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Software · head to head

Moodle vs Panopto

Moodle logo

Moodle

Software

Open-source LMS designed by educators for educators

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Panopto logo

Panopto

Software

Video management and live streaming platform for enterprises

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Moodle has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Moodle self-hosted deployment requires significant IT resources and technical expertise; Panopto no price list is published, and the vendor states there are no tiers at all
  • They diverge on capability: Moodle covers Course management, Panopto covers Video management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Moodle and Panopto actually diverge.

Attributes where Moodle and Panopto differ
AttributeMoodlePanopto
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, Mac, IOS, Android, Web
Founded20022007

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Moodle

  • Course management
  • Quiz builder
  • Forums
  • Assignments
  • Gradebook
  • Badges
  • Competencies
  • Mobile app

Only in Panopto

  • Video management
  • Live streaming
  • Recording
  • Search
  • Analytics
  • Canvas
  • Blackboard
  • Salesforce

Both cover

  • Microsoft 365
  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Moodle

  • Online learningnot Panopto
  • Blended learningnot Panopto
  • Corporate trainingnot Panopto
  • Compliance trainingnot Panopto

Panopto

  • Recording, hosting and searching lecture and training videonot Moodle
  • Integrating video libraries with learning management systemsnot Moodle

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Moodle

  • Self-hosted deployment requires significant IT resources and technical expertise
  • Managed hosting has higher costs for large institutions compared to self-hosting

Panopto

  • No price list is published, and the vendor states there are no tiers at all
  • Cost depends on user count, integrations, add ons and deployment model, so several negotiated variables set the figure
  • Four capabilities are separately priced add ons on top of any quote
  • Every route to a figure is a demo or a conversation with sales

Pricing, plan by plan

Moodle

Free
  • Self-HostedFree
    • Full feature access
  • MoodleCloud Starter$200/year
    • 50 users
    • Managed hosting

Panopto

On request
  • Professional$500/month
    • Video storage
    • Basic features
  • Business$1000/month
    • Live streaming
    • Analytics
  • Enterprise$2500/month
    • Custom solutions
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose Moodle if

  • You need course management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want quiz builder.
Moodle review

Choose Panopto if

  • You need video management.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want live streaming.
Panopto review

Questions people ask

Is Moodle or Panopto better?
Neither clearly leads. Moodle starts at Free and Panopto at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Moodle or Panopto?
Moodle has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Moodle and On request for Panopto.
Does Moodle or Panopto run on more platforms?
Moodle runs on Web. Panopto runs on Windows, Mac, IOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Moodle for free?
Yes. Moodle has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Panopto starts at On request.
What is Moodle best used for?
Moodle is most often used for online learning, blended learning, corporate training, compliance training. Of those, online learning and blended learning are not what Panopto is typically brought in for.
What can Moodle do that Panopto cannot?
Moodle covers Course management, Quiz builder, Forums, Assignments. Panopto covers Video management, Live streaming, Recording, Search. Both handle Microsoft 365, Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Moodle: Is Moodle free or paid?

Moodle is free and open-source software. However, self-hosting requires IT resources and server infrastructure. Managed cloud hosting through MoodleCloud starts at $200/year for 50 users.

Source
Moodle: What languages does Moodle support?

Moodle is available in over 160 languages, making it accessible to educators and learners worldwide.

Source
Moodle: Is Moodle suitable for corporations and enterprises?

Yes, Moodle is suitable for K-12, higher education, vocational training, and corporate learning. Moodle Workplace is the enterprise edition with multi-tenancy and compliance tooling.

Source
Moodle: What learning standards does Moodle support?

Moodle supports various e-learning standards including SCORM and Tin Can API for compatibility with other educational systems.

Source
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Related pages

More on Moodle

More on Panopto

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