ClassMarker vs TAO

ClassMarker8.6Visit TAO8.4Visit

Higher score ClassMarker #2 in Quiz Maker Software 8.6/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit ClassMarker

vs

TAO #4 in Quiz Maker Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit TAO

• ClassMarker fits best

  Secure assessments with reusable question banks

• TAO fits best

  Open-source adaptive and branching assessments

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Side by side

Feature	ClassMarker 8.6/10 Visit ↗	TAO 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.6	8.4
Ranking	#2 in Quiz Maker Software	#4 in Quiz Maker Software
Best for	Secure assessments with reusable question banks	Open-source adaptive and branching assessments
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	€499/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Browser extension	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web	Web
Support	Docs	Tickets, Community, Docs
Integrations	5,000+ integrations	9 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ClassMarker 1/2 · TAO 1/2
Branching logic	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Certificates	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Question formats	multiple choice, multiple response, true/false, essay, matching, free text, grammar	Choice, Order, Associate, Match, Hottext, Gap Match, Slider, Extended Text, File Upload, Inline Choice, Text Entry, Hotspot, Graphic Order, Graphic Associate, Graphic Gap, Select Point
Scoring modes	points-based grading, pass mark, partial scoring, manual grading for essays	Automatic scoring, manual scoring, partial credit, weighted responses, cut scores
Quiz analytics	scores, percentages, question statistics, category statistics, answer breakdowns, cohort comparisons, group and member averages, CSV exports	Session reports, test-taker reports, custom reports, CSV results, Data Explorer, TAO Insights
Publishing channels	groups, direct links, email links, website links, embedded tests, API and webhooks	Online deliveries, LMS via LTI, test centers, local proctoring, cloud-hosted delivery, self-hosted delivery
Response limit	400 responses	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Reusable question banks with categories and randomized question selection AI proctoring, timed tests, access controls, and attempt limits Detailed statistics, certificates, API, webhooks, and Zapier integration	Adaptive, branching, linear, and partial-credit assessments Reusable item banks with QTI import and export Self-hosting, LTI delivery, and accessibility tools
Cons	Essay responses require manual grading Credit-based usage may complicate forecasting for variable demand Not open source; delivery is through web and API channels	Paid plans start at €499 per month when billed annually Setup is more specialized than typical quiz software Community Edition includes community support rather than service-desk support
Our verdict	ClassMarker is a hosted online testing platform for businesses, trainers, educators, and assessment providers. It supports quizzes, surveys, and formal assessments built from reusable question banks and categories. Authors can choose from… Read the review →	TAO is an open-source computer-based testing platform for educators, assessment professionals, education ministries, higher-education institutions, professional associations, and public-sector employers. It covers assessment authoring,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• ClassMarker — where it wins

  • Reusable question banks with categories and randomized question selection
  • AI proctoring, timed tests, access controls, and attempt limits
  • Detailed statistics, certificates, API, webhooks, and Zapier integration

  Where it doesn't

  • Essay responses require manual grading
  • Credit-based usage may complicate forecasting for variable demand
  • Not open source; delivery is through web and API channels

• TAO — where it wins

  • Adaptive, branching, linear, and partial-credit assessments
  • Reusable item banks with QTI import and export
  • Self-hosting, LTI delivery, and accessibility tools

  Where it doesn't

  • Paid plans start at €499 per month when billed annually
  • Setup is more specialized than typical quiz software
  • Community Edition includes community support rather than service-desk support

• ClassMarker8.6/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

  A flexible assessment platform with reusable banks, proctoring, certificates, and detailed analytics.

  Visit ClassMarkerFull verdict →
• TAO8.4/10 · Free plan

  A powerful open-source choice for adaptive assessments, with specialized setup and costly paid tiers.

  Visit TAOFull verdict →