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AI · head to head

AutoGen vs Chatbase

AutoGen logo

AutoGen

AI

Programming framework for multi-agent agentic AI

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Chatbase logo

Chatbase

AI

Build AI chatbots trained on your data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AutoGen framework now in maintenance mode, no new features planned; Chatbase enterprise plan requires custom pricing with sales contact
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoGen and Chatbase actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoGen and Chatbase differ
AttributeAutoGenChatbase
Pricing modelOpen source, no pricingfreemium
PlatformsPython, .NETWeb

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AI).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in AutoGen

  • Multi-agent orchestration
  • Message passing API
  • AgentChat API
  • Extensions API
  • MCP server support
  • AutoGen Studio
  • Cross-language support
  • Observable agent networks

Only in Chatbase

Nothing recorded that AutoGen does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

AutoGen

  • Building multi-agent conversational systemsnot Chatbase
  • Rapid prototyping of agent applicationsnot Chatbase
  • Research on agentic AI patterns and architecturesnot Chatbase
  • Distributed agent networks across boundariesnot Chatbase

Chatbase

  • Automating customer support for returnsnot AutoGen
  • Answering product questions 24/7 across channelsnot AutoGen
  • Routing conversations to sales teamsnot AutoGen
  • Escalating complex issues to human agentsnot AutoGen

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

AutoGen

  • Framework now in maintenance mode, no new features planned
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced use cases
  • Microsoft recommends new projects use Agent Framework instead
  • Limited to Python and .NET platforms

Chatbase

  • Enterprise plan requires custom pricing with sales contact
  • Message credits are consumption-based; exceeding monthly allocation requires additional purchase

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoGen

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • MIT and CC-BY-4.0 licenses
    • Full framework access
    • Community support

Chatbase

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 50 message credits monthly
    • 1 member
    • Limited model access
  • Hobby$40/month
    • 700 message credits
    • 2 members
    • Advanced models
  • Standard$150/month
    • 4,000 message credits
    • 3 members
    • Voice
  • Pro$500/month
    • 15,000 message credits
    • 5 members
    • Advanced analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose AutoGen if

  • You need multi-agent orchestration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Python, .NET.
  • You also want message passing api.
AutoGen review

Choose Chatbase if

  • You want to start without paying.
Chatbase review

Questions people ask

Is AutoGen or Chatbase better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoGen starts at Free and Chatbase at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoGen or Chatbase?
AutoGen starts at Free and Chatbase at Free.
Does AutoGen or Chatbase run on more platforms?
AutoGen runs on Python, .NET. Chatbase runs on Web.
Can I use AutoGen for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is AutoGen best used for?
AutoGen is most often used for building multi-agent conversational systems, rapid prototyping of agent applications, research on agentic ai patterns and architectures, distributed agent networks across boundaries. Of those, building multi-agent conversational systems and rapid prototyping of agent applications are not what Chatbase is typically brought in for.
What can AutoGen do that Chatbase cannot?
AutoGen covers Multi-agent orchestration, Message passing API, AgentChat API, Extensions API.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AutoGen: Is AutoGen still actively developed?

As of March 2026, AutoGen is in maintenance mode and will not receive new features. Microsoft recommends new projects use the Microsoft Agent Framework instead.

Source
Chatbase: Is there a free tier for Chatbase?

Yes, Chatbase offers a free plan with 50 message credits per month, 1 team member, and limited access to AI models. Agents created on the free plan automatically delete after 14 days of inactivity.

Source
AutoGen: Can I still use AutoGen for new projects?

While AutoGen is stable and maintained for existing projects, Microsoft recommends using the Microsoft Agent Framework for new development.

Source
Chatbase: What are the differences between Standard and Pro plans?

Standard ($150/month) includes 4,000 message credits and 3 team members with voice, telephony, and API access. Pro ($500/month) includes 15,000 message credits, 5 team members, and advanced analytics with ticket support.

Source
AutoGen: What LLM providers does AutoGen support?

AutoGen includes extensions for OpenAI and Azure OpenAI through its Extensions API, with community support for other providers.

Source
Chatbase: How much does it cost to add extra team members beyond the plan limit?

Chatbase's pricing page does not specify the cost for adding extra team members beyond the included count in each plan. Contact sales for custom member add-on pricing.

Source
Chatbase: Do annual plans offer a discount?

Yes, yearly plans save 20% compared to monthly billing across all tiers.

Source
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