Elumio vs Moodle (self-hosted)

Elumio vs Moodle: full control, or proof without an admin

Moodle is the “free” LMS a developer offers to stand up, and for a team with that developer it gives full control. The software costs nothing to host yourself; hosting, plugins and admin time are where the cost goes. Elumio is hosted for you and built for one job: proof of training that someone outside your organisation can check.

Where the cost goes

Moodle software is free to self-host. You pay for the server, the plugins you add and the time of whoever keeps it running. MoodleCloud, Moodle’s own hosting, is paid and has limits. There is no single “Moodle price”; it depends on your set-up.

Elumio publishes monthly tiers. There is no server to run, and the free plan does not expire.

Certificates and QR codes

Moodle can issue certificates with a QR code through plugins; it is not part of core. Every Elumio certificate has a QR code and serial that open a public verify page: valid, expiring, expired or revoked, with no account needed.

Who maintains it

With self-hosted Moodle, your developer is the admin: updates, plugins and backups. With Elumio, you run courses and we run the platform.

Side-by-side

Swipe sideways to see every column

NeedElumioMoodle (self-hosted)
What drives your billPublished monthly tiers in USD, self-serve through Paddle: Free (does not expire), Starter ($29), Pro ($49), Business ($99), Scale ($299). Custom pricing starts at Scale and adds video library, monthly delivery, AI credits, or unlimited staff. Tax added at checkout. Going over a limit stops growth and deletes nothing.Software free to self-host; you pay for hosting, plugins and admin time. MoodleCloud is paid and limited.
Full control of the code and the serverNot offered — a hosted service.Yes.
Certificate with a QR codeBuilt in, on every certificate.Possible through plugins, not core.
Re-check a named certificate without an accountYes — the QR or serial opens a public verify page: valid, expiring, expired or revoked.Depends on the plugins you install.
“Complete” means they watchedYes, in strict mode: no credit for skipped video, and watch time is counted on the server.Varies with set-up and plugins.
Who maintains itElumio.Your developer.

Choose Elumio if

  • You have no developer to spare for running and updating an LMS.
  • You need QR certificates and a public verify page built in, not assembled from plugins.
  • You want to start today on the free plan.

Choose Moodle if

  • You have a developer on staff and want full control of the code and the server.
  • You want to extend the LMS with plugins or your own code.

How to switch

  1. Start free.
  2. Upload the lecture you already have.
  3. Invite a small cohort.
  4. Issue one certificate.
  5. Have someone outside your organisation scan the QR.

Related comparisons

Related questions

Isn’t Moodle free?

The software is free to self-host. Hosting, plugins and the time to maintain them are not, and MoodleCloud is a paid service with limits.

Can Moodle issue QR certificates?

Yes, through plugins. It is not part of Moodle core.

Competitor pricing and claims reviewed September 2026. Confirm on their sites before deciding.