CYPHER Learning vs Canvas LMS comparison

Instructure and CYPHER LEARNING are both solutions in the Learning Management Systems (LMS) category. Instructure is ranked #6 with an average rating of 9.0, while CYPHER LEARNING is ranked #2 with an average rating of 9.1. Instructure holds a 3.3% mindshare in LMS, compared to CYPHER LEARNING’s 1.6% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Instructure users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of CYPHER LEARNING users who would recommend it.

Canvas LMS

Read 11 Canvas LMS reviews

1,195 Views
1,183 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

CYPHER Learning

Read 55 CYPHER Learning reviews

1,855 Views
1,818 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Canvas LMS

CYPHER Learning

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 19, 2024

CYPHER Learning and Canvas LMS are competitive products in the e-learning market. Canvas LMS is frequently seen as superior due to its expansive feature set, but CYPHER Learning garners attention for its pricing and support.

Features: CYPHER Learning offers gamification, personalized learning paths, and adaptive learning, which enhance engagement and motivation. Canvas LMS provides robust course management and integration options, offering extensive customization and advanced analytics, attracting larger institutions seeking flexibility.

Room for Improvement: CYPHER Learning could enhance its scalability for larger enterprises and expand its integration capabilities. It could also improve its mobile interface and analytics insights. Canvas LMS might benefit from streamlining its setup process and enhancing its customer service responsiveness. Additionally, it could improve cost transparency and reduce overall complexity.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: CYPHER Learning is praised for an easy deployment process and responsive support, simplifying onboarding for users. Canvas LMS, while offering detailed documentation, may have a more complex initial setup compared to CYPHER Learning, but provides a comprehensive range of technical support resources.

Pricing and ROI: CYPHER Learning stands out with competitive pricing and a strong ROI for small to mid-sized organizations, focusing on cost-effectiveness and scalability. Canvas LMS, though pricier, offers a high return on investment for larger institutions with its advanced features and robust functionalities, appealing to those seeking a comprehensive educational solution.

To learn more, read our detailed CYPHER Learning vs. Canvas LMS Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

CYPHER Learning vs. Canvas LMS

February 2026

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Helped 881,733 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Canvas LMS

Ranking in Learning Management Systems (LMS)

6th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

CYPHER Learning

Ranking in Learning Management Systems (LMS)

2nd

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the Learning Management Systems (LMS) category, the mindshare of Canvas LMS is 3.3%, down from 5.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of CYPHER Learning is 1.6%, down from 5.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Learning Management Systems (LMS) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
CYPHER Learning	1.6%
Canvas LMS	3.3%
Other	95.1%

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Featured Reviews

Lance Levin

Learning Magic Solutions | Managing Director at CTI

Comprehensive learning system transforms education with innovative features

The integration capability of Canvas LMS with other educational tools is probably the best for integration. They have thousands of apps that are already integrated with Canvas LMS. It uses a very simple API LTI method where you just have to input a number and then it's integrated. When assessing the analytics features and reporting features of Canvas LMS, they have comprehensive capabilities. They have reporting, attendance registers, and the back-end SIS system. The reporting is very easy and analytics is excellent. Regarding its mobile compatibility feature, Canvas LMS is probably the easiest to use. It's user-friendly and operates with simple copy and paste functionality. It operates similarly to Word, with no difficulty at all. It's extremely user-friendly. When speaking about scalability and flexibility, Canvas LMS is very scalable. Everything's on the AWS cloud, so content is not a problem offline. It's scalable because the largest universities in the world use it.

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Gieshala (Gigi) Mims

Teacher/ AI research educator at Senatobia Municipal School District

Boosts student engagement and simplifies course management with creative tools

The best features of CYPHER Learning that I enjoy most include the course management system, gamification, blogging, and debating tools that cater to increasing creative thinking, creative writing, and problem-solving. Gamification and these specific tools make it easy for my students to navigate and manage numerous courses within one class while keeping up with my standards for my curriculum, where my students can see their mastery and performance on assignments. I find it extremely beneficial because our curriculum in schools is data-driven. This allows me to easily obtain data from the content-specific standards assigned to each assignment. I can assess what concepts I need to review and identify what the students have mastered. This transparency also enables the students to see their own progress.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The integration with Zoom is a notable feature. It allows for seamless access to live class sessions directly from Canvas after authentication, enabling quick entry into Zoom calls. You can also schedule Zoom calls or private recordings directly within Canvas, making it convenient, especially for situations like self-recording exams. Additionally, Canvas excels in collaboration and discussion capabilities. Users can engage in discussions on various topics, and there's the option to create custom groups for more focused interactions. These groups provide a level of privacy and isolation from the broader class, which is a significant advantage."

"They have a more extensive support base in terms of infrastructure."

"It's easy to follow. It flows well, and it's easy to use."

"I used a lot of other systems in my IT career and Canvas LMS truly has everything that I would look for in an enterprise system."

"Canvas LMS is user-friendly. Its assessment tools help to find the weaknesses and strengths of students."

"We have been using Canvas LMS, and overall, it has served our needs well for managing courses and general settings."

"Canvas LMS is the best solution because they have enabled scalability and cutting-edge technology transfer through Thomas Bravo, a multi-billion dollar company and will soon have the financial backing and support of KKR at close to $5 Billion."

"The solution is easy to access."

More Canvas LMS pros

"CYPHER Learning has very much improved our onboarding processes and learning curve."

"With class folders in place, it is possible to follow up on the children. I know when students have seen the material that has been uploaded to the platform and, thus, understand if they are following the classes."

"Another feature that is great for me... is the learning outcomes feature... In CYPHER Learning, it's called the Mastery feature. The learning outcomes feature allows us to measure whether students have achieved competency, based on the encoded learning outcomes."

"Gamification is another feature that I've recently really gotten into and I have found that my students really enjoy getting points and badges. That reinforcement is critical... my students get that instant gratification. They get specific scores when they do specific tasks within CYPHER Learning and it lets them know. It's a really big motivator for my students."

"The way that CYPHER Learning tags classes and assignments with competencies helps me see what a student has done."

"The most valuable feature is the ability for us to create personalized lessons. This is better suited to our students and learners than offering content or a subject that is already built into the system."

"The customization is very good because it allows us to completely brand the product so that it is our brand."

"The in-depth reporting feature of CYPHER Learning enables us to better understand the training needs of our customers and monitor the performance of our training services."

More CYPHER Learning pros

Cons

"In our working, we are encountering many challenges with Canvas LMS. One of the major area is their business model which is having a very different pricing structure. The structure is made in such a way that the license fee is needed to be paid for the complete year even if the student has been enrolled for a programme of short duration. This structure is not conducive with our needs and hence, in the past few years, been increasing our costs manifold. Along with this, Canva LMS also lacks many functionalities such as notifications and adaptive learning. There is a specific issue with the licensing model that affects us in continuous education. The inability to reuse a license for the same course in different terms hinders our cost efficiency. For instance, if a program runs from January to April, we are required to pay for the license twice within the same academic year. This contrasts with other platforms like Hyper, where reusing a license is possible, allowing us to use the same license multiple times in different terms. Along with the use, we are exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into our processes, and Canvas LMS falls short in this regard. While some platforms allow connections with external AI services, Canvas does not currently offer built-in artificial intelligence capabilities, a feature we find valuable for enhancing the learning experience."

"It would be nice to be able to do more real-time comprehensive reporting with Canvas LMS."

"The high-tech interactivity with other software, like ArcGIS or RSA Archer, can be better. It is not as easily compatible with them. You can put apps in it that the students can then access, but the routing of apps through the Canvas system slows down functionality on the other types of products."

"The solution could be upgraded and improved."

"There are a couple of areas that could be improved. Firstly, the discussion feature is not very interactive and can be slow to respond, making it less intuitive at the moment. This is an aspect that needs substantial improvement. Another point to consider is related to the cost of the LMS system. It's perceived as relatively expensive, which has led to discussions about transitioning away from Canvas, potentially to a more cost-effective alternative. This cost-related aspect is a significant factor to consider when implementing such a system."

"The product could be integrated with a talent management system."

"It would be good to be able to do teleconferencing within the LMS."

"Integrating more AI capabilities for the product could enhance its functionality, particularly in automating repetitive tasks and personalizing learning experiences."

More Canvas LMS cons

"While the number of apps available for integration with CYPHER Learning has increased over the years, I would love to see this number continue to grow. I believe this would help solidify its position amongst other learning management systems as a viable option for educators and schools."

"I would also like CYPHER Learning to constantly give training days for all the institutions that work with them. We recently had face-to-face training, but this could be done more frequently."

"Perhaps there is room for improvement in the gamification part. I have used it but it has not been very clear to me. It may be my responsibility for not asking about it in the training sessions, but the way you use it is not so clear."

"I do wish that there could be some formatting option so that I don't have to do some manual work in terms of translating the data into, for example, a PowerPoint presentation."

"Improvement is needed to the reporting options and system because sometimes it's not very accurate. We feel that there are not enough aspects to report on. We need some more advanced reporting."

"One of the areas that I believe CYPHER Learning could improve on is having a saving function as you type in, much as some Google products. That would really help in my classroom because we do a lot of writing, and if that's not saved properly, students may have to redo their work."

"I would like to see greater integration with some programs that are not natively integrated. Google is a standard. Everything integrates with it. Integration with Google is a key task."

"In terms of face-to-face education, a suggestion for CYPHER LEARNING is that it give more presence to CYPHER Learning as an entity in the school by teaching more about how to exploit the tools: how to create games, and more about the use of SCORM."

More CYPHER Learning cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The platform can be expensive for smaller organizations with fewer students."

"Canvas LMS is low-priced compared to other vendors."

"Canvas LMS is an affordable solution."

"The pricing of Canvas is satisfactory for my university. We have negotiated a good price, especially considering that we are a large university with twenty-six campuses across the country. Canvas offers a favorable pricing model for academic institutions, and the cost is reasonable. However, in continuous education, the challenge lies not in the price itself but in the business model. The requirement to pay for the entire year when our students may only use the license for a shorter duration creates challenges. The inability to adjust the licensing based on actual usage is a significant drawback for us, making the effective cost higher compared to other platforms like Hyper Learning"

"CYPHER Learning's price is slightly higher than other solutions."

"The system is not cheap but it's affordable. The pricing is fair... The cherry on top was that we received all the functionality with the simplest plan, the one with the minimal number of users. It couldn't be any better."

"I did not negotiate the pricing, but from what I gathered, it was a significant purchase for us at West Music. We recognize its value and potential for growth, making it worthwhile."

"It seems moderate and as per industry standards. In my previous organization, we had to hire an outside company, so I know what companies charge to do just a single course. Considering that, the price of CYPHER Learning is in the typical cost range."

"For our for-profit entities, CYPHER Learning is the perfect solution in terms of cost. It is not too expensive and is about the same as what other service providers charge."

"CYPHER Learning is a bit more expensive than our previous solution."

"I am happy with it. It is very well priced."

"We have compared pricing with different vendors and found that CYPHER Learning was the most reasonable."

More CYPHER Learning pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

University

21%

Comms Service Provider

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

21%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	3
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	6

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	30
Midsize Enterprise	9
Large Enterprise	5

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Canvas LMS?

We have been using Canvas LMS, and overall, it has served our needs well for managing courses and general settings.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Canvas LMS?

There are some disadvantages with Canvas LMS and always improvements to be made. That comes with technology. As technology improves, the product will improve. Regarding features that Canvas LMS cou...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Canvas LMS?

Canvas LMS is the best solution because they have enabled scaleability and cutting edge technology transfer through Thomas Bravo, a multi-billion dollar company and will soon have the financial the...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for NEO LMS?

The pricing for CYPHER Learning is on par with other solutions. I've been a single user of the system for a while and priced out several other options, and it's probably standard pricing if not may...

See all answers

What needs improvement with NEO LMS?

One of the areas that I believe CYPHER Learning could improve on is having a saving function as you type in, much as some Google products. That would really help in my classroom because we do a lot...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering NEO LMS?

I absolutely recommend CYPHER Learning to other users. My students really connect with it because it doesn’t resemble anything else available. The ease of use, the autonomy it provides my students,...

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 15% of the time

Moodle vs Canvas LMS

Compared 11% of the time

Cornerstone Learn vs Canvas LMS

Compared 8% of the time

Google Classroom vs Canvas LMS

Compared 8% of the time

Rise vs Canvas LMS

Compared 6% of the time

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Cornerstone Learn vs CYPHER Learning

Compared 24% of the time

Moodle vs CYPHER Learning

Compared 14% of the time

TalentLMS vs CYPHER Learning

Compared 9% of the time

Articulate 360 vs CYPHER Learning

Compared 9% of the time

Blackboard Learning Management vs CYPHER Learning

Compared 8% of the time

More CYPHER Learning Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Canvas LMS

February 2026

Download Canvas LMS product report

Buyer's Guide

CYPHER Learning

February 2026

Download CYPHER Learning product report

Also Known As

No data available

MATRIX LMS, NEO LMS

Overview

Canvas LMS is a comprehensive learning management system that enhances the educational experience. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows educators to create and manage courses, assignments, and assessments. Canvas enables seamless communication and collaboration between students and teachers. It supports various multimedia formats, making it easy to incorporate engaging content into lessons. Canvas also provides a mobile app, ensuring accessibility on the go. Its built-in analytics and reporting allow educators to track student progress and identify areas for improvement. Canvas LMS can integrate with other educational tools and platforms, enhancing its functionality. Canvas LMS is a powerful and versatile platform that empowers educators to deliver effective and engaging online learning experiences.

Instructure

CYPHER Learning provides an AI-powered platform designed for efficient, personalized learning. It supports an ever-evolving educational and professional landscape with intuitive, comprehensive tools.

CYPHER Learning offers a unified learning experience, simplifying course creation and improving learner engagement through automation, gamification, and adaptive learning. Its intuitive design enhances communication and multimedia integration, making it suitable for trainers, educators, and HR professionals. Advanced analytics and customization options bolster its capabilities, positioning it as a leading choice for competency-based education and training.

What features define CYPHER Learning?

Gamification: Encourages engagement through game-like elements.
Adaptive Learning: Tailors content to individual learner needs.
Competency-Based Learning: Focuses on skill development and mastery.
Automation: Streamlines content delivery and administrative tasks.
Customizable Course Materials: Allows tailored content and pathways.

Why consider CYPHER Learning?

Enhanced Engagement: Keeps learners motivated with captivating experiences.
Improved Productivity: Increases efficiency for trainers and administrators.
Comprehensive Analytics: Provides insights into learner performance and engagement.
Seamless Integration: Integrates with external platforms for a unified experience.

CYPHER Learning finds applications in industries like health, insurance, and retail management, supporting technical training, onboarding, and professional development. Organizations leverage its customizable features for both self-paced and cohort-based learning, enriching their educational initiatives across sectors.

CYPHER LEARNING

Sample Customers

Pragmatic Group, MRWED Training and Assessment, RedHill Education

Millions of users across business, academia, and entrepreneurs - worldwide.

Buyer's Guide

CYPHER Learning vs. Canvas LMS

February 2026

Free Report: CYPHER Learning vs. Canvas LMS

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