17 open-source apps
Best self-hosted Learning Management (LMS) apps
Open-source learning management systems (LMS) and online course platforms. Run courses, quizzes and certificates on your own server, like a self-hosted Moodle, Canvas, Teachable or Thinkific.
The most popular self-hosted apps for learning management (LMS) on GitHub are Open edX, Moodle and Canvas LMS, ranked by stars below.
Ranked by GitHub stars
All 17 Learning Management (LMS) apps
Open edX
openedx/openedx-platform
The LMS and Studio authoring platform behind edX, deployed with the Docker-based Tutor distribution.
Learning Management (LMS)PythonDockerMoodle
moodle/moodle
The world's most widely used open-source learning platform for schools, universities and companies.
Learning Management (LMS)PHPCanvas LMS
instructure/canvas-lms
Learning management system (LMS) that is revolutionizing the way we educate.
Learning Management (LMS)RubyFrappe LMS
frappe/lms
Easy-to-use learning management system with courses, chapters, live class batches, quizzes, assignments and certificates.
Learning Management (LMS)TypeScriptDockerLearnHouse
learnhouse/learnhouse
Modern learning platform with a block-based course editor, assignments, discussions, certificates and code exercises.
Learning Management (LMS)PythonDockerClassroomIO
classroomio/classroomio
Open-source LMS for companies running employee, customer and partner training with cohorts and certificates.
Learning Management (LMS)TypeScriptDockerCourseLit
codelitdev/courselit
Sell courses and digital downloads from your own site, with course authoring, Stripe payments and a website builder.
Learning Management (LMS)TypeScriptDockerSakai
sakaiproject/sakai
Java collaboration and learning environment used by universities for courses, assessments and gradebooks.
Learning Management (LMS)JavaChamilo LMS
chamilo/chamilo-lms
Create a virtual campus for the provision of online or semi-online training.
Learning Management (LMS)PHPPupilfirst
pupilfirst/pupilfirst
LMS for running an asynchronous online school built around tasks, reviewer feedback and peer discussion.
Learning Management (LMS)RubyDockerGibbon
GibbonEdu/core
Flexible school management platform designed to make life better for teachers, students, parents and leaders.
Learning Management (LMS)PHPILIAS
ILIAS-eLearning/ILIAS
Learning management system that can cope with anything you throw at it.
Learning Management (LMS)PHPOpenOLAT
OpenOLAT/OpenOLAT
Learning management system for teaching, education, assessment and communication.
Learning Management (LMS)JavaRELATE
inducer/relate
Courseware package that includes features such as: flexible rules, statistics, multi-course support, class calendar.
Learning Management (LMS)PythonINGInious
INGInious/INGInious
Intelligent grader that allows secured and automated testing of code made by students.
Learning Management (LMS)PythonDockerOpen eClass
gunet/openeclass
Open eClass is an advanced e-learning solution that can enhance the teaching and learning process.
Learning Management (LMS)PHPHelium
HeliumEdu/platform
Color-coded student planner for classes, homework, grades, and notes with smart notifications and multi-device sync.
Learning Management (LMS)PythonDocker
What is the best self-hosted app for learning management (LMS)?
By GitHub stars, Open edX is the most popular self-hosted app for learning management (LMS) with 8,198 stars, followed by Moodle and Canvas LMS. The best fit depends on your needs, so compare Docker support, license and recent activity on each app page.
Are these Learning Management (LMS) apps free?
Yes. All 17 apps in this category are open source and free to run on your own server. A few also offer a paid hosted plan or enterprise add-ons, but self-hosting the open-source edition costs nothing beyond your hardware.
How do I install a self-hosted Learning Management (LMS) app?
8 of the 17 apps here ship a Docker image, which is the easiest route: rent a small VPS or use a home server, install Docker, and start the app with its Docker Compose file. Apps without an image list their native install steps in the README.
Which Learning Management (LMS) apps are most actively developed?
Measured by commits in the last twelve months, the most active projects are Chamilo LMS (5,508 commits), Canvas LMS (4,416 commits) and Moodle (3,502 commits). Active development usually means faster bug fixes and security patches.