Articulate Storyline is probably the most well-known authoring tool currently available in the market. However, sometimes, specific needs or requirements, such as limited budget, a feature missing from Storyline’s suite, a software conflict or the necessity for a more rapid solution, make eLearning developers look elsewhere. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best alternatives to Articulate Storyline.


H5P - The FREE alternative

Are you just starting your career in eLearning and want something which isn’t hard to use? Do you lack the budget to buy a paid authoring tool? Does your client tell you that they want to edit the presentations and quizzes in the future by themselves? Then, H5P is the right authoring tool for you.

H5P is an open-source HTML5 framework authoring tool. Besides being free, what makes H5P one of the most valuable alternatives to Articulate Storyline, is that it is easy to use for people who don’t have any experience in eLearning development.


Pros

  • Lots of pre-made interactive content types
  • Download, share and reuse content easily
  • Easy to use. Small learning curve
  • Compatible with Moodle LMS, WordPress and Drupal
  • Developers constantly strive to improve it

Technical features

  • Cloud-based tool. No installation required
  • Supports HTML5, xAPI (TinCan)

Cons

  • Can’t import PowerPoints.
  • Some mobile devices fail to display the content correctly
  • No screen recording option available
  • Limited customisation capabilities
  • Unable to create advanced assets that require coding
  • No templates or photo library

Pricing

  • Free of charge.
  • Paid version. Offers the chance for collaboration between developers. Also provides 24/7 support as well as hosting of outputs to H5P.com. Complete price list here

iSpring Suite - the best alternative to Articulate Storyline

iSpring Suite is an all-in-one solution suitable for rapid development with advanced features and capabilities. Βased on PowerPoint, it has a small learning curve, meaning that you can create professional-looking e-learning assets in no time.

Having tried other solutions in the past, such as Lectora and Captivate, I firmly believe that overall, iSpring’s Suite is one of the best alternatives, if not the best, to Articulate Storyline.

ISpring Suite scores 4.7/5 at G2.com [331 reviews]


Pros

  • Easy to master, even for inexperienced developers
  • Ability to create Flipbooks out of PDFs
  • Solid Screecasting option for Software simulations
  • Sparks at creating branching scenarios
  • Fully responsive with mobile devices
  • Pre-made templates that can give you a headstart
  • Extensive library of stock photos, icons and characters
  • iSpring Space allows you to collaborate with your teammates and stakeholders

Technical features

  • Installs on computer
  • Requires MS PowerPoint
  • xAPI (Tin Can), SCORM 2004, SCORM 1.2, and AICC.

 

Cons

  • You need to have PowerPoint
  • Can’t edit states on objects / items
  • Unable to create advanced eLearning assets that require coding

Pricing

  • iSpring Suite max 870€ while iSpring Suite 690€
  • Limited free version available
  • A 30-day trial available

7taps - the best mobile-oriented "alternative" to Storyline

7taps is an innovative authoring tool targeted towards the corporate market. It is easy to learn and use, even for those who have no technical background. Instead of extensive eLearning modules, it focuses on creating microlearning courses, which are super helpful to adult learners.

As 7taps follows its own philosophy regarding eLearning development, don’t expect it to match the features of Articulate Storyline. Instead, think of it as a tool that presents a modern and unique approach to content development.

Pros

  • Zero learning curve. You can learn how to use 7taps in minutes
  • Decent media library with .gifs and images to help you
  • AI-powered audio with video. Type a script and let the AI character speak your script aloud
  • Superb for mobile learning, adaptive to desktops

Technical features

  • Cloud-based tool. No installation required

Cons

  • Limited design options
  • Can’t be integrated into an LMS
  • Lacks analytics and reporting features
  • No gamification elements that are a must for any type of learners

Pricing

  • Monthly subscription for $99 for the Pro Version
  • A 30-day trial for the Pro Version is also available
  • 7taps Community Edition is free

Adobe Captivate - an alternative that needs improvement

Adobe’s Captivate allows the creation of entirely custom eLearning assets. Captivate is aimed towards experienced developers who want to deliver complex courses with lots of interactive elements.

Unfortunately, considering its price and despite being a fanboy of Adobe, I found Captivate to lack many of the crucial features needed to compete with Articulate Storyline or even iSpring.

Pros

  • Suitable for the creation of fully interactive objects due to its advanced programming features
  • Integrates excellently with other Adobe products
  • Geolocation feature that allows creating international courses that would train users based on their country
  • Includes built-in animations, characters and presets that you may use
  • Supports responsive design for smartphones and tablets
  • Supports non-immersive VR projects
  • Can incorporate content from PowerPoint
  • Fully compliant with all LMS out there
  • Excellent screencasting feature for product showcase or talking-head training

Technical features

  • Installs on computer
  • xAPI (Tin Can), SCORM 2004, SCORM 1.2, and AICC

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve than other solutions on the market, making it daunting at first.
  • Slow development cycle as the interactions you build require time to test
  • Reported bugs from various users as well the need for better version control
  • Customer support could be better
  • Expensive solution compared to other authoring tools

Pricing

  • The Full Retail Pricing is $1,299. There is also an Education Pricing plan which is offered at $399
  • Monthly subscription for $33.99
  • Free 30-day trial

Disclaimer

I have to clarify something after presenting the authoring tools listed in this article. This article is not sponsored, so it is unbiased. Note that I couldn’t test every software out there, so I had to stick to the most well-known ones. Thus, it is likely that there may be other great authoring tools missing from this list, but I simply didn’t get my hands on them.