Gnowbe
Gnowbe is a mobile-first microlearning and employee engagement platform that uses social learning and gamification to help you create, deliver, and track interactive training content on any device.
TestOut
TestOut provides an end-to-end learning platform that uses high-fidelity simulations to help you gain hands-on IT and office proficiency skills for career certification and success.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Gnowbe | TestOut |
|---|---|---|
| Website | gnowbe.com | testout.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 7 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 | 2015 | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Singapore, Singapore | Pleasant Grove, USA |
Overview
Gnowbe
Gnowbe is a mobile-first microlearning platform designed to help you turn static training materials into interactive, social learning experiences. Instead of long video sessions or dense manuals, you can build bite-sized actions that employees complete in just minutes a day. It focuses on 'learn-by-doing' through features like social feeds, leaderboards, and real-time feedback, making it ideal for deskless workers, sales teams, and remote employees who need training on the go.
You can author content directly from your phone or desktop using a simple drag-and-drop interface. The platform solves the problem of low completion rates by treating learning like a social media experience, complete with push notifications and peer interaction. Whether you are onboarding new hires or upskilling a global workforce, you can track progress through a robust analytics dashboard that shows exactly how your team is performing.
TestOut
TestOut, now part of CompTIA, offers a specialized simulation-based learning platform designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. You can master complex IT concepts and Microsoft Office applications through LabSim, which recreates expensive hardware and software environments directly in your browser. This approach allows you to practice critical troubleshooting and configuration tasks without the risk of breaking physical equipment or the cost of maintaining a dedicated lab.
The platform serves academic institutions, corporate training departments, and individual learners looking to earn industry-recognized certifications. You get access to comprehensive courseware that includes instructional videos, text lessons, and practice exams that mirror real-world certification environments. By focusing on performance-based training, you develop the actual skills employers look for in IT and administrative roles.
Overview
Gnowbe Features
- Mobile-First Authoring Create and edit interactive training modules directly from your smartphone or desktop with a simple, no-code interface.
- Social Learning Feed Enable your team to learn from each other by sharing photos, videos, and reflections in a collaborative community environment.
- Gamified Challenges Boost motivation with points, badges, and leaderboards that turn routine compliance training into a friendly team competition.
- Action-Based Learning Move beyond passive watching by requiring users to take photos, record videos, or answer prompts to prove mastery.
- Real-Time Analytics Monitor completion rates and engagement levels instantly through a visual dashboard that tracks individual and group performance.
- Offline Access Allow your field workers to download training content and complete actions even when they don't have an internet connection.
TestOut Features
- LabSim Simulations. Practice IT tasks in a risk-free virtual environment that mimics real-world hardware and software configurations perfectly.
- Certification Practice Exams. Build your confidence with practice tests that replicate the format and difficulty of official industry certification exams.
- Instructional Videos. Learn complex technical concepts through bite-sized video lessons led by expert instructors who explain every step clearly.
- Performance Reporting. Track your progress with detailed reports that show exactly which skills you have mastered and where you need more practice.
- Custom Exam Creator. Build your own assessments to focus on specific topics or skill gaps, allowing for a more personalized study experience.
- LMS Integration. Sync your grades and course progress automatically with popular platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle for easy management.
Pricing Comparison
Gnowbe Pricing
- 10 active users
- 1 active program
- Standard templates
- Mobile and web access
- Community support
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Unlimited programs
- Advanced analytics
- Custom branding
- Multimedia uploads
- Priority email support
TestOut Pricing
- Full access to one course
- Unlimited LabSim simulations
- Practice certification exams
- Video and text lessons
- 12 months of access
- Everything in Individual, plus:
- LMS integration tools
- Class management dashboard
- Automated grading and reporting
- Instructor teaching resources
Pros & Cons
Gnowbe
Pros
- Excellent mobile interface for deskless and remote workers
- Very easy to create content without technical skills
- Social features significantly increase course completion rates
- Microlearning format fits easily into busy work schedules
Cons
- Desktop version lacks some features found on mobile
- Reporting tools can feel limited for complex enterprise needs
- Initial setup of social groups requires manual effort
TestOut
Pros
- Highly realistic simulations eliminate the need for physical labs
- Comprehensive coverage of certification exam objectives
- Easy to use within standard web browsers
- Excellent preparation for performance-based exam questions
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern apps
- Requires a stable high-speed internet connection
- Videos can be long for some learners