Free, open-source alternatives to Google Classroom
Google's virtual classroom. 4 apps you can run yourself instead of Google Classroom, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
MoodleBest match
Learning and courses platform with one of the largest open source communities worldwide.
Canvas LMS
Learning management system (LMS) that is revolutionizing the way we educate.
Chamilo LMS
Create a virtual campus for the provision of online or semi-online training.
ILIAS
Learning management system that can cope with anything you throw at it.
Side by side
| App | Stars | License | Activity | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moodle | - | GPL-3.0 | PHP | |
| Canvas LMS | 6,866 | AGPL-3.0 | Ruby | |
| Chamilo LMS | 1,011 | GPL-3.0 | PHP | |
| ILIAS | 505 | GPL-3.0 | PHP |
Why replace Google Classroom?
Google Classroom works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to Google Classroom?
Moodle is the closest open-source replacement for Google Classroom in our list. Canvas LMS and Chamilo LMS are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to Google Classroom?
Yes. All 4 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.