Moodle vs Teachable
Self-host swap-in for Teachable. · Self-host Teachable · Moodle on os-alt
Moodle is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Teachable — license GPL-3.0, 30min docker-compose (PHP + MariaDB/PostgreSQL + Redis) to stand up, and $10/mo vps for a small course; storage scales with video uploads. Compare against Teachable's Basic $59/mo (5% transaction fee); Pro $159/mo (no fees); Pro+ $249/mo below.
| Moodleopen-source | Teachablepaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Online course platform | Online course platform |
| License / pricing | GPL-3.0 | Basic $59/mo (5% transaction fee); Pro $159/mo (no fees); Pro+ $249/mo |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $59/user/mo |
| GitHub | moodle/moodle | closed source |
| Setup time | 30min docker-compose (PHP + MariaDB/PostgreSQL + Redis) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $10/mo VPS for a small course; storage scales with video uploads. | from $59/user/mo (Basic $59/mo (5% transaction fee); Pro $159/mo (no fees); Pro+ $249/mo) |
Switching from Teachable to Moodle
Pull `bitnami/moodle` and `bitnami/mariadb` from Bitnami Docker Hub. Moodle is the dominant LMS in education — installs out of the box with the full courses + users + grades + quizzes surface. Teachable migration: export student CSV via Teachable Settings → Export → import via Moodle's bulk-user upload. Course content (videos, PDFs) re-upload manually into Moodle Activities. For payments, install the PayPal/Stripe Enrol plugin.
- Good fit for
- Educators or training orgs that need quizzes, certificates, gradebooks, and SCORM compliance.
- Weak at
- UI feels academic; needs theme work to look like Teachable's polished course landing pages.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Teachable
In a terminal? npx os-alt teachable prints Teachable's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Moodle a free alternative to Teachable?
Yes — Moodle is open source under GPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $10/mo VPS for a small course; storage scales with video uploads.. Teachable starts at $59/user/mo (Basic $59/mo (5% transaction fee); Pro $159/mo (no fees); Pro+ $249/mo).
How long does Moodle take to set up vs Teachable?
Self-hosting Moodle: 30min docker-compose (PHP + MariaDB/PostgreSQL + Redis). Teachable is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Moodle good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Educators or training orgs that need quizzes, certificates, gradebooks, and SCORM compliance.. Weak at: UI feels academic; needs theme work to look like Teachable's polished course landing pages..