Side by side
Instancy LCMS vs LON-CAPA
Both stand on learning content management systems. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Instancy LCMS if your institution or organization needs collaborative learning-content authoring, repository management and standards-based publishing. Its trial lasts 30 days without a credit card, but pricing is customized and implementation has a setup fee.
Visit Instancy LCMSChoose LON-CAPA if you need a free, self-hosted system combining course tools, assessments, and reusable content. It is suited to organizations able to maintain the required Linux server and cluster security; commercial hosting and support are available for those seeking hosted assistance.
Visit LON-CAPAThe facts
| Instancy LCMS | LON-CAPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Instancy LCMS | LON-CAPA |
| Website | instancy.com | lon-capa.org |
| On learning content management systems | #9 of 18 | #5 of 18 |
Instancy LCMS: what it does well
- No-code tools cover courses, microlearning, assessments and more.
- Shared workspaces include version history and reviewer comments.
- Imports SCORM, AICC, xAPI, Cmi5 and other content.
- Exports to four listed learning standards.
- Offers web, Android, iOS and offline delivery.
What to know first
- Pricing requires a request and depends on several factors.
- Initial implementation carries a setup fee.
- Overages may incur additional fees.
LON-CAPA: what it does well
- Course tools include a grade book, discussions, announcements, and lab scheduling.
- Assessment features cover homework, clickers, tests, and exams.
- Online content can be reused across courses and semesters.
- Supports several campus authentication and system integration options.
- Free self-hosted plan costs nothing.
What to know first
- Self-hosting requires a dedicated Linux server and ongoing maintenance.
- The server needs a static IP, working reverse DNS, and ports 80 and 5663 open.
- Some imports from more sophisticated homework systems may need custom conversion and manual cleanup.
Alternatives to Instancy LCMS Alternatives to LON-CAPA The whole list