Forma LMS vs Google Classroom
Forma LMS
formalms.orgGoogle Classroom
edu.google.comSide by side
| Figure | Forma LMS | Google Classroom |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $0.25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 7 |
| Spec score · Learning Management Systems | 8.5 (#20) | 9.4 (#1) |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Assessments | Built-in assessment features manage scores and prerequisites, and the platform can automatically generate PDF certificates with customizable templates. | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Native integration options include an API, single sign-on, LDAP authentication, and scheduled CSV import and export tasks. | Classroom supports EdTech add-ons and SIS connections including Clever, PowerSchool, Infinite Campus, Skyward SMS, Skyward Qmlativ, and Follett Aspen. |
| Privacy | The maker describes GDPR-related features for managing privacy policies and consent, and notes that organizations still need appropriate procedures and policies. | Google states that Workspace for Education core services including Classroom have no advertising and that personal information is not used or sold to third parties for ad targeting. |
| Purpose | Forma LMS is an open-source learning management system built around corporate training needs. | Google Classroom helps educators create engaging learning experiences they can personalize, manage, and measure. |
| Security | The Forma LMS 4.2 release announcement says its PHP 8.2 transition updated core dependencies to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities in older library versions. | Classroom uses the same infrastructure as other Google Workspace products, with centralized Admin console controls and regular third-party privacy audits. |
| SSO support | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The download page offers free community forum support and professional services from Forma partners. | The Classroom Help Center provides role-based guides for students, teachers, leaders and administrators plus community support. |
Plans
Google Classroom
- Education Plus$6 a year
- Education FundamentalsFree
- Google Workspace for Education FundamentalsFree
- Education Standard$3 a year
- Teaching and Learning$4 a month
- Education Plus$5 a year
- Google Workspace for Education Plus$6 a year
In their own words
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a learning platform where educators can create classes, distribute coursework, and grade student work. Teachers can use customizable rubrics, reusable comment banks, bulk grading, and feedback during students’ work. Originality reports compare submissions with web pages and books; the listed allowance is five reports per class for Education Fundamentals and unlimited reports with peer comparison for Education Plus. Other learning tools include interactive practice sets, Read Along reading feedback, and questions embedded in YouTube videos. Classroom supports EdTech add-ons and connections to student information systems, and institutions can customize it through APIs. It is available on web, Android, and iOS, with support for up to 1,000 learners. Google says the core service has no advertising and personal information is not used or sold for ad targeting. Education Fundamentals is free for qualifying institutions; Education Plus is $6 a year. A 60-day trial is listed.