Chamilo LMS

Overview

Chamilo LMS is a free, open-source learning management system from a Belgium-based project founded in 2010. It is a strong fit for education teams that can run and maintain their own installation, especially when assessments and connections to other learning tools matter. The trade-off is operational: the software has no license fee, but an organization must provide the infrastructure and installation expertise.

Key features

Chamilo supports tests and certificates, including an option to select a learner’s best attempt in a lesson. Instructors can use its OpenAI/ChatGPT plugin to create editable test questions. These tools suit structured courses that need assessment as part of delivery; they do not remove the work of setting up and maintaining the platform.

Its interoperability features are a meaningful advantage for organizations with an existing learning-tool ecosystem. Chamilo says it has been LTI Advantage compliant since 2020, supports xAPI, and can share SCORM content with LTI-compatible portals through its LTI provider mode. SSO and API access provide further ways to connect systems.

A documented security feature locks accounts after too many failed login attempts, and Chamilo describes the platform as GDPR compliant. Support resources include an FAQ and forum, as well as training, online events, and a certification catalogue. Professional projects are directed to BeezNest Belgium; its provider list is temporarily on hold while the company works on a new structure.

Pricing

A Free Campus demo gives prospective users a way to try the LMS. The published pricing model is free, and there is no paid plan to compare; organizations seeking professional help are directed to BeezNest Belgium.

Installation requirements vary by branch. Chamilo 3.0.1 is distributed as a ZIP for PHP 8.3, 8.4, or 8.5. The legacy 1.11.40 branch is available in ZIP and TAR.GZ for PHP 7.4 and 8.3. Teams should check their PHP environment before choosing a release.

Platforms

Chamilo is available for Linux, web, self-hosted use, and through an API. Its current 3.0.1 release is a ZIP package for supported PHP versions, a setup that favors organizations able to manage a server rather than buyers looking for a ready-made mobile app.

Who it's for

Chamilo is best for schools, training teams, and other organizations that want open-source course software and can handle self-hosting or secure professional support. Its assessment tools and learning standards support make it particularly useful when courses need to connect with external learning tools. It is a weaker fit for teams that need turnkey hosting or want a clearly established provider network: the provider list is on hold, and deployment still requires a compatible PHP environment.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open-source licensing avoids a software license fee.
• Pros: Tests, certificates, and best-attempt selection cover key assessment needs.
• Pros: LTI Advantage, xAPI, SCORM sharing, SSO, and API access support integration with other learning systems.
• Pros: A free campus demo lets organizations explore the LMS before committing to a deployment.
• Cons: Self-hosting and PHP version requirements put installation and upkeep on the organization.
• Cons: The provider directory is temporarily on hold, making the route to professional services less settled.

Alternatives

For a broader set of Learning Management Systems or Online course platforms, compare Chamilo with other options before settling on a deployment model.

• Google Classroom is worth considering for teams that prefer a freemium platform available on Android, iOS, and the web; its Education Fundamentals plan includes 100 TB of pooled storage.
• Open edX is another free, self-hosted learning platform, with Android availability in addition to API and web access. Its software has no license fees, though hosting, infrastructure, maintenance, support, and customization remain organizational responsibilities.
• TalentLMS offers a more bounded starting point for small teams: its free plan has no time limit and caps use at 5 active users and 10 active courses.
• OpenEduCat may suit organizations comparing a freemium option with Android, iOS, Linux, and self-hosted platforms; its Community Edition is free and it offers a 15-day trial without a credit card.
• TalentCards is an alternative for teams seeking a mobile and web option with a free plan capped at 5 users.
• LON-CAPA is another free, self-hosted option, but its self-hosted plan requires a dedicated server and ongoing maintenance.
• Open eLMS offers a free standard plan with 200 eLearning credits, 3 external courses, and 3 smart classroom events.
• D2L Brightspace is a paid alternative with pricing customized according to learner numbers, licenses, features, add-ons, and services.

Verdict

Choose Chamilo if your organization wants a free, open-source LMS with substantive assessment and interoperability features and has the capacity to manage a PHP-based deployment. Its strongest case is capability without license fees; look elsewhere if you need managed hosting or a more settled route to professional services.