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Machine Learning · head to head

LangChain vs Langfuse

LangChain logo

LangChain

Machine Learning

Build applications with LLMs through composability

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Langfuse logo

Langfuse

Software Development

Simple pricing for projects of all sizes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LangChain the free Developer plan of LangSmith is limited to 1 seat; Langfuse free Hobby plan limited to 2 users and 30-day data retention

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LangChain and Langfuse actually diverge.

Attributes where LangChain and Langfuse differ
AttributeLangChainLangfuse
PlatformsLinux, Mac, WindowsWeb
CategoryMachine LearningSoftware Development
Founded2022Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), 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 LangChain

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

Only in Langfuse

Nothing recorded that LangChain does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

LangChain

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

Langfuse

No use cases recorded yet. See the Langfuse review.

Where each one falls short

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

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

Langfuse

  • Free Hobby plan limited to 2 users and 30-day data retention
  • Overage pricing applies beyond included units; graduated rates from $8.00 per 100k units down to $6.00 per 100k units at 50M+ volume

Pricing, plan by plan

LangChain

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

Langfuse

Free
  • HobbyFree
    • 50k units/month
    • 30-day data retention
    • 2 users maximum
  • Core$29/month
    • 100k units/month
    • 90-day data retention
    • Unlimited users
  • Pro$199/month
    • 100k units/month
    • 3-year data retention
    • SOC2 & ISO27001 compliance
  • Enterprise$2499/month
    • Custom rate limits
    • Dedicated support engineer
    • SCIM API & audit logs

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Langfuse if

  • You want to start without paying.
Langfuse review

Questions people ask

Is LangChain or Langfuse better?
Neither clearly leads. LangChain starts at Free and Langfuse at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LangChain or Langfuse?
LangChain starts at Free and Langfuse at Free.
Does LangChain or Langfuse run on more platforms?
LangChain runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. Langfuse runs on Web.
Can I use LangChain for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is LangChain best used for?
LangChain is most often used for building llm applications and agents in python or javascript, tracing and debugging llm chains and agent runs, evaluating prompt and model changes against datasets. Of those, building llm applications and agents in python or javascript and tracing and debugging llm chains and agent runs are not what Langfuse is typically brought in for.
What can LangChain do that Langfuse cannot?
LangChain covers Chains and agents, Retrieval-augmented generation, Memory management, Tool integration.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Langfuse: What does Langfuse cost?

Langfuse starts at $29/month for the Core plan (100k units/month). Pro costs $199/month with 3-year data retention. Enterprise costs $2499/month for custom rate limits and dedicated support.

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
Langfuse: Does Langfuse have a free plan?

Yes, the Hobby plan is free with 50k units/month, 30-day data retention, and support for up to 2 users.

Source
Langfuse: What happens if I exceed my unit limits on Langfuse?

Overage pricing applies with graduated rates: $8.00 per 100k units for 100k-1M units, $7.00 per 100k units for 1M-10M units, $6.50 per 100k units for 10M-50M units, and $6.00 per 100k units for 50M+ units.

Source
Langfuse: Are there discounts available on Langfuse?

Early-stage startups receive 50% off the first year. Research and student accounts qualify for up to 100% off. Non-profits receive $199 monthly credits.

Source
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