Chamilo LMS review
A standards-focused, self-hosted LMS for organizations managing structured learning.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Chamilo LMS is a free, open-source learning management system for schools, universities, companies, and other organizations delivering online or blended education. It supports course creation and administration, learning paths, documents, assignments, forums, attendance, assessments, certificates, learner analytics, multilingual portals, and standards-based content. Organizations can self-host Chamilo on their own server, while REST/API access supports integrations. The project is distributed under the GNU GPLv3+ license and governed by BeezNest Belgium as of January 2026.
Chamilo’s strongest fit is structured learning that needs more than basic course pages. Quizzes, graded assessments, assignments and grading support evaluation, while certificates and badges can include QR codes and expiry dates. Attendance tracking, forums, chat, surveys, announcements, and progress analytics cover administration and learner engagement. Standards support spans SCORM, QTI, LTI, xAPI, and Aiken, with integrations including OnlyOffice and videoconferencing services. REST/API access uses JWT authentication, and the published category specifications include SSO and API access.
The open-source model makes Chamilo suitable for organizations that want control over deployment and can manage a server-based LMS. Its listed platforms are web, API, and self-hosted, so mobile coverage centers on browser access and organizational deployment rather than a verified official learner mobile app. Chamilo should appeal to teams prioritizing standards, assessments, certificates, attendance, and extensibility without a SaaS subscription. Organizations seeking a managed hosted service or a broader mobile application offering should consider alternatives designed around those priorities.
Chamilo LMS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free, open-source deployment with self-hosting
- Supports SCORM, QTI, LTI, xAPI, and Aiken
- Covers assessments, certificates, attendance, and analytics
- Where it doesn't
- Mobile coverage is centered on web and self-hosted access
- Self-hosting requires an organization-managed server
- SaaS plan pricing is not part of the published offering
Chamilo LMS fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update