12 Stonly alternatives to explore in 2025

Discover the best Stonly alternatives for 2025: compare DAP, LMS, and MeltingSpot hybrid solutions to deliver in-app guidance and real upskilling. Maximize software adoption, compliance, and engagement—right where your users work.

In 2025, delivering smart guidance and intuitive onboarding is essential for SaaS and enterprise success. Stonly stands out for its interactive step-by-step guides, knowledge bases, and customer self-service features. Yet, as user expectations and tool complexity grow, businesses need more than surface-level walkthroughs: they seek solutions enabling both contextual, in-software help and deep, progressive skill-building. This dual requirement is pushing organizations to explore the best Stonly alternatives—across DAP, LMS, and emerging hybrid platforms—to achieve seamless product adoption, compliance, and sustained upskilling.

Table of contents

1. What is Stonly and how does it work?
2. Why DAPs alone fall short on upskilling and compliance
3. What types of Stonly alternatives exist?
4. 📊 Comparison table of Stonly competitors
5. 5 DAP competitors to Stonly
6. 6 LMS competitors to Stonly
7. MeltingSpot: In-app & learning, finally unified
8. Criteria to select the best Stonly alternative in your stack
9. Moving forward: From onboarding to lasting digital performance

What is Stonly and how does it work?

Stonly is a digital adoption platform offering interactive guides, onboarding checklists, contextual tooltips, and sophisticated knowledge bases for customer support and internal training. Its appeal lies in self-serve builder features, user segmentation, UI triggers, live chat integrations, and unified analytics dashboards. You can use Stonly for in-app onboarding, support workflows, and enhancing the searchability of help content both for customers and employees.

Stonly’s pricing starts at $124/month for the Starter plan, $249/month for Business, and custom enterprise options that can exceed $30,000/year depending on guide views and feature needs. Free plans come with feature and usage limitations, and overages (e.g., exceeding 4,000 monthly guide views) add $250–$500/month to the bill. The platform is thus competitive for SMBs or early-stage SaaS but can become costly for larger organizations with high guide usage.

Example: A B2B SaaS implemented Stonly as an internal knowledge base and to onboard customers, reducing repetitive tickets and speeding up time to value using checklists and interactive pop-up guides.

While many appreciate Stonly’s adaptable guide builder and flexibility, users often say reporting and integrations are basic, advanced analytics or segmentation need technical intervention, and custom branding/styling or event tracking require front-end development. Stonly is not positioned as a no-code solution for every use case—teams frequently note limits on rich interactivity, lack of in-depth quizzes or certifications, pay-per-view pricing structure, and the challenge of driving lasting learning versus short-term navigation.

Why DAPs alone fall short on upskilling and compliance

While DAP tools like Stonly enable just-in-time onboarding and decrease support load, they rarely build long-term mastery or compliance. DAPs focus on quick, contextual cues—helping users complete tasks or discover features—but don't support structured progression, formal assessment, or deep analytics required for audits or certifications. As businesses demand more sophisticated learning and retention, integrating or migrating to solutions that go beyond overlays and walkthroughs becomes key.

LMS solutions answer the need for structured learning but are disconnected from daily workflows: all training occurs outside operational software, breaking task focus and slowing practical adoption.

What types of Stonly alternatives exist?

Other DAP solutions

Tools like WalkMe, Userpilot, Lemon Learning, Whatfix, and Pendo also provide in-app walkthroughs, onboarding sequences, product tours, and analytics. Each DAP specializes in different use cases (e.g., enterprise automation, SaaS growth, ERP/CRM adoption) but, like Stonly, none offer deep structured learning, skills certification, or robust compliance analytics.

Full-featured LMS platforms

Platforms such as Cornerstone, TalentLMS, Skilljar, LearnWorlds, and Docebo deliver formal course management, certification, compliance, and training analytics. They remain the gold standard for HR, large-scale onboarding, and regulated environments—but always require leaving the operational software to learn, which slows contextual adoption.

The hybrid approach: MeltingSpot

MeltingSpot is currently the only platform blending DAP’s in-context onboarding with LMS-grade skill building and AI-powered, real-time content creation. It allows you to deliver, track, and certify in-app learning without context switches or workflow breakage—solving the “shallow learning” and “external training” gaps of pure DAPs and LMS.

📊 Comparison table of Stonly competitors

Competitor	Type	Price / Year	Key Strengths	Main Limits
WalkMe	DAP	$30,000–$100,000+	Enterprise-grade overlays, process automation, analytics	Resource intensive, fatigue risk, lacks structured upskilling
Userpilot	DAP	$249–$799/month+	Agile onboarding, NPS, survey, in-app segmentation	Limited deep learning, analytics gated, basic certifications
Lemon Learning	DAP	Custom	ERP/CRM onboarding, multilingual, field enablement	No deep analytics, no role-based progression
Whatfix	DAP	$23,000+	Process flows, multi-app adoption, analytics	Technical setup, lacks certification, content maintenance load
Pendo	DAP	$15,900–$130,000+	In-app analytics, A/B onboarding, live feedback	Costly at scale, overlays skipped, no upskilling or certification
Cornerstone	LMS	$40,000+	HR integration, compliance, complex teams	Steep admin, external to workflow, learning not contextual
TalentLMS	LMS	$4,000–$25,000	Fast setup, multilingual, intuitive	No in-app upskilling, basic analytics
Skilljar	LMS	$12,000–$40,000+	Customer onboarding, certifications, analytics	Interna/internal skills coverage basic, portal-based only
LearnWorlds	LMS	$2,400–$8,000	Branding, video, interactive content	External-only, analytics basic, low integration
Docebo	LMS	$25,000+	AI modules, global rollouts, compliance	Technical setup, external to workflow
MeltingSpot	Hybrid (LMS + DAP)	Usage-based, from $3,600/year	Onboarding + upskilling in-app, AI, real-time analytics	None—only platform unifying LMS and DAP

5 DAP competitors to Stonly

WalkMe: In-app process automation and analytics at enterprise scale

Compare WalkMe with MeltingSpot here

WalkMe is a top-tier DAP for organizations aiming to automate onboarding, deliver multi-app overlays, and capture detailed process analytics. Its customers span banking, telecom, and global SaaS, attracted by powerful segmentation, workflow automation, and deep insights. Custom implementation starts around $30,000/year and can exceed $100,000 for multi-entity or white-labeled solutions.

Example: A leading insurance company used WalkMe to drive Salesforce adoption, building guided workflows and reducing on-job errors for over 10,000 agents globally.

Users often say WalkMe is time-consuming to set up and requires skilled admin resources. Overlays may tire users, updates in dynamic environments demand constant attention, and learning depth, certifications, or progressive skill-building aren’t supported natively—making it great for navigation but not for real knowledge retention.

Userpilot: Fast in-app onboarding and engagement

Compare Userpilot with MeltingSpot here

Userpilot focuses on helping SaaS teams create personalized onboarding flows, NPS surveys, contextual tooltips, and in-product walkthroughs without coding. It excels for product-led growth, offering segmentation, event-based targeting, and customizable UI components ideal for growth marketers and CS teams. Pricing starts at $249/month for up to 2,500 MAUs, quickly increasing for larger teams or advanced analytics.

Example: A SaaS provider leveraged Userpilot to experiment with onboarding flows and drive up feature adoption, reducing support tickets and learning cycles for new users.

Users often say that deep analytics and reporting are only available on higher tiers, advanced customization takes time, and robust learning journey or certification paths are missing. As with most DAPs, Userpilot improves time-to-value but doesn’t foster long-term skill mastery on its own.

Lemon Learning: Contextual onboarding for ERP and CRM

Compare Lemon Learning with MeltingSpot here

Lemon Learning’s strength lies in rapid deployment of in-app tutorials, contextual tips, and multi-language support for large, often multinational, ERP or CRM rollouts. It’s valued for process digitization, field enablement, and cross-country change management, with tailored contracts (starting from low five figures/year).

Example: A European retailer rolled out Lemon Learning to upskill 2,000 employees during a new SAP deployment, replacing classroom training with real-time, on-terminal digital guides.

Users often say analytics are not granular enough for compliance projects, content updates require coordination, and strategic upskilling or role-based tracking needs to be paired with an external LMS. Lemon Learning shines for micro-learning, but is not a full learning management solution.

Whatfix: Customizable in-app flows & process analytics

Compare Whatfix with MeltingSpot here

Whatfix specializes in contextual enablement for large enterprises, offering process flows, task lists, and analytics across platforms like SAP, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. Annual pricing often starts around $23,000, scaling for integrations, volume, and analytics.

Example: A fintech used Whatfix to accelerate migration to a new claims platform—embedding stepwise “how-to” help and reducing employee onboarding friction.

Users often say advanced features require technical setup, and that robust reporting and certification tracking are lacking unless integrated with an LMS. DAP strengths mean fast onboarding but not progressive employee mastery.

Pendo: Product analytics and feedback in-app

Compare Pendo with MeltingSpot here

Pendo delivers product-led onboarding—combining walkthroughs, segmentation, in-app messages, and detailed usage analytics, popular for SaaS vendors seeking to optimize conversion and activation at scale. Most contracts start around $15,900/year, rising for high-MAU and enterprise-level needs.

Example: A SaaS scale-up used Pendo to run A/B onboarding campaigns and analyze adoption data live, quickly updating onboarding steps to optimize for successful activation.

Users often say overlays and guides can be dismissed, pricing increases quickly with usage, and deep skills training, compliance reporting, or certifications aren’t available natively. Pendo accelerates adoption but can’t deliver sustainable upskilling.

6 LMS competitors to Stonly

Cornerstone: Compliance-driven learning & human capital management

Compare Cornerstone with MeltingSpot here

Cornerstone is tailored for compliance, HR integration, and large enterprise training with support for skill assessments, performance reviews, and complex org structures. Pricing starts at $40,000/year and rises for integrations, analytics, and multi-country deployments.

Example: A major logistics group used Cornerstone for workforce development and compliance tracking—standardizing onboarding across more than 20,000 employees globally.

Users often say it has a steep admin learning curve and requires heavy resources to manage content and reporting. Most importantly, learning is delivered outside daily systems, creating friction and missed opportunities for “in the flow” learning.

TalentLMS: Affordable, multilingual training for fast-moving teams

Compare TalentLMS with MeltingSpot here

TalentLMS focuses on rapid deployment, easy content authoring, and mobile-first training, making it attractive for distributed or deskless teams. Pricing starts at $4,000/year and scales based on active users and customization needs.

Example: A retail group launched TalentLMS to provide core operational training in 12 languages, cutting onboarding time and improving compliance in global branches.

Users often say reporting and automation are basic, and learning is “one-step-removed” from work, as staff must leave their apps to access training modules. It’s cost-effective for basic learning, but not suited for in-context software enablement.

Skilljar: Customer education and partner training platform

Compare Skilljar with MeltingSpot here

Skilljar drives external client and partner enablement, supporting payment integration, course branching, and certification for SaaS and B2B vendors. Pricing ranges from $12,000 to $40,000+/year depending on usage, support, and integration.

Example: A SaaS vendor rolled out Skilljar to centralize onboarding, reducing CS tickets and onboarding time for end customers.

Users often say Skilljar is less adjustable for complex internal learning or compliance, feedback and survey features are basic, and in-app learning is not supported. It’s excellent for customer onboarding but not deep internal upskilling.

LearnWorlds: Branded learning, video-first experiences

Compare LearnWorlds with MeltingSpot here

LearnWorlds is an LMS focused on interactive content, quizzes, and public-facing academies—tailored for EdTech and SMBs looking to monetize online courses. Pricing runs $2,400–$8,000/year, favoring smaller or community-centric companies.

Example: An EdTech deployed LearnWorlds to launch animated learning journeys for new user cohorts, engaging remote learners with video and gamification.

Users often say integrations are limited, analytics less robust at scale, and all learning is portal-based—meaning it remains outside software workflows, reducing contextual access.

Docebo: Modular LMS with AI and global scale

Compare Docebo with MeltingSpot here

Docebo targets enterprise upskilling and blended learning—embedding AI for content curation, supporting dozens of integrations, and serving organizations with multiple business units or cross-country requirements. Plans typically begin at $25,000/year, with pricing rising for deeper modules and more active learners.

Example: A consulting firm standardized compliance and onboarding globally with Docebo, automating certifications and content translation in one system.

Users often say Docebo is costly at scale, technical implementation is complex, and formal training is segregated from work apps—impacting real-time enablement and engagement.

MeltingSpot: In-app & learning, finally unified

Compare MeltingSpot to Stonly

MeltingSpot combines DAP and LMS strengths, uniquely delivering onboarding, upskilling, certification, and micro-learning—all directly within your software stack. You get real-time analytics, AI-powered content, user segmentation, and automated compliance tracking. Pricing is usage-based, starting at $3,600/year, scaling to enterprise needs.

Example: A SaaS provider replaced Stonly and a legacy LMS with MeltingSpot, enabling in-product onboarding, self-serve help, and structured upskilling—all inside Salesforce. The result: higher activation, better support deflection, and clear compliance tracking in one platform.

Unlike any other competitor, MeltingSpot bridges the persistent gap between "just-in-time" support and measurable, certifiable skill-building—removing the workflow break that plagues legacy tools.

Criteria to select the best Stonly alternative in your stack

Before choosing a Stonly competitor, focus on:

• Integration: Do you need contextual in-app training, or is external certification enough?
• Learning depth: Will micro-guides suffice, or do you need assessments, compliance, and progressive upskilling?
• Price and scale: What is your true cost as usage expands? Is analytics robust enough for your sector?
• Speed to deploy: Can you adapt flows in real time as products evolve, or must you rely on long setup cycles?
• Workforce adoption: Which platforms are most accepted in your teams, and which reduce digital friction?

Test the solutions in live projects, analyze retention, and benchmark both learning outcomes and operational impact.

Moving forward: From onboarding to lasting digital performance

The digital adoption journey doesn’t stop at onboarding. To maximize ROI from your apps and teams:

• Make training a continuous, contextual journey—inside the flow of work, not outside.
• Choose platforms that reduce toggling and surface guidance when (and where) it’s needed.
• Measure both immediate task enablement and long-term skill progression.
• For sustainable impact, look to hybrid platforms like MeltingSpot that go beyond overlays and checklists to deliver real learning and adoption—at scale.

With the right Stonly alternative, you’ll enable faster, smarter teams—and drive measurable, lasting digital transformation.