Moodle vs Chamilo: Which Open-Source LMS?

Moodle vs Chamilo for your online campus? Honest comparison of the Moodle™ software and Chamilo: features, live classes, exams, privacy and cost model. Request a demo.

Short answer

  • The Moodle™ software is best when you need many plugins, detailed completion rules and reports, or company training at scale.
  • Chamilo is best when you want a simpler LMS that teachers pick up quickly, popular with academies and Spanish-speaking organisations.

Feature comparison

Moodle™ softwareChamilo
LicenceGPL-3.0 [1]GPL-3.0 [2]
Standard version we set up4.5 LTS (security fixes until 4 Oct 2027) [1]1.11 (latest 1.11.x release seen: 1.11.40, June 2026) [2]
Live classesBigBlueButton standard activity [3]; plugNmeet plugin [4]BigBlueButton plugin [5]; other tools through its IMS/LTI client (LTI 1.1 and 1.3) [6]
ExamsCore Quiz with time limits, overrides and Safe Exam Browser [7]Exercises; Exercise Monitoring plugin since 1.11.30 [8]
Plugins and add-onsLarge public plugin directorySmaller set of bundled plugins (for example BigBlueButton, BuyCourses, IMS/LTI)
Newer major versions5.x line available (we plan the LTS-to-LTS move) [1]2.0 and 3.0 released; we stay on 1.11 for complete plugins for now [2]

Privacy and data location

Both are self-hosted, so your data stays on the server and in the country you choose. MynaParrot hosting is preferred; your partner can also host on your servers.

Cost model (no prices)

Both are free open-source software. You pay hosting, set-up, training and support, agreed with your partner. No per-user licence for the software.

When to choose the other option

  • Choose Chamilo if you want the simplest teacher experience, a small course catalogue and fewer moving parts.
  • Choose the Moodle™ software if you need advanced completion rules, many plugins (certificates, attendance, payments, SSO), or detailed reports.

FAQ

Moodle vs Chamilo: which open-source LMS fits me?
Choose the Moodle™ software for many plugins, detailed completion rules and reports, or company training at scale. Choose Chamilo for a simpler LMS that teachers pick up quickly. Both are open source and work with BigBlueButton.
Are the Moodle™ software and Chamilo free?
Yes. Both are open source under GPL-3.0. You pay for services: hosting, set-up and support.
Do both support live classes?
Yes. Both work with BigBlueButton. In the Moodle™ software you can also use plugNmeet.
Which Chamilo version do you set up?
Chamilo 1.11, because its plugins are complete. Moving to newer versions is planned when they are ready for your needs.
Can I move from Chamilo to the Moodle™ software later?
It's possible, but it's a migration project. Your partner reviews your courses and gives you a plan.
Request a demoTalk to a partner

Sources

  1. Moodle releases and support dates: https://moodledev.io/general/releases
  2. Chamilo releases (GitHub; GPL-3.0): https://github.com/chamilo/chamilo-lms/releases
  3. BigBlueButton Moodle integration: https://bigbluebutton.org/moodle-integration/
  4. Moodle Plugins, mod_plugnmeet: https://moodle.org/plugins/mod_plugnmeet
  5. Chamilo docs (videoconference / BBB plugin): https://docs.chamilo.org/
  6. Chamilo docs, IMS/LTI plugin: https://docs.chamilo.org/teacher-guide/teacher-guide/plugins/ims-lti
  7. Moodle docs, Quiz settings (4.5): https://docs.moodle.org/405/en/Quiz_settings
  8. Chamilo 1.11.30 release notes: https://github.com/chamilo/chamilo-lms/releases/tag/v1.11.30

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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Moodle vs Chamilo: Which Open-Source LMS? | MynaParrot