Top 10 Best Online Training Tools to Boost Engagement (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Keeping learners engaged in virtual training sessions is one of the biggest challenges facilitators face. The best online training tools can transform passive viewers into active participants, making your training more effective and memorable.

After testing dozens of platforms, we’ve curated the 10 best online training tools specifically designed to increase interaction and engagement. Each tool listed here solves a different training challenge – from live polling to gamification to collaborative workspaces.

Let’s explore these best online training tools that that will make your next training session truly interactive!

The Top 10 Interactive Training Tools

1. Slido + Zoom

Best for: Live Q&A and real-time polling

Slido is one of the best online training tools that integrates seamlessly with Zoom to add interactive elements like live polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions directly into your training. It’s perfect for large groups where you want to gauge understanding or spark discussion.

Key Features:

• Anonymous question submission
• Word cloud responses
• Live quiz competitions

Why It Works:
Removes the awkwardness of speaking up in large groups while giving you valuable feedback on what participants are thinking. This is the reason Slido and Zoom combination is on the top of our list of top 10 Best Online Training Tools.

Pros:
✅ Easy to set up (integrates directly with Zoom)
✅ Works with pre-recorded sessions too
✅ Free plan available

Cons:
❌ Advanced analytics require paid Slido plan
❌ Limited gamification

Pricing:

• Zoom (Free for 40-min sessions; paid from $15.99/month)
• Slido (Free for basic polls; paid from $11/month)

2. Mentimeter

Best for: Instant audience feedback

Mentimeter is one of the best online training tools that turns your presentation slides into two-way conversations. Participants can respond to questions, vote on ideas, and share thoughts in real time using their smartphones.

Key Features:

• Multiple question types (ranking, scales, open-ended)
• “Mood meter” to check engagement levels
• Beautiful data visualizations

Why It Works:
Gives every participant a voice, not just the most extroverted ones.

Pros:
✅ No app install needed (works in browser)
✅ Great for hybrid (in-person + virtual) sessions
✅ Visually engaging

Cons:
❌ Free plan limits presentations
❌ Can’t save responses long-term

Pricing: Free for basic use; paid from $11.99/month.

3. Kahoot!

Best for: Game-based learning

Kahoot, is one of the best online training tools that brings game show excitement to training with timed quizzes, sound effects, and leaderboards. The friendly competition dramatically increases participation and knowledge retention.

Key Features:

• Pre-made quiz templates
• Team play option
• Detailed performance reports

Why It Works:
Taps into our natural competitive spirit to make learning fun and engaging.

Pros:
✅ Works for all ages (kids to corporate teams)
✅ Mobile-friendly
✅ Free version available

Cons:
❌ Requires fast internet for live play
❌ Limited question types

Pricing: Free for basic quizzes; paid from $17/month.

4. Miro

Best for: Collaborative brainstorming

Miro is one of the best online training tools that has infinite whiteboard which can transforms passive listening into active collaboration. Teams can work together in real time using sticky notes, diagrams, and drawing tools.

Key Features:

• Pre-built workshop templates
• Voting and commenting features
• Integration with video platforms

Why It Works:
Recreates the energy of in-person brainstorming sessions in a virtual space.

Pros:
✅ Feels like an in-person workshop
✅ Integrates with Zoom, Slack, Teams
✅ Free plan for small groups

Cons:
❌ Can get chaotic with large groups
❌ Steeper learning curve for new users

Pricing: Free for 3 boards; paid from $8/user/month.

5. Wooclap

Best for: Low-tech audience engagement

Wooclap is one of the best online training tools that engages participants through SMS or web – no app download required. It’s ideal for audiences with limited tech access or bandwidth.

Key Features:

• SMS polling option
• “Confusion alert” feature
• Brainstorming tools

Why It Works:
Removes technical barriers to participation so everyone can engage.

Pros:
✅ Works even with slow internet
✅ GDPR-compliant
✅ Real-time confusion alerts

Cons:
❌ Limited free plan
❌ Basic design

Pricing: Free for 2 events/month; paid from $7.99/month.

6. Gatheround

Best for: Breaking the ice

Gatheround is one of the best online training tools that automates fun icebreaker activities that help participants connect before diving into content. It eliminates awkward introductions.

Key Features:

• Automated discussion prompts
• Small group shuffling
• Photo sharing activities

Why It Works:
Creates personal connections that boost engagement throughout the session.

Pros:
✅ Kills “dead air” in virtual meetings
✅ Integrates with Zoom & Teams
✅ Free for small groups

Cons:
❌ Not for content-heavy training
❌ Limited customization

Pricing: Free for up to 12 people; paid from $12/user/month.

7. ClassPoint

Best for: PowerPoint-based interaction

ClassPoint is one of the best online training tools that adds interactive elements directly into PowerPoint, letting you turn slides into engaging activities without switching apps.

Key Features:

• Live annotations on slides
• Built-in quizzes and polls
• Digital whiteboard

Why It Works:
Brings interactivity to the tool most trainers already use.

Pros:
✅ Perfect for teachers & corporate trainers
✅ Works offline
✅ One-time purchase option

Cons:
❌ Only for PowerPoint users
❌ No mobile app

Pricing: Free for basic features; paid from $8/month.

8. Brainshark

Best for: Skills practice & coaching

Brainshark is one of the best online training tools that lets learners record practice sessions (like sales pitches) and get AI-powered feedback on their delivery and content.

Key Features:

• AI speech analytics
• Peer review system
• CRM integrations

Why It Works:
Provides objective feedback that helps learners improve faster.

Pros:
✅ Perfect for sales & leadership training
✅ Detailed analytics on soft skills
✅ Mobile-friendly

Cons:
❌ Expensive for small teams
❌ Steep setup

Pricing: Contact for quote.

Note: Brainshark was a privately held technology company based in Waltham, Massachusetts that provided a sales enablement platform and product suite. Bigtincan acquired Brainshark in August 2021.

9. Quizizz

Best for: Lighthearted knowledge checks

Quizizz adds humor to assessments with funny memes and GIFs that appear after each question, reducing test anxiety.

Key Features:

• Self-paced quiz option
• Meme rewards
• Homework mode

Why It Works:
Makes assessments something learners actually enjoy.

Pros:
✅ Students beg to play it
✅ Works asynchronously
✅ Free plan available

Cons:
❌ Not for formal assessments
❌ Limited question types

Pricing: Free for basic use; paid from $19/month.

10. Butter

Best for: Well-paced workshops

Butter acts like a virtual stage manager, helping facilitators smoothly transition between activities and maintain energy.

Key Features:

• Built-in timers and breaks
• Energy check-ins
• Session templates

Why It Works:
Takes the guesswork out of workshop flow so you can focus on content.

Pros:
✅ Prevents awkward silences
✅ Integrates with Miro, Google Docs
✅ Free for small groups

Cons:
❌ Newer tool (fewer integrations)
❌ No recording

Pricing: Free for up to 10 rooms; paid from $25/month.

How to Choose the Best Online Training Tools and Interactive Training Platforms

Selecting the perfect engagement tool for your training session requires careful consideration of several key factors. The right choice can dramatically improve participation and knowledge retention, while the wrong one might leave your audience disengaged. Here’s an expanded guide to help you make the best decision:

1. Consider Your Audience Size

The number of participants significantly impacts which tools will work best. For small group training (5-15 people), intimate platforms like Gatheround or Miro allow for deep collaboration and personal connection. These tools excel in workshop settings where every voice should be heard.

For medium-sized groups (15-50 participants), Mentimeter or Slido provide the right balance of structure and flexibility. Their polling and Q&A features keep larger groups engaged without becoming chaotic.

When training large audiences (50+ people), you’ll need robust tools like Kahoot! or ClassPoint that can handle hundreds of simultaneous interactions while maintaining smooth performance. These platforms include features like leaderboards and timed responses that work well at scale.

2. Evaluate Technical Comfort Levels

Your participants’ tech-savviness should guide your tool selection. For corporate groups comfortable with technology, feature-rich platforms like Brainshark or Miro offer powerful capabilities.

However, if you’re training:

• Older adults
• Field workers with limited tech access
• Groups in areas with poor internet

Simpler solutions like Wooclap (which works via SMS) or Quizizz (with its straightforward interface) reduce friction and ensure everyone can participate. Always include clear instructions and a quick tech check at the start when using any new tool.

3. Align With Session Objectives

Different training goals call for different tools:

For knowledge retention:

• Kahoot! or Quizizz for fun reinforcement
• Mentimeter for instant comprehension checks

For skill development:

• Brainshark for presentation practice
• Miro for collaborative problem-solving

For team building:

• Gatheround for icebreakers
• Butter for well-structured workshops

For data collection:

• Slido for anonymous feedback
• Mentimeter for detailed response analytics

4. Assess Your Budget

While many tools offer free versions, they often have participant limits or reduced features:

Free options good for small groups:

• Slido (basic features)
• Mentimeter (limited presentations)
• Kahoot! (public quizzes)

Mid-range professional tools (10−10−30/month):

• ClassPoint
• Wooclap
• Quizizz Premium

Enterprise solutions (custom pricing):

• Brainshark
• Butter
• Miro Business

Remember to factor in not just the subscription cost but also the time required to learn and implement each tool effectively.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Engagement During Online Training

1. Create a “Tool Stack” for Each Session

Rather than relying on just one platform, combine 2-3 complementary tools to address different engagement needs throughout your training. For example:

• Opening: Use Gatheround for icebreakers
• Main Content: Switch to Miro for collaborative exercises
• Closing: End with a Kahoot! quiz to reinforce key points

This variety prevents tool fatigue and caters to different learning styles.

2. Design Thoughtful Icebreakers

The first 5-10 minutes set the tone for your entire session. Instead of generic “fun facts,” use tools like:

• Gatheround’s automated prompts (“What’s your superpower at work?”)
• Mentimeter’s word clouds (“What do you hope to learn today?”)
• Miro’s collaborative boards (virtual “post-it” introductions)

These create personal connections that boost engagement throughout the session.

3. Implement Strategic Pulse Checks

Combat “Zoom fatigue” by checking engagement every 20-30 minutes using:

• Mentimeter’s mood meter (“How energized are you feeling?”)
• Slido’s quick polls (“Should we take a 5-minute break?”)
• Wooclap’s confusion alerts (“Tap if you need clarification”)

This real-time feedback lets you adjust pacing and content delivery on the fly.

4. Gamify Key Learning Moments

Increase motivation by incorporating:

• Kahoot! leaderboards for knowledge checks
• ClassPoint’s achievement badges for participation
• Miro’s voting features to highlight top ideas

For extra impact, offer small rewards (company swag, gift cards) for top performers.

5. Optimize Your Tech Setup

Ensure smooth facilitation by:

• Running all tools in a Chrome or Edge browser (best compatibility)
• Having a co-facilitator manage tech while you present
• Creating backup slides in case of technical issues
• Sharing a “tech help” guide before the session

6. Gather Post-Session Feedback

Use tools like:

• Slido’s anonymous surveys
• Mentimeter’s rating scales
• Miro’s retrospective boards

Ask specific questions about which interactive elements worked best to continuously improve your approach. By carefully selecting the best online training tools based on these criteria and implementing these pro tips, you’ll transform your training sessions into dynamic, engaging experiences that participants remember and apply long after the session ends.

Slido vs Mentimeter Comparison

Both Slido and Mentimeter are best online training tools for making presentations and training sessions interactive—but they have key differences. Here’s a quick, simple comparison to help you choose.

Best For:

✅ Slido → Live Q&A, polls, and quizzes (great for large audiences & webinars)
✅ Mentimeter → Creative presentations, word clouds, and real-time feedback (ideal for brainstorming & team discussions)

Key Features:

Feature	Slido	Mentimeter
Live Polls	✔ Simple & fast	✔ More visual & animated
Q&A	✔ Anonymous questions	✔ Limited Q&A features
Word Clouds	✔ Basic	✔ More dynamic & colorful
Quizzes	✔ Competitive leaderboard	✔ Fun, meme-style results
Integrations	✔ Zoom, PowerPoint, Teams	✔ Works in any browser

Pricing:

💰 Slido – Free for basic use; paid plans from 11/month∗∗💰∗∗Mentimeter∗∗–Freeforlimitedfeatures;paidfrom∗∗11/month∗∗💰∗∗Mentimeter∗∗–Freeforlimitedfeatures;paidfrom∗∗11.99/month

Final Thoughts

The difference between a forgettable training and an impactful one often comes down to engagement. By incorporating these best online training tools, you’ll create learning experiences that participants not only remember, but actually enjoy.

Ready to transform your training? Pick one new tool to try in your next session and notice the difference in engagement levels!