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AI · head to head

AutoGen vs LangChain

AutoGen logo

AutoGen

AI

Programming framework for multi-agent agentic AI

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LangChain logo

LangChain

Machine Learning

Build applications with LLMs through composability

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AutoGen framework now in maintenance mode, no new features planned; LangChain the free Developer plan of LangSmith is limited to 1 seat
  • They diverge on capability: AutoGen covers Multi-agent orchestration, LangChain covers Chains and agents.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoGen and LangChain actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoGen and LangChain differ
AttributeAutoGenLangChain
Pricing modelOpen source, no pricingfreemium
PlatformsPython, .NETLinux, Mac, Windows
CategoryAIMachine Learning
FoundedUnknown2022

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

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 LangChain

  • Chains and agents
  • Retrieval-augmented generation
  • Memory management
  • Tool integration
  • Prompt templates
  • OpenAI
  • Anthropic
  • Hugging Face

What people use each for

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

AutoGen

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

LangChain

  • Building LLM applications and agents in Python or JavaScriptnot AutoGen
  • Tracing and debugging LLM chains and agent runsnot AutoGen
  • Evaluating prompt and model changes against datasetsnot 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

LangChain

  • The free Developer plan of LangSmith is limited to 1 seat
  • Base traces are retained for 14 days only; 400 day retention costs extra
  • Included traces are capped at 5,000 per month on Developer and 10,000 per month on Plus, with everything beyond billed pay as you go
  • Self hosted and hybrid deployment of LangSmith is Enterprise only
  • Custom SSO, RBAC and ABAC are Enterprise only
  • A support SLA is Enterprise only
  • Enterprise pricing is by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoGen

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

LangChain

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full framework
    • Community support
  • LangSmith$39/month
    • Debugging
    • Monitoring
    • Testing

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 LangChain if

  • You need chains and agents.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want retrieval-augmented generation.
LangChain review

Questions people ask

Is AutoGen or LangChain better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoGen starts at Free and LangChain at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoGen or LangChain?
AutoGen starts at Free and LangChain at Free.
Does AutoGen or LangChain run on more platforms?
AutoGen runs on Python, .NET. LangChain runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.
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 LangChain is typically brought in for.
What can AutoGen do that LangChain cannot?
AutoGen covers Multi-agent orchestration, Message passing API, AgentChat API, Extensions API. LangChain covers Chains and agents, Retrieval-augmented generation, Memory management, Tool integration.

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
LangChain: Does LangChain charge for its services?

LangChain's main website does not display pricing. However, LangSmith (a related platform) offers both free and paid plans. Visit the dedicated pricing page or contact LangChain for details.

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
LangChain: How can I learn about LangChain pricing?

Click on the Pricing link in navigation or use the Try LangSmith or Get a demo options to explore pricing for LangChain's commercial offerings.

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
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