LifterLMS vs MasterStudy LMS WordPress (September 2026)
Updated September 7, 2026 · Data from WordPress.org, refreshed daily · How this works
Both rank in the WordPress.org LMS Plugins top 10: LifterLMS at #4 and MasterStudy LMS WordPress at #7. They split the 5 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. Every number below comes straight from WordPress.org and is refreshed every day.
LifterLMS
LifterLMS – WP LMS for eLearning, Online Courses, & Quizzes
Complete e-learning platform to sell online courses, protect lessons, offer memberships, and quiz students. WP Learning Management System.
MasterStudy LMS WordPress
MasterStudy LMS WordPress Plugin – for Online Courses and Education
Learning Management System and eLearning plugin for WordPress. Create easily LMS WordPress website, add and sell Courses, Lessons, Quizzes online.
Who leads on what
They split the 5 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most.
LifterLMS ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #7 in LMS Plugins.
Both report 10,000+ active installs on WordPress.org.
LifterLMS is rated higher: 4.8 out of 5 from 391 reviews, against 4.5 from 485 reviews.
MasterStudy LMS WordPress has more reviews behind its score: 485 against 391.
MasterStudy LMS WordPress was updated more recently, on September 4, 2026; LifterLMS on August 24, 2026.
Which one to pick
Each plugin is the better answer for the measure it actually leads on. Nothing here is a recommendation we invented.
LifterLMS
Pick LifterLMS if you go by where WordPress.org itself puts them or the review score matters most to you.
MasterStudy LMS WordPress
Pick MasterStudy LMS WordPress if you want the score backed by more reviews or you want the one shipping releases most recently.
LifterLMS vs MasterStudy LMS WordPress side by side
| LifterLMS | MasterStudy LMS WordPress | |
|---|---|---|
| LMS Plugins ranking | #4 | #7 |
| Rating | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | 391 | 485 |
| Active installs | 10,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Total downloads | 1,753,624 | 2,025,351 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | – | – |
| Last updated | Aug 24, 2026 | Sep 4, 2026 |
| First published | Feb 12, 2016 | Aug 27, 2018 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.1 | 7.0.4 |
| Requires PHP | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Pricing | Free + paid version | Free on WordPress.org |
30-day download figures appear after both plugins have 30 days of tracking.
LifterLMS ratings
MasterStudy LMS WordPress ratings
How we compare these two
Every figure here is pulled from the WordPress.org plugin API every day at 03:00 UTC, for both plugins in the same run, so the two are always read on the same day. We compare only what the directory reports: active installs, the rating and how many reviews stand behind it, the last release date and, once we have a month of history, downloads over the last 30 days. Ratings are only called a win above 50 reviews each, because a handful of five-star reviews is not evidence. Nothing is weighted into an overall score, no measure is worth more than another, and neither LifterLMS nor MasterStudy LMS WordPress can pay to appear here: the pair exists only because both plugins reached the LMS Plugins top 10. Full methodology.
LifterLMS vs MasterStudy LMS WordPress: common questions
Is LifterLMS better than MasterStudy LMS WordPress?
They split the 5 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. Neither is better at everything, and the answer depends on which measure you weigh. LifterLMS ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #7 in LMS Plugins.
Which has more users, LifterLMS or MasterStudy LMS WordPress?
LifterLMS ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #7 in LMS Plugins.
Which is rated higher, LifterLMS or MasterStudy LMS WordPress?
Both report 10,000+ active installs on WordPress.org.
Are LifterLMS and MasterStudy LMS WordPress free?
Both are free to install from WordPress.org. LifterLMS is listed as commercial, so a paid version or add-ons exist. MasterStudy LMS WordPress may also sell a paid version or add-ons.
Alternatives to LifterLMS and MasterStudy LMS WordPress
Plugins that score close to both in the same WordPress.org rankings and tags.
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What moved this week
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