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Machine Learning · head to head

LangChain vs LangGraph

LangChain logo

LangChain

Machine Learning

Build applications with LLMs through composability

From
Free
Rated
-
LangGraph logo

LangGraph

AI

Agent runtime and orchestration framework

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LangChain the free Developer plan of LangSmith is limited to 1 seat; LangGraph steeper learning curve compared to high-level abstractions
  • They diverge on capability: LangChain covers Chains and agents, LangGraph covers Human-in-the-loop controls.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LangChain and LangGraph actually diverge.

Attributes where LangChain and LangGraph differ
AttributeLangChainLangGraph
Pricing modelfreemiumOpen source and free, with optional managed platform
PlatformsLinux, Mac, WindowsPython, JavaScript, Web
CategoryMachine LearningAI
Founded2022Unknown

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 LangChain

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

Only in LangGraph

  • Human-in-the-loop controls
  • Customizable workflows
  • Token-by-token streaming
  • Low-level control
  • Multi-agent support

Both cover

  • Memory management

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 LangGraph
  • Tracing and debugging LLM chains and agent runsnot LangGraph
  • Evaluating prompt and model changes against datasetsnot LangGraph

LangGraph

  • Building production AI agents with auditable workflowsnot LangChain
  • Designing multi-agent systems for complex tasksnot LangChain
  • Implementing human oversight in autonomous systemsnot LangChain
  • Creating reliable agentic applications at scalenot LangChain

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

LangGraph

  • Steeper learning curve compared to high-level abstractions
  • Requires understanding of graph-based architecture
  • Debugging complex workflows can be challenging
  • Not optimized for simple, one-off use cases

Pricing, plan by plan

LangChain

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

LangGraph

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • MIT-licensed framework
    • Self-hosted deployment
    • Full API access
  • LangGraph Platform$35/month
    • Managed hosting
    • Enterprise deployment
    • Integrated tooling

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.

Choose LangGraph if

  • You need human-in-the-loop controls.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Python, JavaScript, Web.
  • You also want customizable workflows.

Questions people ask

Is LangChain or LangGraph better?
Neither clearly leads. LangChain starts at Free and LangGraph at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LangChain or LangGraph?
LangChain starts at Free and LangGraph at Free.
Does LangChain or LangGraph run on more platforms?
LangChain runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. LangGraph runs on Python, JavaScript, 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 LangGraph is typically brought in for.
What can LangChain do that LangGraph cannot?
LangChain covers Chains and agents, Retrieval-augmented generation, Tool integration, Prompt templates. LangGraph covers Human-in-the-loop controls, Customizable workflows, Token-by-token streaming, Low-level control. Both handle Memory management.

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
LangGraph: Is LangGraph free to use?

Yes. The core LangGraph framework is MIT-licensed and completely free. You only pay if you use the optional managed LangGraph Platform for hosting.

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
LangGraph: What programming languages does LangGraph support?

LangGraph provides first-class support for Python and JavaScript, enabling cross-platform agent development.

Source
LangGraph: Can I deploy LangGraph in production?

Yes. LangGraph can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure or deployed through LangGraph Platform with enterprise support and SLA guarantees.

Source
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