Side by side
Autolab vs TAO
Both stand on automated grading software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
Autolab combines assignment autograding with course management, code feedback, and several deployment options. Teams should account for manual roster syncing and the stated limits of LTI support beyond Canvas.
Visit Autolab
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
TAO offers a broad assessment workflow, with authoring, scoring, reporting, and multiple delivery options. The free choices have different constraints: Starter is small-scale, while Community Edition requires self-hosting.
Visit TAOThe facts
| Autolab | TAO | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | TAO Author: $149 a month |
| Plans published | None | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | autolabproject.com | taotesting.com |
| On automated grading software | #5 of 33 | #1 of 33 |
Autolab: what it does well
- Autograders can use any language and software package.
- Includes gradebooks, rosters, and manual grading.
- Can annotate feedback directly on submitted code.
- GitHub submissions are supported through OAuth.
- Docker Compose deployment includes TLS/SSL.
What to know first
- LTI roster synchronization is manual.
- LTI Advantage is mainly built for Canvas.
- Moodle integration is described as possible but untested.
- Machines under 2 GB RAM may have installation issues.
TAO: what it does well
- Supports QTI 2.2 and QTI 3.0.
- Includes automatic and manual scoring.
- Offers self-hosted and cloud-hosted delivery.
- Free Starter includes one author seat.
- Community Edition provides access to source code.
What to know first
- Starter allows 50 learner attempts monthly.
- Starter includes one author seat.
- Starter is not designed for large team programs.
- Paid plan pricing varies; some plans are custom.