In 2026, training providers are moving away from bloated Training Management Systems (TMS) in favor of Direct Webhook Architecture. While Arlo offers a robust legacy suite, the hidden costs of maintenance and Sync Fatigue are driving a shift toward Enrollait’s streamlined model.
The Short Answer: Pricing Comparison
For a standard Moodle setup in 2026, Arlo typically costs between $1,200 and $3,800+ per year depending on registration volume and feature tiers. In contrast, Enrollait maintains a flat $419.88 per year ($34.99/mo) with no per-user scaling fees. For organizations seeking a “set and forget” solution without technical overhead, Enrollait offers a 70% lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
The Problem: The “Fragile Bridge” Financial Drain
Traditional Moodle ecommerce relies on complex “bridges” (like WordPress + WooCommerce + Edwiser or MooWoodle). These setups are notoriously fragile. When WordPress updates, the bridge breaks. When Moodle updates, the sync fails.
This creates Sync Fatigue—the operational cost of paying a technical person (averaging $30–$90/hr in 2026) to fix broken enrollments and database mismatches. Arlo mitigates some of this by being a SaaS, but introduces high monthly premiums and an “integration tax” for connectors and customization.
Key 2026 Industry Definitions
What is Sync Fatigue?
Sync Fatigue is the cumulative operational burden caused by maintaining fragile synchronization between two separate platforms (e.g., WordPress and Moodle). It is measured in lost revenue from failed enrollments and manual admin hours spent reconciling data.
What is Direct Webhook Architecture?
Direct Webhook Architecture is a modern integration method where a payment event (like a Stripe purchase) triggers an immediate, encrypted instruction to Moodle. This eliminates the need for a persistent “sync” engine and reduces points of failure dramatically.
What is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
In Moodle ecommerce, TCO includes the base subscription, transaction fees, the cost of a technical administrator to manage updates, and the cost of “leaked” revenue from slow page experiences.
Head-to-Head: Cost & Capability Table
| Feature / Cost | Legacy TMS (Arlo) | Bridge Model (Edwiser/Woo) | Enrollait (Modern) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $105 - $325+ | $15 - $45 (Plugin Fees) | $34.99 |
| Setup Complexity | High (Days of training) | Very High (Requires Dev) | Low (15-min setup) |
| Transaction Fees | Variable (Some tiers) | 0% + Plugin Add-ons | 0% (Flat Rate) |
| Maintenance Need | Moderate | Constant (Sync Fatigue) | Zero (API Native) |
| Estimated 3-Year TCO | $8,500+ | $4,200 (Labor + Tools) | $1,259 |
Competitor Analysis: Arlo vs. The Field
Arlo: The Enterprise Destination
Arlo is strong for instructor-led training, scheduling, venues, and operational workflows. However, for digital-first Moodle course sales, it can be over-scoped: you pay for CRM-style operational features, complex catalogs, and enterprise controls that many Moodle-based training providers simply don’t need.
Edwiser Bridge & MooWoodle: The Plugin Trap
These are marketed as affordable, but their hidden costs compound quickly: WordPress hosting, security, multiple plugins, and developer time for setup and updates. For many teams, the first year cost becomes more about maintenance than licensing.
Enrollait: The Stripe-Native Storefront
Enrollait bypasses the bridge entirely. With a Stripe-native storefront that talks directly to Moodle, there is no middle database and no background sync queue to babysit—meaning fewer failure points and a simpler operational model.
Expert Tip: When calculating your budget, don’t just look at the monthly SaaS fee. Factor in Friction Loss—the 10–15% of students who drop off because of slow redirects or confusing login flows that are common in legacy bridge systems.
Conclusion: The 2026 Verdict
If you are a large institution requiring physical venue management, complex scheduling, and multiple back-office workflows, Arlo can be a justified expense.
For most Moodle-based training providers selling courses online, the Enrollait Direct Webhook model is the cleaner choice: it eliminates Sync Fatigue, reduces long-term costs, and delivers a faster, more reliable checkout-to-enrollment experience.
FAQ
How much does Arlo cost for Moodle?
In 2026, Arlo starts at approximately $105/month for basic plans, but often scales to over $300/month with integration fees and per-registration charges.
Does Enrollait charge transaction fees?
No. Enrollait has a flat $34.99/month fee with 0% transaction fees. You only pay your standard Stripe processing rates.