Moodle vs Canvas: which should I choose?

Choose the Moodle™ software for a mature open-source LMS with many plugins, an LTS release and live classes built in. Choose Canvas if you already use Instructure's Canvas or need features only in their hosted service. Moodle or Canvas both can be self-hosted; we set up Moodle 4.5 LTS as standard and Canvas LMS open source on request.

Is the Moodle™ software free?

Yes, it's open source under GPL-3.0. Hosting, set-up and support are services you agree with your partner.

Is Canvas open source?

Canvas LMS is released under AGPL-3.0, but some features, such as New Quizzes, MasteryPaths and New Analytics, are not part of the open-source edition [2].

Which version do you set up?

The Moodle™ software 4.5 LTS. Every set-up includes a plan to move to the next LTS before security support ends.

Can I have live classes in my LMS?

Yes. In the Moodle™ software, BigBlueButton is a standard activity and plugNmeet has a plugin.

Are you affiliated with Moodle or Instructure?

No. MYNAPARROT SL is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Moodle Pty Ltd or Instructure, Inc.

Moodle vs Canvas: Open-Source LMS Comparison

Moodle vs Canvas: a fair comparison of the Moodle™ software and Canvas LMS open-source editions — licences, add-ons, privacy and cost model. Request a demo.

Short answer

The Moodle™ software is best for schools, academies and companies that want a mature open-source LMS with a large plugin directory, a long-term support (LTS) release, and live classes built in.
Canvas LMS is best for institutions that want Instructure's commercial Canvas service, or teams able to run the open-source edition knowing some Instructure features aren't included in it.

Feature comparison

	Moodle™ software	Canvas LMS (open-source edition)
Licence	GPL-3.0 [1]	AGPL-3.0 [2]
Who develops it	Moodle HQ and community [1]	Instructure, which also sells Canvas as a subscription [2]
Standard version we set up	4.5 LTS (security fixes until 4 Oct 2027) [1]	On request
Live classes	BigBlueButton is a standard activity [3]; plugNmeet via plugin [4]	Discussed case by case
Quizzes	Core Quiz with time limits, overrides and Safe Exam Browser [5]	Classic quizzes; New Quizzes is not in the open-source edition [2]
Analytics	Core custom reports	New Analytics and Canvas Data are not in the open-source edition [2]
Other features not in open source	—	MasteryPaths, DocViewer, plagiarism platform, chat tool, SCORM import tool, Catalog and others [2]
Plugins	Large public plugin directory [4]	Extensions possible; several Instructure extensions are proprietary [2]

Privacy and data location

Both are self-hostable, so the data stays on the server and in the country you choose. MynaParrot hosting is preferred; your partner can also host on your servers. If you use Instructure's hosted Canvas instead, data terms are set by Instructure.

Cost model (no prices)

Moodle™ software: free open-source software. You pay hosting, set-up, plugins (most are free), training and support, agreed with your partner.
Canvas LMS open source: free software, but a heavier server stack to run [6]; set-up and support agreed with your partner. Instructure's own Canvas is a paid subscription [2].

When to choose the other option

Choose Canvas if your institution already uses Instructure's Canvas, your teachers know it, or you need features only in Instructure's hosted service (such as New Quizzes or New Analytics). In that case Instructure's offer may suit you better than self-hosting.

FAQ

Moodle vs Canvas: which should I choose?: Choose the Moodle™ software for a mature open-source LMS with many plugins, an LTS release and live classes built in. Choose Canvas if you already use Instructure's Canvas or need features only in their hosted service. Moodle or Canvas both can be self-hosted; we set up Moodle 4.5 LTS as standard and Canvas LMS open source on request.
Is the Moodle™ software free?: Yes, it's open source under GPL-3.0. Hosting, set-up and support are services you agree with your partner.
Is Canvas open source?: Canvas LMS is released under AGPL-3.0, but some features, such as New Quizzes, MasteryPaths and New Analytics, are not part of the open-source edition [2].
Which version do you set up?: The Moodle™ software 4.5 LTS. Every set-up includes a plan to move to the next LTS before security support ends.
Can I have live classes in my LMS?: Yes. In the Moodle™ software, BigBlueButton is a standard activity and plugNmeet has a plugin.
Are you affiliated with Moodle or Instructure?: No. MYNAPARROT SL is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Moodle Pty Ltd or Instructure, Inc.

Request a demo Talk to a partner

Sources

Moodle releases, licence and support dates (4.5 LTS): https://moodledev.io/general/releases
Canvas LMS open-source FAQ (AGPLv3; features not open sourced; dual licensing): https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms/wiki/FAQ
BigBlueButton Moodle integration: https://bigbluebutton.org/moodle-integration/
Moodle Plugins directory, mod_plugnmeet: https://moodle.org/plugins/mod_plugnmeet
Moodle docs, Quiz settings (4.5): https://docs.moodle.org/405/en/Quiz_settings
Canvas LMS Production Start (requirements): https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms/wiki/Production-Start

Last checked: 15 Oct 2026

Moodle™ is a registered trademark of Moodle Pty Ltd. Canvas is a trademark of Instructure, Inc. Chamilo is a trademark of the Chamilo Association. This website uses BigBlueButton and is not endorsed or certified by BigBlueButton Inc. BigBlueButton is a trademark of BigBlueButton Inc. MYNAPARROT SL is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations. Comparisons are based on public information checked on 15 Oct 2026 and may change.

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