OpenOLAT vs Tsugi
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?
OpenOLAT
Web-based learning management system for institutions
VS
Tsugi
Framework for building LTI learning tools
| Feature | OpenOLAT | Tsugi |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Learning & Courses | Learning & Courses |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | Java | PHP |
| Setup difficulty | Hard | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 4,096 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal | bare-metal, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 434 | ★ 371 |
| First released | 2011 | 2014 |
| Replaces | Moodle, Blackboard | LTI Marketplace tools |
Why pick each one
Choose OpenOLAT if…
- Released under the Apache-2.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Written in Java
Choose Tsugi if…
- Released under the Apache-2.0 license
- Written in PHP
- Lightweight — runs in 512 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenOLAT or Tsugi better?
Neither is universally better. OpenOLAT has the larger community, while Tsugi is simpler to set up (medium difficulty). Choose based on the comparison table above and your own setup.
Are OpenOLAT and Tsugi free and open-source?
Yes. OpenOLAT is licensed under Apache-2.0 and Tsugi under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run OpenOLAT and Tsugi with Docker?
OpenOLAT: yes. Tsugi: check the project docs for container support.