Quick Overview
- 1#1: Google Classroom - Free platform for teachers to create classes, distribute assignments, communicate with students, and streamline grading.
- 2#2: ClassDojo - Tool for building positive classroom communities through behavior tracking, parent-teacher communication, and student portfolios.
- 3#3: Canvas LMS - Comprehensive learning management system for designing courses, managing assignments, and tracking student progress.
- 4#4: Seesaw - Digital learning platform that enables student portfolios, family engagement, and personalized learning experiences.
- 5#5: Microsoft Teams for Education - Collaboration platform with class notebooks, assignments, meetings, and real-time co-teaching features for education.
- 6#6: LanSchool - Device monitoring and management software for teachers to view, control, and limit student screens in real-time.
- 7#7: PowerSchool Schoology - Unified learning management system for K-12 with gradebooks, attendance, and parent portals.
- 8#8: NetSupport School - Classroom management solution offering screen sharing, monitoring, quizzing, and internet control.
- 9#9: GoGuardian - Chromebook management suite for student safety, activity monitoring, and engagement analytics.
- 10#10: Nearpod - Interactive lesson delivery platform with real-time assessments, virtual reality, and student-paced activities.
Tools were chosen based on a blend of feature strength, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they address key needs like communication, monitoring, and personalized learning across diverse educational settings.
Comparison Table
Classroom management software enhances organization and interaction in learning environments, and this table compares tools like Google Classroom, ClassDojo, Canvas LMS, Seesaw, Microsoft Teams for Education, and more, highlighting key features, usability, and ideal use cases to help educators select the best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Classroom Free platform for teachers to create classes, distribute assignments, communicate with students, and streamline grading. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 2 | ClassDojo Tool for building positive classroom communities through behavior tracking, parent-teacher communication, and student portfolios. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Canvas LMS Comprehensive learning management system for designing courses, managing assignments, and tracking student progress. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Seesaw Digital learning platform that enables student portfolios, family engagement, and personalized learning experiences. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Microsoft Teams for Education Collaboration platform with class notebooks, assignments, meetings, and real-time co-teaching features for education. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | LanSchool Device monitoring and management software for teachers to view, control, and limit student screens in real-time. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | PowerSchool Schoology Unified learning management system for K-12 with gradebooks, attendance, and parent portals. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | NetSupport School Classroom management solution offering screen sharing, monitoring, quizzing, and internet control. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | GoGuardian Chromebook management suite for student safety, activity monitoring, and engagement analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Nearpod Interactive lesson delivery platform with real-time assessments, virtual reality, and student-paced activities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
Free platform for teachers to create classes, distribute assignments, communicate with students, and streamline grading.
Tool for building positive classroom communities through behavior tracking, parent-teacher communication, and student portfolios.
Comprehensive learning management system for designing courses, managing assignments, and tracking student progress.
Digital learning platform that enables student portfolios, family engagement, and personalized learning experiences.
Collaboration platform with class notebooks, assignments, meetings, and real-time co-teaching features for education.
Device monitoring and management software for teachers to view, control, and limit student screens in real-time.
Unified learning management system for K-12 with gradebooks, attendance, and parent portals.
Classroom management solution offering screen sharing, monitoring, quizzing, and internet control.
Chromebook management suite for student safety, activity monitoring, and engagement analytics.
Interactive lesson delivery platform with real-time assessments, virtual reality, and student-paced activities.
Google Classroom
enterpriseFree platform for teachers to create classes, distribute assignments, communicate with students, and streamline grading.
Stream view that functions like a class social feed for announcements, assignments, and student interactions
Google Classroom is a free, web-based learning management system designed for educators to create and manage classes, distribute assignments, administer quizzes, and communicate with students seamlessly. It integrates deeply with Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Meet, enabling real-time collaboration and streamlined workflows. The platform offers grading tools, progress tracking, and mobile accessibility, making it ideal for both in-person and remote teaching environments.
Pros
- Completely free with no usage limits
- Intuitive interface requiring minimal training
- Deep integration with Google Workspace for collaboration
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise LMS
- Requires Google accounts for all users
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Educators and schools already using Google Workspace who need a simple, reliable tool for daily classroom management.
Pricing
Free for all users; premium features via Google Workspace for Education (Fundamentals is free, Plus at $4/user/month, Enterprise custom).
ClassDojo
specializedTool for building positive classroom communities through behavior tracking, parent-teacher communication, and student portfolios.
Customizable positive behavior points system with fun avatars and animations that gamifies classroom management
ClassDojo is a leading classroom management platform designed to foster positive behavior and enhance parent-teacher communication. Teachers can award points to students for specific skills like 'teamwork' or 'perseverance,' track progress with reports, and share student portfolios and class stories. It connects entire school communities through messaging, events, and multilingual support, making it ideal for building a positive classroom culture.
Pros
- Highly engaging gamified points system motivates students
- Seamless parent communication and multilingual support
- Robust free version with portfolios and analytics
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting without premium upgrades
- Potential for over-reliance on points-based motivation
- Privacy settings require careful management for messaging
Best For
Elementary and primary school teachers seeking an intuitive tool for behavior management and family engagement.
Pricing
Free for core features; premium school-wide plans start at $120/year per teacher for advanced tools and support.
Canvas LMS
enterpriseComprehensive learning management system for designing courses, managing assignments, and tracking student progress.
SpeedGrader for efficient inline grading and feedback on assignments
Canvas LMS by Instructure is a robust cloud-based learning management system (LMS) tailored for K-12, higher education, and professional training. It enables educators to design interactive courses, assign and grade work, conduct quizzes, host discussions, and monitor student progress via an intuitive gradebook and analytics dashboard. With seamless mobile access and extensive third-party integrations, Canvas supports blended and fully online classroom management at scale.
Pros
- Highly customizable with modular course builder and LTI integrations
- Advanced analytics and progress tracking tools
- Excellent mobile app for students and teachers
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Institutional pricing can escalate with scale
- Limited built-in behavior management for younger K-12 classrooms
Best For
Mid-to-large K-12 schools and universities seeking a scalable, feature-rich LMS for course delivery and assessment.
Pricing
Free for individual teachers; K-12/higher ed plans start at ~$10-20 per student/year with custom enterprise options.
Seesaw
specializedDigital learning platform that enables student portfolios, family engagement, and personalized learning experiences.
Student-paced multimedia portfolios that allow kids to independently capture and reflect on their learning with drawings, photos, videos, and voice recordings
Seesaw is a student-driven digital portfolio platform designed primarily for PreK-5 classrooms, enabling teachers to assign multimedia activities where students can draw, record videos, add notes, and build showcases of their work. It supports real-time feedback, parent access via a mobile app, and quick check-ins for attendance and well-being. While strong in engagement and communication, it offers lighter classroom management tools compared to full-suite solutions.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface for teachers, students, and parents
- Powerful multimedia tools for student portfolios and creative expression
- Excellent parent engagement with real-time updates and messaging
Cons
- Limited traditional management features like attendance tracking or grading rubrics
- Best suited for elementary grades, less ideal for older students
- Advanced analytics and unlimited storage require premium school plans
Best For
Elementary teachers seeking to foster student-led learning and strengthen home-school communication through interactive portfolios.
Pricing
Free for individual teachers with core features; Seesaw Plus for schools starts at $120 per teacher/year or custom district pricing.
Microsoft Teams for Education
enterpriseCollaboration platform with class notebooks, assignments, meetings, and real-time co-teaching features for education.
Class Insights analytics providing real-time data on student participation, assignment completion, and well-being metrics
Microsoft Teams for Education transforms the collaboration platform into a robust classroom management tool, enabling teachers to create class teams, assign tasks, grade work, and conduct live lessons. It integrates deeply with Microsoft 365 apps like OneNote and Forms for quizzes, attendance tracking, and student analytics. Designed for hybrid learning, it supports real-time communication, file sharing, and progress monitoring in a single hub.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem for assignments, grading, and OneNote notebooks
- Comprehensive Insights dashboard for attendance, engagement, and performance analytics
- Robust video conferencing with breakout rooms and live captions for inclusive classes
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features overwhelming new users
- Performance lags in large classes or with poor internet connectivity
- Limited customization compared to dedicated tools like Google Classroom
Best For
Schools and districts already invested in Microsoft 365 seeking an all-in-one platform for hybrid classroom management.
Pricing
Free for qualified educators via Microsoft 365 Education A1 plan; A3/A5 premium tiers ($4-$8/user/month) unlock advanced analytics and storage.
LanSchool
specializedDevice monitoring and management software for teachers to view, control, and limit student screens in real-time.
Live screen thumbnail view for monitoring an entire classroom's devices at a glance
LanSchool is a long-established classroom management software that allows teachers to monitor student screens in real-time, control devices remotely, and manage classroom activities across multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and iOS. Key features include screen blanking, web/app blocking, file distribution, instant messaging, and lesson broadcasting to promote focused learning. Available as on-premises or cloud-based (LanSchool AI r), it's widely used in K-12 environments for maintaining discipline and engagement.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time monitoring and remote control capabilities
- Strong cross-platform support for diverse school device fleets
- Reliable performance with robust security features
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for large-scale deployments
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited built-in analytics and reporting depth
Best For
K-12 schools and districts needing reliable, feature-rich device monitoring and control in traditional classroom settings.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing per device or site, typically $30-$50 per student/year with volume discounts and quotes required.
PowerSchool Schoology
enterpriseUnified learning management system for K-12 with gradebooks, attendance, and parent portals.
Deep PowerSchool SIS integration for real-time syncing of attendance, grades, and student data
PowerSchool Schoology is a robust learning management system (LMS) tailored for K-12 education, enabling teachers to manage assignments, grading, attendance, and student communication in one platform. It integrates deeply with PowerSchool's student information system (SIS) for streamlined data flow across administrative and instructional needs. Classroom management tools include behavior tracking, parent portals, calendars, and analytics to support personalized learning and engagement.
Pros
- Seamless integration with PowerSchool SIS for unified data management
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for student performance insights
- Strong mobile app support for on-the-go classroom management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Custom enterprise pricing can be costly for smaller districts
- Occasional interface glitches and slower load times reported
Best For
Large K-12 school districts needing an integrated LMS and SIS for comprehensive classroom and administrative management.
Pricing
Custom district pricing, typically $10-20 per student annually, with volume discounts and add-ons for advanced features.
NetSupport School
specializedClassroom management solution offering screen sharing, monitoring, quizzing, and internet control.
Seamless cross-platform support for desktops, laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and mobiles through integrated NetSupport Guardian
NetSupport School is a comprehensive classroom management software designed for educators to monitor, control, and engage with student devices in real-time from a central teacher console. It provides tools for screen sharing, remote control, internet and application restrictions, lesson broadcasting, quizzing, and attendance tracking. The platform supports Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android, enabling seamless management across diverse classroom setups.
Pros
- Extensive multi-platform support including mobile devices
- Robust monitoring, control, and interactive teaching tools
- Integrated assessment and reporting features
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
- Pricing can escalate for large deployments
Best For
K-12 schools and higher education institutions with mixed-device environments needing advanced monitoring and control.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses per student workstation starting around $50-$70, with annual maintenance fees of 20-25%; volume discounts and subscription options available.
GoGuardian
specializedChromebook management suite for student safety, activity monitoring, and engagement analytics.
Beacon AI for detecting at-risk student behaviors like self-harm indicators from screen activity
GoGuardian is a leading classroom management and student safety platform tailored for Chromebook and Google Workspace environments in K-12 schools. It enables teachers to monitor student screens in real-time, filter web content, manage device usage, and gain insights into student behavior through AI-driven analytics. The software also includes safety features like location tracking and at-risk student alerts to support student well-being.
Pros
- Robust real-time monitoring and content filtering tools
- AI-powered insights for behavior and safety alerts
- Seamless integration with Chrome OS and Google Workspace
Cons
- Primarily limited to Chromebook ecosystems
- Pricing can be high for smaller districts
- Some privacy concerns with extensive monitoring
Best For
K-12 schools heavily invested in Chromebooks seeking advanced student safety and management features.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $6-12 per device per year depending on plan (Basic, Plus, Premium) and district size.
Nearpod
specializedInteractive lesson delivery platform with real-time assessments, virtual reality, and student-paced activities.
Immersive VR and 360° field trips for experiential learning
Nearpod is an interactive lesson delivery platform that enables teachers to create or access multimedia lessons with embedded quizzes, polls, virtual reality experiences, and collaborative activities. It supports real-time student monitoring, pacing control, and data analytics to help manage classroom engagement and formative assessment. While strong in instructional delivery, it offers limited tools for traditional classroom management like behavior tracking or attendance.
Pros
- Vast library of ready-to-use interactive lessons
- Real-time student progress monitoring and reports
- Seamless integration with Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams
Cons
- Limited focus on behavior management or discipline tools
- Advanced features locked behind paid plans
- Requires student devices for full functionality
Best For
K-12 teachers prioritizing student engagement and real-time formative assessment over comprehensive behavior tracking.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Gold ($150/teacher/year); Platinum ($500/teacher/year); custom district pricing.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Google Classroom emerges as the top choice, offering a free, intuitive platform for creating classes, assigning work, and simplifying communication. ClassDojo and Canvas LMS stand out as strong alternatives: ClassDojo excels in fostering positive classroom communities, while Canvas provides a comprehensive learning management system for course design and progress tracking. Together, these tools highlight the diversity of solutions available, ensuring there’s a fit for every teaching style and classroom need.
Ready to enhance your classroom management? Start with Google Classroom—its user-friendly interface and versatile features make it a reliable, go-to tool for streamline organizing and connecting with students.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison