1) Tutor LMS – If you want a capable LMS that still feels approachable
Good
- Full course stack: builder, quizzes, assignments, monetization, front‑end dashboards.
- Freemium: free version is strong enough to launch a simple course and validate demand.
- UI generally rated as friendly for non‑developers building their first LMS.
Bad
- Smaller ecosystem than LearnDash (fewer add‑ons, custom integrations, and agencies that specialize in it).
- Bringing a full LMS onto a simple site always adds weight and complexity.
2) LearnDash – If you’re a “serious course creator” and want the default enterprise‑grade LMS
Good
- Industry standard in WordPress LMS; used for everything from indie courses to corporate training.
- Rich learning features: drip content, prerequisites, advanced quizzes, assignments, certificates, detailed reporting.
- Scales well and integrates with WooCommerce, MemberPress, BuddyBoss, etc., so you can grow into it.
Bad
- Premium pricing and extra add‑ons mean higher total cost than Tutor and other freemium LMSs.
- Steeper learning curve; you can lose weeks configuring things if you over‑engineer early.