# Schoology vs Canvas by Instructure

The clearest difference is rating: Canvas by Instructure at 4.7 against Schoology's 1.3. Canvas by Instructure also leads on ratings volume (2.8M vs 133K) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Schoology's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Canvas by Instructure holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Canvas by Instructure has 2.8M ratings behind it against 133K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Schoology's written reviews are positive against 26% of Canvas by Instructure's.

Schoology ships an update every 2 months, Canvas by Instructure every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Schoology | Canvas by Instructure |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.3 (133K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/schoology/id411766326/reviews) | **[4.7 (2.8M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-by-instructure/id480883488/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 133K | **2.8M** |
| Positive reviews | 14.0% of reviews | **26.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #61 | **#10** |
| Size | 105 MB | 218 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PowerSchool Group LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1057394489) | [Instructure, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/418441198) |

## What reviewers say

### Schoology

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/schoology/id411766326)

**Currently charting:** #61 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

This app provides a powerful learning management solution for iOS devices. It allows users to manage classrooms, create and submit assignments, participate in discussions, and perform assessments. Students and educators can collaborate and engage in academic experiences on the go.

**Highlights:** Classroom management, Assignment creation and submission, Interactive discussions, Assessment performance, Peer collaboration, Mobile learning access

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient mobile tool
- 📚 Helpful for organizing schoolwork
- 🗓 Useful calendar and assignment tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🤯 Confusing and cluttered interface
- 🕰 Slow loading times
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate and find information
- 🚫 Unable to delete or edit assignments

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues and errors
- Disappearing or unsubmitted assignments
- Incompatibility with certain devices/browsers
- Unreliable syncing and data loss

**Requested features**

- Improve notification system
- Add dark mode option
- Streamline assignment submission process
- Enhance organization and filtering of courses/assignments
- Improve mobile compatibility and functionality


### Canvas by Instructure

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-by-instructure/id480883488)

**Currently charting:** #10 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Stay connected to your courses with this official learning app. Organize assignments, track grades, engage in discussions, and learn on the go, even offline. Supports integrated tools and accessibility features for all learners.

**Highlights:** Organize grades and assignments, Real-time collaboration, Submit assignments and take quizzes, Offline course access, Integrated classroom tools, Accessibility features, AI-powered learning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 📚 Easy access to course materials
- 💻 Convenient mobile access
- 📊 Helpful grade tracking
- 🔔 Useful notification system

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔁 Resets when switching apps
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate
- 🙈 Lack of customization options
- 🗓️ Calendar issues

**Reported bugs**

- App freezing and crashing
- Inability to view all course content
- Inconsistent behavior across devices
- Unreliable assignment submission
- Syncing issues between app and website

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved discussion board functionality
- Ability to edit posts/comments
- Integration with personal calendars
- More granular notification controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Schoology free?

Schoology is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Canvas by Instructure free?

Canvas by Instructure is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Schoology or Canvas by Instructure?

Canvas by Instructure is rated higher. Schoology averages 1.3 out of 5 from 133K ratings, while Canvas by Instructure averages 4.7 from 2.8M ratings.

### Do Schoology or Canvas by Instructure have ads?

Neither Schoology nor Canvas by Instructure shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Schoology or Canvas by Instructure?

Schoology ships an update every 2 months, and Canvas by Instructure every 3 weeks. Most recently, Schoology was updated on November 5, 2026 and Canvas by Instructure on November 5, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Schoology or Canvas by Instructure?

Schoology currently peaks at #61 in the App Store charts, and Canvas by Instructure at #10. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*