Instancy Learning Record Store vs openLRS

Instancy Learning Record Store is a cloud service that receives and stores learning activity data generated through Experience API (xAPI). It can track activity across web browsers, mobile apps, simulations, performance support, social learning, and business applications. External systems can send data using basic authentication or OAuth, and the LRS can exchange xAPI data with learning management systems. Instancy says the service is integrated with its learning ecosystem for content authoring, delivery, and data reporting. Dashboards and reports with drill-down widgets support analysis; a statement viewer lets users inspect raw xAPI records and filter by user or learning activity. Captured activity can trigger workflows such as assigning the next module or recommending a learning pathway. The LRS supports cmi5 and multi-tenant use. Instancy's learning implementation team can help identify activity and content types, configure the system, and integrate data flows. There is no free plan. A complimentary 30-day trial does not require credit card information, and pricing is on request based on user count, modules, functionality, and learning needs; an initial implementation setup fee applies after subscription activation.

openLRS is a free, open-source Learning Record Store for storing and retrieving learning records generated by learning activities. It supports the Experience API, also called xAPI or Tin Can API. The project includes an Express backend that stores and retrieves records and a React frontend that displays them. Learning platforms create entries by sending xAPI data and session metadata to the /lrs endpoint with a POST request. Requests require an X-Signature header calculated from a shared secret, plus a custom consumer and context ID. openLRS was built for openHPI and the KI Campus H5P Tool and can be adapted for other platforms. Its Moodle plugin captures xAPI events from H5P content and sends them to an external openLRS for analysis. Self-hosting requires MongoDB, Node modules, database configuration, and a server running the Express backend. The repository is available under the MIT License, but GitHub lists it as archived and read-only from February 20, 2026.