Easy-to-use learning management system with courses, chapters, live class batches, quizzes, assignments and certificates.
- AGPL-3.0
- TypeScript
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Learning Management (LMS) comparison
Frappe Learning vs Moodle: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick Frappe Learning (Frappe LMS) for a clean, simple course platform with chapters, quizzes, live Zoom batches and certificates; pick Moodle for the most complete open-source LMS, with deep assessment, gradebook and plugin support for schools, universities and large training teams.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
The world's most widely used open-source learning platform for schools, universities and companies.
- GPL-3.0
- PHP
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
Frappe Learning vs Moodle, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  Frappe Learning |  Moodle |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language/stack | Python on the Frappe framework with a Vue (Frappe UI) front end | PHP (Moodle 5.3 requires PHP 8.3+) |
| Database | MariaDB (Frappe framework) | MariaDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server or Aurora MySQL |
| Course model | Courses with chapters and lessons, batches with Zoom live classes, quizzes, assignments and certificates | Courses built from activities and resources (quizzes, assignments, forums, workshops and more) with a full gradebook |
| Hosting | Official Docker Compose file or the bench CLI; managed hosting on Frappe Cloud | Download and run on your own web server, or use MoodleCloud or a Moodle Partner |
| Ecosystem | Smaller; integrates with other Frappe apps such as ERPNext | Very large community, plugin directory and Moodle Partner network |
| GitHub stars | 3,285 | 7,468 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 3,065 | 3,502 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
| Latest release | v2.64.0Sep 30, 2026 | No GitHub releases |
| Main language | TypeScript | PHP |
| Official Docker image | Yes | No |
| Repository | frappe/lms | moodle/moodle |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
Frappe Learning is the better choice for companies, communities and bootcamps that want to publish structured courses quickly with a modern interface and run cohort-style batches, especially if they already use ERPNext or other Frappe apps. Moodle is the safer choice for institutions: it is the most widely adopted open-source LMS, has a huge plugin directory, an official mobile app and MoodleCloud or partner hosting if you do not want to run it yourself, at the cost of a more complex interface and admin.
Best for
Choose Frappe Learning for
Companies, communities and bootcamps wanting a simple, modern course platform.
Best for
Choose Moodle for
Schools, universities and large training programs needing a full-featured LMS.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Is Frappe Learning a Moodle alternative?
For course delivery, yes. The Frappe team built it in 2021 to launch Mon.School for FOSS United after finding Moodle's forms and interface too heavy. Institutions that rely on Moodle's advanced grading, plugins or standards support may still prefer Moodle.
Is Moodle free?
Yes. Moodle is GPL-3.0 and free to download and self-host. MoodleCloud and Moodle Partners sell hosting and services if you do not want to run it yourself.
Which is easier to self-host?
Both are manageable. Moodle is a classic PHP application with a web installer. Frappe Learning ships a Docker Compose file that brings up the Frappe stack (MariaDB and Redis) for you.
Which is more popular on GitHub, Frappe Learning or Moodle?
Moodle has 7,468 GitHub stars against 3,285 for Frappe Learning. Over the last twelve months Frappe Learning received 3,065 commits and Moodle received 3,502, so Moodle is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.