving exercises during your live class.
- Real-Time Polling Check for student understanding instantly by launching polls and displaying the results to the class in seconds.
- Shared Notes Build a collective knowledge base with your class using a collaborative text editor that everyone can edit simultaneously.
- LMS Integration Connect your virtual classroom directly to Moodle, Canvas, or Sakai to manage your sessions within your existing workflow.
- Session Recording Record your live lectures automatically so your students can review the material and interactive content at their own pace.
Litmos Features
- Online Course Builder. Create interactive training content quickly using a built-in authoring tool that supports video, audio, and PowerPoint uploads.
- Off-the-Shelf Content. Access a massive library of professionally developed courses covering compliance, leadership, and soft skills to supplement your training.
- Gamification and Leaderboards. Boost learner engagement by awarding badges and points as your team completes courses and hits specific milestones.
- Automated Assignments. Save time by setting up rules that automatically assign specific training modules to users based on their job roles.
- Custom Reporting. Generate detailed reports to track completion rates and test scores so you can prove the ROI of your programs.
- Mobile Learning. Give your team the flexibility to learn on the go with native apps that offer full offline viewing capabilities.
Pricing Comparison
BigBlueButton Pricing
- Full source code access
- Self-hosting capabilities
- Unlimited users and sessions
- All educational features included
- Community-based support
- LMS integration modules
- Everything in Open Source, plus:
- Professional server management
- Guaranteed uptime and scaling
- Technical support desk
- Custom branding options
- Simplified setup and updates
Litmos Pricing
Pros & Cons
BigBlueButton
Pros
- Completely free and open-source for self-hosting
- Deep integration with popular learning management systems
- Superior engagement tools compared to generic video tools
- No software downloads required for students or teachers
Cons
- Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain
- High server resource requirements for large sessions
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS
Litmos
Pros
- Extremely intuitive interface for both admins and learners
- Quick implementation process compared to other enterprise LMS platforms
- Strong mobile app performance with offline access
- Extensive library of high-quality pre-built training content
Cons
- Customization options for the user interface are limited
- Reporting engine can be rigid for complex data needs
- Pricing is not transparent and requires sales contact