EscolaLMS LRS vs GrassBlade LRS

EscolaLMS LRS is a free, MIT-licensed learning record store for xAPI with cmi5 support. It is designed for API and self-hosted deployment inside a Laravel application. Installation uses PHP Composer, followed by a Laravel Artisan seeding command. The documented `/api/cmi5/courses/{id}` endpoint generates course fetch parameters, and responses under `/api/cmi5/**` should include the `x-experience-api-version: 1.0.3` header. The project describes testing this flow with a locally served cmi5 demo and links to Swagger API documentation. Escola LMS describes the backend as a Laravel headless LMS REST API. Deployment documentation covers a default Docker environment or installation as a standard Laravel application. PostgreSQL is the default database, with a MySQL initialization option. Most endpoints require authorization, which Laravel Passport can provide, and access from other domains requires suitable CORS headers. GitHub issues provide a discussion and troubleshooting channel. The project page does not state a software price beyond its open-source, free classification.

GrassBlade LRS is a Learning Record Store for retaining eLearning data and reporting on xAPI ecosystems. It is offered as a cloud-hosted service or an on-premise installation; the self-hosted edition uses PHP/MySQL servers and can keep data on the customer’s server. Reports can be filtered and customized, downloaded as PDF or CSV, and sent by automated email. Quiz reports cover multiple attempts and learner-performance comparisons for tools including Storyline, Rise, Captivate, and iSpring. Video reporting includes activity data, completion and gradebook reports, and progress heatmaps. GrassBlade Cloud LRS supports xAPI, SCORM, and cmi5 content from listed authoring tools. An app is included with all plans for Android, iPhone, iPad, and MacBook with Apple silicon. Listed integrations include learning platforms, Vimeo, Zapier, Dropbox, and H5P.org. Pricing starts at $12/mo (annual); there is no free plan or free trial. Plans are billed yearly, with listed prices including $66 a year for Essential and $144 a year for Lite.