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Absorb LMS vs Podia

Absorb LMS and Podia are both online courses & LMS tools. Absorb LMS is aimed at enterprise and small businesses, while Podia is aimed at creators.

Absorb LMS

Enterprise LMS for employee, customer and partner training

Podia

Simple storefront for courses, downloads and communities

PricingPaidPaid · $49
Starting priceNot published$49/mo
Free planNoNo
Free trial—14 days
Built forEnterprise, Small businessesCreators
Platformsweb, ios, androidweb
CountryCAUS · 2014
Rating——

Choose Absorb LMS if

Mid-size and enterprise organizations that run compliance, onboarding and partner training at scale and want strong admin automation.

  • Strong admin automation that reduces manual enrollments
  • Handles internal and external audiences in one system
  • Clean learner interface with a mobile app

Look elsewhere if: Small teams wanting quick setup and transparent pricing, or creators selling courses to the public (TalentLMS, Thinkific, LearnWorlds).

Choose Podia if

Creators wanting simple all-in-one selling.

  • Simple and friendly
  • Email included
  • 0% fees on Shaker

Look elsewhere if: Advanced funnels (Kajabi).

Absorb LMS vs Podia pricing

Absorb LMS

  • Absorb LMSCustomQuote based on learner count; demo required

Podia

  • Mover$49/mo$42/mo billed annually; 5% fees, 50 products
  • Shaker$99/mo$84/mo billed annually; no fees, affiliates, 150 products
  • Earthquaker$179/mo$150/mo billed annually; no fees, unlimited products

Absorb LMS · Key features

  • Separate branded portals for employees, customers and partners
  • Automated enrollment rules, learning paths and recertification
  • Absorb Aura AI agents for learners, authors and admins
  • Absorb Create for AI-assisted course authoring
  • Absorb Skills with a library of 12,000+ job skills
  • Absorb Amplify catalog with 20,000+ off-the-shelf courses

Cons

  • No published pricing; every deal requires a sales process
  • Key modules like Create, Engage and Analyze cost extra
  • Overkill for small teams with simple training needs

Podia · Key features

  • Courses, downloads, webinars, coaching
  • Community and memberships
  • Email marketing included
  • Website and landing pages
  • Affiliate program
  • Checkout and payments

Cons

  • Fewer advanced features than Kajabi
  • Design customization limited
  • Transaction fees on lower tiers

Absorb LMS vs Podia: FAQ

Do Absorb LMS and Podia have a free plan?

Absorb LMS has no free plan. Podia has no free plan, a 14-day free trial.

Which is better for small businesses, Absorb LMS or Podia?

Absorb LMS lists small businesses as a core audience, while Podia is aimed more at creators.

Not sure yet?