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Top 10 Best Learning Analytics Software of 2026

Discover top learning analytics software to boost student performance. Compare tools, get actionable insights, enhance training outcomes today.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Learning analytics software has emerged as a cornerstone of modern education, empowering institutions to guide student success, refine teaching strategies, and make informed decisions. With a diverse range of tools—from predictive platforms for higher education to LMS-integrated dashboards and corporate training solutions—choosing the right software is critical to accessing actionable insights that drive meaningful progress.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Civitas Learning - Delivers predictive analytics and actionable insights to boost student retention and success in higher education.
  2. 2#2: HelioCampus - Provides comprehensive student success analytics integrating data from across institutions for informed decision-making.
  3. 3#3: Starfish by Hobsons - Offers early alert systems and intervention analytics to support student retention and academic progress.
  4. 4#4: Watermark Insights - Tracks and analyzes student learning outcomes and performance data for continuous improvement.
  5. 5#5: Blackboard Analytics - Advanced analytics suite for Blackboard LMS users to monitor engagement, predict risks, and optimize learning.
  6. 6#6: Canvas by Instructure - Real-time analytics and data export tools within Canvas LMS for tracking learner progress and course effectiveness.
  7. 7#7: Brightspace by D2L - Insights dashboard providing engagement metrics, at-risk identification, and performance analytics for educators.
  8. 8#8: Echo360 - Captures and analyzes active learning data from lectures to measure student engagement and comprehension.
  9. 9#9: Watershed - Corporate learning analytics platform using xAPI to measure training impact and learner behavior.
  10. 10#10: Learning Locker - Open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) with analytics for capturing and reporting xAPI learning data.

These tools were selected based on robust features (including predictive analytics, real-time data, and integration capabilities), user experience, and tangible value, ensuring they deliver maximum impact across educational and corporate contexts.

Comparison Table

This comparison table simplifies evaluating Learning Analytics Software, showcasing tools like Civitas Learning, HelioCampus, Starfish by Hobsons, Watermark Insights, Blackboard Analytics, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, operational suitability, and value, helping them identify the best fit for their educational goals.

Delivers predictive analytics and actionable insights to boost student retention and success in higher education.

Features
9.9/10
Ease
8.8/10
Value
9.4/10

Provides comprehensive student success analytics integrating data from across institutions for informed decision-making.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.7/10

Offers early alert systems and intervention analytics to support student retention and academic progress.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
8.4/10

Tracks and analyzes student learning outcomes and performance data for continuous improvement.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
8.3/10

Advanced analytics suite for Blackboard LMS users to monitor engagement, predict risks, and optimize learning.

Features
8.6/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.7/10

Real-time analytics and data export tools within Canvas LMS for tracking learner progress and course effectiveness.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10

Insights dashboard providing engagement metrics, at-risk identification, and performance analytics for educators.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
7.9/10
8Echo360 logo8.2/10

Captures and analyzes active learning data from lectures to measure student engagement and comprehension.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.6/10
9Watershed logo8.7/10

Corporate learning analytics platform using xAPI to measure training impact and learner behavior.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
8.1/10

Open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) with analytics for capturing and reporting xAPI learning data.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
6.2/10
Value
9.1/10
1
Civitas Learning logo

Civitas Learning

specialized

Delivers predictive analytics and actionable insights to boost student retention and success in higher education.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.9/10
Ease of Use
8.8/10
Value
9.4/10
Standout Feature

Civitas Signals: AI-powered early alert system that predicts student risk with 85%+ accuracy and automates personalized outreach.

Civitas Learning is a leading learning analytics platform tailored for higher education institutions, empowering educators with predictive insights to improve student retention and success. It integrates data from student information systems, LMS platforms, and other sources to deliver real-time dashboards, early warning signals, and personalized intervention recommendations. By leveraging advanced machine learning models, Civitas helps identify at-risk students and measures the impact of support strategies on outcomes like persistence and graduation rates.

Pros

  • Exceptional predictive analytics with proven ROI on student retention
  • Highly customizable dashboards and intervention workflows
  • Seamless integrations with major SIS and LMS like Canvas and Blackboard

Cons

  • Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for smaller colleges
  • Initial setup requires significant data integration effort
  • Advanced features have a learning curve for non-technical staff

Best For

Large universities and community colleges focused on data-driven student success initiatives and scaling retention efforts.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing starting at $50,000+ annually, based on institution size and modules; contact for quote.

Visit Civitas Learningcivitaslearning.com
2
HelioCampus logo

HelioCampus

enterprise

Provides comprehensive student success analytics integrating data from across institutions for informed decision-making.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Real-time, multi-source data aggregation providing a holistic 360-degree view of student success metrics

HelioCampus is a robust learning analytics platform tailored for higher education, enabling institutions to aggregate data from LMS, SIS, and other sources for real-time insights into student performance and engagement. It offers predictive analytics to identify at-risk students, customizable dashboards for faculty and administrators, and tools for course evaluations and accreditation reporting. The software emphasizes actionable intelligence to drive student success, retention, and instructional improvements.

Pros

  • Seamless integrations with major LMS like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle
  • Advanced predictive analytics for early intervention on student risks
  • Highly customizable dashboards and reporting for accreditation needs

Cons

  • Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for smaller institutions
  • Initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-intensive
  • Primarily focused on higher education, less adaptable for K-12

Best For

Large universities and colleges prioritizing data-driven student retention and accreditation compliance.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing based on institution size and modules; typically starts at $20,000+ annually with quotes required.

Visit HelioCampusheliocampus.com
3
Starfish by Hobsons logo

Starfish by Hobsons

specialized

Offers early alert systems and intervention analytics to support student retention and academic progress.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
8.4/10
Standout Feature

Early Alert and Retention Management system that automates risk flagging and streamlines intervention workflows across campus stakeholders

Starfish by Hobsons is a student success platform designed for higher education institutions, utilizing learning analytics to identify at-risk students and drive retention efforts. It aggregates data from LMS, SIS, and other sources to provide early alerts, progress tracking, and intervention tools for faculty and advisors. The software offers customizable dashboards, predictive analytics, and communication features to foster data-informed decision-making and improve graduation rates.

Pros

  • Robust predictive analytics and early alert system for proactive student interventions
  • Seamless integrations with major LMS (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) and SIS platforms
  • Comprehensive reporting and 360-degree student views for advisors and faculty

Cons

  • Steep initial setup and learning curve for non-technical users
  • Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller institutions
  • Limited advanced AI/ML capabilities compared to newer competitors

Best For

Mid-to-large universities and colleges focused on boosting student retention and success through integrated analytics and advising workflows.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing based on student enrollment (FTE); typically $10-20 per student/year, with quotes required.

4
Watermark Insights logo

Watermark Insights

enterprise

Tracks and analyzes student learning outcomes and performance data for continuous improvement.

Overall Rating8.8/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
8.3/10
Standout Feature

Outcomes Assessment platform that unifies curriculum mapping, multi-measure assessment data, and predictive analytics for accreditation and improvement

Watermark Insights is a robust learning analytics platform tailored for higher education, enabling institutions to assess student learning outcomes, manage accreditation processes, and visualize program effectiveness through data-driven dashboards. It integrates direct and indirect assessment measures, customizable rubrics, and e-portfolios to track longitudinal student performance and curriculum alignment. The software supports compliance with standards like ABET, HLC, and CAEP by automating reporting and providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.

Pros

  • Comprehensive outcomes assessment and accreditation tools
  • Advanced analytics dashboards with real-time data integration
  • Customizable rubrics and e-portfolio capabilities for detailed tracking

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for non-technical users
  • High enterprise-level pricing
  • Primarily optimized for higher education, less flexible for K-12 or corporate training

Best For

Higher education institutions focused on program accreditation, outcomes assessment, and institutional effectiveness.

Pricing

Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically ranging from $20,000 to $100,000+ annually based on institution size and modules selected.

Visit Watermark Insightswatermarkinsights.com
5
Blackboard Analytics logo

Blackboard Analytics

enterprise

Advanced analytics suite for Blackboard LMS users to monitor engagement, predict risks, and optimize learning.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.6/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.7/10
Standout Feature

Predictive Retention Analytics that uses machine learning to flag at-risk students early with intervention recommendations

Blackboard Analytics is a comprehensive learning analytics platform integrated with Blackboard Learn, enabling educators and administrators to track student engagement, performance, and progress through interactive dashboards and reports. It leverages data from LMS activities, grades, and interactions to provide predictive insights, such as identifying at-risk students and forecasting retention rates. The tool supports data-driven decision-making to improve course design, intervention strategies, and overall institutional outcomes.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Blackboard Learn for real-time data access
  • Advanced predictive analytics for student retention and success
  • Customizable dashboards and drill-down reporting capabilities

Cons

  • Primarily optimized for Blackboard ecosystem, limiting multi-LMS flexibility
  • Steep learning curve and setup requiring IT support
  • Enterprise pricing can be opaque and costly for smaller institutions

Best For

Large higher education institutions already using Blackboard Learn that need deep, integrated analytics for student success initiatives.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing, often bundled as an add-on to Blackboard Learn subscriptions starting at several thousand dollars annually based on institution size.

6
Canvas by Instructure logo

Canvas by Instructure

enterprise

Real-time analytics and data export tools within Canvas LMS for tracking learner progress and course effectiveness.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

New Analytics with AI-driven predictive risk indicators that proactively flag at-risk students based on engagement patterns

Canvas by Instructure is a leading learning management system (LMS) with integrated Learning Analytics tools that deliver actionable insights into student engagement, performance trends, and course effectiveness. Features like New Analytics provide customizable dashboards, real-time data visualizations, and predictive risk indicators to help educators identify at-risk students and refine instructional strategies. While not a standalone analytics platform, its seamless embedding within the LMS ecosystem makes it highly effective for institutions seeking unified learning data management.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Canvas LMS for instant access to comprehensive student data
  • Intuitive, real-time dashboards with customizable visualizations and predictive analytics
  • Strong focus on actionable insights like at-risk student identification and engagement metrics

Cons

  • Analytics are primarily optimized for Canvas LMS users, limiting standalone flexibility
  • Advanced reporting and custom analytics require technical expertise or higher-tier plans
  • Less specialized AI/ML depth compared to dedicated analytics platforms

Best For

Educational institutions and educators already using Canvas LMS who want integrated, user-friendly analytics without needing separate tools.

Pricing

Included in Canvas LMS subscriptions; free for teachers, institutional plans start at ~$10-15 per student/year with custom enterprise pricing.

7
Brightspace by D2L logo

Brightspace by D2L

enterprise

Insights dashboard providing engagement metrics, at-risk identification, and performance analytics for educators.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Intelligent Insights with AI-driven predictive modeling for at-risk student identification

Brightspace by D2L is a robust learning management system (LMS) with integrated learning analytics tools designed to help educators track student progress and engagement. Its Intelligent Insights feature leverages AI and machine learning to provide predictive analytics, identifying at-risk students and offering actionable recommendations. The platform delivers customizable dashboards, real-time data visualization, and performance metrics to support data-driven instructional decisions in educational settings.

Pros

  • Powerful predictive analytics via Intelligent Insights for early intervention
  • Seamless integration with LMS for holistic student data
  • Customizable dashboards and real-time engagement tracking

Cons

  • Pricing is institution-scale and can be expensive for smaller users
  • Advanced analytics require setup and some technical expertise
  • Less specialized than dedicated analytics platforms for deep statistical analysis

Best For

Mid-to-large educational institutions needing integrated LMS analytics for student success prediction and engagement monitoring.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing for institutions, typically $10-25 per active user annually depending on size and features.

8
Echo360 logo

Echo360

specialized

Captures and analyzes active learning data from lectures to measure student engagement and comprehension.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Engagement heatmaps that pinpoint exactly where students watch, pause, or drop off in lecture videos

Echo360 is a leading learning analytics platform focused on capturing lectures, delivering interactive video content, and providing actionable insights into student engagement. It enables educators to track video views, quiz participation, note-taking, and attendance through intuitive dashboards and heatmaps. The tool integrates seamlessly with LMS platforms like Canvas and Blackboard, helping institutions optimize teaching strategies based on data-driven feedback.

Pros

  • Comprehensive engagement analytics including heatmaps and activity tracking
  • Seamless lecture capture and active learning tools like polls and quizzes
  • Strong LMS integrations for effortless workflow

Cons

  • Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller institutions
  • Advanced analytics require some learning curve
  • Occasional issues with mobile accessibility and recording reliability

Best For

Mid-to-large higher education institutions aiming to measure and improve student interaction with video-based content.

Pricing

Custom institutional licensing; typically $10-25 per active student per year, with volume discounts.

Visit Echo360echo360.com
9
Watershed logo

Watershed

specialized

Corporate learning analytics platform using xAPI to measure training impact and learner behavior.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Impact Analysis, which uniquely links learning data to business outcomes like employee performance and revenue metrics

Watershed is a robust Learning Record Store (LRS) and analytics platform designed specifically for capturing, storing, and analyzing xAPI data from diverse learning experiences across LMS, authoring tools, and custom activities. It empowers L&D teams with customizable dashboards, advanced reporting, and predictive insights to measure learning effectiveness and business impact. By correlating learning data with HR and business metrics, Watershed helps organizations demonstrate ROI on training programs.

Pros

  • Exceptional xAPI compliance and integration with 100+ learning tools
  • Advanced analytics including predictive modeling and business impact correlation
  • Highly customizable dashboards and reporting for enterprise-scale data

Cons

  • Complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
  • Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small organizations
  • Steeper learning curve for non-technical users

Best For

Enterprise L&D teams in large organizations focused on proving training ROI through sophisticated data analytics.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing based on data volume and users, typically starting at $15,000+ annually with tiered plans.

Visit Watershedwatershedlrs.com
10
Learning Locker logo

Learning Locker

other

Open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) with analytics for capturing and reporting xAPI learning data.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
6.2/10
Value
9.1/10
Standout Feature

Unmatched xAPI conformance with advanced data modeling and conformance testing suite

Learning Locker is an open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) that captures, stores, and processes xAPI (Experience API) data to enable comprehensive learning analytics. It allows organizations to track learner interactions across diverse platforms, generate reports, and visualize engagement metrics through customizable dashboards. The platform supports integration with LMS, authoring tools, and other xAPI-compliant systems for a unified view of learning experiences.

Pros

  • Fully open-source with no licensing costs for core functionality
  • Excellent xAPI 1.0.3 conformance and scalability for large datasets
  • Flexible APIs and integrations with popular learning tools

Cons

  • Complex self-hosted setup requiring DevOps expertise
  • Basic default UI with limited no-code customization options
  • Community-driven support can be inconsistent for enterprise needs

Best For

Technical teams in mid-sized organizations seeking a customizable, cost-free xAPI LRS for advanced learning analytics.

Pricing

Core open-source version is free; Enterprise edition with support and cloud hosting starts at custom pricing (contact sales).

Visit Learning Lockerlearninglocker.net

Conclusion

The reviewed learning analytics tools each bring distinct value, from predictive retention insights to real-time engagement tracking, but Civitas Learning rises as the top choice, excelling in boosting student success through actionable analytics. HelioCampus follows strongly with comprehensive institutional data for informed decisions, and Starfish by Hobsons stands out for its effective early intervention systems. Together, they highlight the transformative role of analytics in education.

Civitas Learning logo
Our Top Pick
Civitas Learning

Take the next step in enhancing learning outcomes—explore Civitas Learning to leverage its powerful insights and drive meaningful progress in student retention and success.