Compare
Same Moodle. A team that runs it for you.
Both keep open-source Moodle. The difference is who provisions, tunes, patches, scales and backs it up.
ScaleMoodleLMS compared with Self-hosted Moodle
Self-hosting Moodle gives you total control — and total responsibility. ScaleMoodleLMS runs the same open-source Moodle for you on tuned AWS infrastructure, so your team stops carrying servers, upgrades and restore drills. This page lays out the trade-offs plainly, including when self-hosting is the right call.
Side by side
What differs, honestly
| ScaleMoodleLMS | Self-hosted Moodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Moodle core | Open-source Moodle | Open-source Moodle |
| Infrastructure & scaling | Managed, autoscaling on AWS | You provision, tune and scale |
| Upgrades & security patching | Managed, staging-first | Your team plans and executes |
| Migration from an existing site | Staging-first with a validation report | You plan and execute (or hire) |
| Backups & tested restores | Daily backups, weekly restore drills | You configure and test |
| Governed AI suite | Included control plane | Not included — you build governance |
| Custom plugins | Supported, tested in staging | Fully in your control |
| Cost model | Predictable subscription | Servers + staff time (variable) |
| Data control | Your data, isolation options | Full control on your own hardware |
| Effort on your team | Low — managed | High — you operate everything |
Be honest
When Self-hosted Moodle is the better choice
We would rather you pick the right fit than oversell. Self-hosted Moodle can be the stronger option when:
- You have a dedicated platform/operations team with Moodle experience.
- You have a strict on-premises or specific-hardware requirement.
- Infrastructure control is a core competency you want to keep in-house.
- You have abundant in-house time and prefer to trade it for lower service spend.
And when we fit
When ScaleMoodleLMS fits better
- You want to keep Moodle but not run the infrastructure behind it.
- You need migration and upgrades handled with staging-first validation.
- You want a governed AI layer with audit and spend controls.
- Your team is lean and its time is better spent on teaching and content.
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell us about your current setup and goals — we will give you a straight answer, even if that answer is not us.
Request a Migration Assessment