The verdict in three sentences
A custom LMS in your mid-market company's colors costs 35,000 to 90,000 EUR excl. VAT, delivered in 14 to 24 weeks. Below a few hundred learners, a SaaS LMS (360Learning, TalentLMS) stays cheaper; above roughly 500 active learners, per-user subscription costs more than custom. The real lever isn't price but full control: paths, SCORM, certificates, HRIS and video integration in your image.
SaaS vs custom: the break-even point
SaaS LMS are billed per active user per month. Custom is paid once, then hosted and maintained. 2026 order of magnitude.
| Criterion | SaaS LMS (360Learning / TalentLMS) | Custom LMS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 5 - 15 EUR / month / user | 35,000 - 90,000 EUR one-off |
| Annual cost at 200 learners | 12,000 - 36,000 EUR | Maintenance 5,000 - 12,000 EUR |
| Annual cost at 800 learners | 48,000 - 144,000 EUR | Maintenance 5,000 - 12,000 EUR |
| UX / brand customization | Limited (theme) | Total |
| SCORM / xAPI | Standard | Standard + business rules |
| HRIS / video integration | Limited connectors | Custom |
| Data ownership | Vendor | Yours |
At 800 learners, SaaS can exceed 48,000 EUR per year: the custom build pays back in 1 to 2 years.
What the build covers
The budget splits between learner experience, instructional engineering and integrations. 2026 estimate.
| Module | Build cost (EUR excl. VAT) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Learning paths & catalog | 8,000 - 18,000 | Course structure and prerequisites |
| SCORM / xAPI player + quizzes | 7,000 - 15,000 | Interactive content and assessments |
| Tracking, dashboard & reporting | 6,000 - 14,000 | Progress, completion rates |
| Automatic certificates & badges | 4,000 - 9,000 | Credentials at path completion |
| HRIS + SSO + video integration | 8,000 - 20,000 | Employee synchronization |
| Instructor / author workspace | 5,000 - 12,000 | Self-service content creation |
Mini case study
Marc, training manager at an industrial mid-market firm in Lyon (780 active learners), pays a SaaS LMS at 11 EUR/month/user, i.e. 102,960 EUR per year. He invests 68,000 EUR in a custom LMS with HRIS integration and automatic certificates. From the first full year, he saves about 95,000 EUR (build and maintenance deducted), regains control of his data and retires 3 side tools. Payback: under 10 months.
FAQ
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How much does a custom LMS cost in 2026?
35,000 to 90,000 EUR excl. VAT depending on modules (SCORM, certificates, integrations). A first usable version ships in 14-16 weeks.
When does custom beat SaaS?
Above roughly 500 active learners. At 800 learners, a SaaS at 10-15 EUR/month/user exceeds 96,000 EUR/year, more than the build amortized over 2 years.
Are SCORM and xAPI supported?
Yes, SCORM content import and xAPI tracking are standard. You keep your existing content without redesign.
Can we integrate our HRIS and video?
Yes: SSO, employee sync and Teams/Zoom connection are possible. This item is 8,000 to 20,000 EUR depending on complexity.
Can we issue official certificates?
Yes, automatic generation of certificates and badges at path completion, with online verification. Useful for regulatory training obligations.
Let's scope your project. Share your number of active learners, SCORM needs and HRIS integrations, and we'll price an LMS between 35,000 and 90,000 EUR excl. VAT. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
