Canvas LMS vs Chamilo LMS

Two self-hosted Learning and Courses apps, compared on the facts we track: GitHub popularity and activity, license, language, Docker images and a rough hosting estimate.

Side by side

Canvas LMSChamilo LMS
DescriptionLearning management system (LMS) that is revolutionizing the way we educate.Create a virtual campus for the provision of online or semi-online training.
GitHub stars6,9021,021
Forks––
Open issues––
Commits (12 months)3.8k5.8k
Last activity2026-04-302026-11-05
Latest release–v3.0.2 (2026-11-03)
Maintenance healthMaintainedActive
LicenseAGPL-3.0GPL-3.0
Language / platformRubyPHP
Docker Hub image––
Docker pulls––
Est. server size~1 GB, 1 vCPU~1 GB, 1 vCPU
Est. hosting from$5/mo$5/mo
CategoriesLearning and CoursesLearning and Courses
LinksWebsite · SourceWebsite · Source

What the numbers say

Summary: Canvas LMS leads on GitHub popularity; Chamilo LMS leads on commit activity and recent activity. The right choice depends on the features you need — read both project descriptions and docs.

This summary is generated from GitHub, Docker Hub and awesome-selfhosted data as of 2026-11-05. It does not rate features or quality.

Frequently asked questions

Is Canvas LMS or Chamilo LMS more popular?

Canvas LMS has more GitHub stars (6,902 vs 1,021 for Chamilo LMS, as of 2026-11-05). Stars measure interest, not quality.

Which is more actively maintained, Canvas LMS or Chamilo LMS?

Chamilo LMS had more commits over the last 12 months (5,765 vs 3,789). The last recorded activity was 2026-04-30 for Canvas LMS and 2026-11-05 for Chamilo LMS. Our health labels: Canvas LMS is “Maintained”, Chamilo LMS is “Active”.

What licenses do Canvas LMS and Chamilo LMS use?

Canvas LMS: AGPL-3.0. Chamilo LMS: GPL-3.0.

Can I run Canvas LMS and Chamilo LMS with Docker?

We did not detect a Docker Hub image for either app. Check each project's documentation for install options.

Read more

Canvas LMS

Learning management system (LMS) that is revolutionizing the way we educate.

Maintained ★ 6.9k AGPL-3.0 ~$5/mo

Chamilo LMS

Create a virtual campus for the provision of online or semi-online training.

Active ★ 1k GPL-3.0 ~$5/mo

Browse all self-hosted Learning and Courses apps.

Related comparisons

Canvas LMS vs GibbonCanvas LMS vs ILIASChamilo LMS vs GibbonChamilo LMS vs ILIAS