Adapt Framework vs Open edX
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted learning & courses options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
Adapt Framework
Command-line framework for responsive e-learning content
VS
Open edX
Scalable open-source platform for online courses
| Feature | Adapt Framework | Open edX |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Learning & Courses | Learning & Courses |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Hard |
| Min. RAM | 512 MB | 8,192 MB |
| Deployment | source, binary | docker, kubernetes, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 627 | ★ 8,156 |
| First released | 2013 | 2013 |
| Replaces | Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate | Coursera, Canvas |
Why pick each one
Choose Adapt Framework if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Written in JavaScript
- Lightweight — runs in 512 MB RAM
Choose Open edX if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Kubernetes-ready with Helm charts available
- Mature project with 8.2k GitHub stars
Frequently asked questions
Is Adapt Framework or Open edX better?
Neither is universally better. Open edX has the larger community, while Adapt Framework is simpler to set up (medium difficulty). Choose based on the comparison table above and your own setup.
Are Adapt Framework and Open edX free and open-source?
Yes. Adapt Framework is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Open edX under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Adapt Framework and Open edX with Docker?
Adapt Framework: check the project docs for container support. Open edX: yes.