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AI · head to head

AutoGen vs Manus

AutoGen logo

AutoGen

AI

Programming framework for multi-agent agentic AI

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Manus logo

Manus

AI

General-purpose AI agent executing multi-step tasks in a hosted environment

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only AutoGen has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: AutoGen framework now in maintenance mode, no new features planned; Manus specific pricing and plan tiers not published on accessible pages; users must visit pricing page or contact sales
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoGen and Manus actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoGen and Manus differ
AttributeAutoGenManus
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelOpen source, no pricingsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsPython, .NETWeb, iOS, Android, Desktop, Slack integration

Identical on both: 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 Manus

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 Manus
  • Rapid prototyping of agent applicationsnot Manus
  • Research on agentic AI patterns and architecturesnot Manus
  • Distributed agent networks across boundariesnot Manus

Manus

  • Autonomous research and report generationnot AutoGen
  • Slide deck and presentation creation from requirementsnot AutoGen
  • Website and graphic design automationnot AutoGen
  • Game development and interactive content creationnot AutoGen
  • Multi-step workflow automation via browser operatornot 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

Manus

  • Specific pricing and plan tiers not published on accessible pages; users must visit pricing page or contact sales
  • Organisational transition mid-2026; unclear how this affects feature stability or pricing continuity
  • No clear free tier mentioned; access requires subscription from apparent launch
  • Limited public documentation on capabilities and limitations

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoGen

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

Manus

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Manus review.

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 Manus if

  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop, Slack integration.
Manus review

Questions people ask

Is AutoGen or Manus better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoGen starts at Free and Manus at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoGen or Manus?
AutoGen has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AutoGen and On request for Manus.
Does AutoGen or Manus run on more platforms?
AutoGen runs on Python, .NET. Manus runs on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop, Slack integration.
Can I use AutoGen for free?
Yes. AutoGen has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Manus starts at On request.
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 Manus is typically brought in for.
What can AutoGen do that Manus 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
Manus: Where can I find Manus pricing information?

The Manus pricing page at manus.im/pricing mentions 'Manus Pricing Plans' with the tagline 'Less structure, more intelligence,' but specific pricing details and tier information are not published online. Contact Manus directly to discuss pricing options.

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
Manus: Does Manus offer a team plan option?

Manus mentions a team plan option on its pricing page, but specific details about team size limits, per-seat costs, and features are not published. Interested customers should contact Manus sales to discuss team pricing.

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
Manus: What features are available in Manus?

Manus offers AI design, slides, image generation, music generation, browser operator, and other creative automation features. Specific feature availability by pricing tier requires contacting Manus directly for custom pricing information.

Source
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