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AI · head to head

LangGraph vs Vellum

LangGraph logo

LangGraph

AI

Agent runtime and orchestration framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Vellum logo

Vellum

AI

Personalized AI assistant with persistent memory and autonomous action-taking

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LangGraph steeper learning curve compared to high-level abstractions; Vellum pricing varies significantly by computational tier, making budget planning difficult
  • They diverge on capability: LangGraph covers Human-in-the-loop controls, Vellum covers Persistent AI identity.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LangGraph and Vellum actually diverge.

Attributes where LangGraph and Vellum differ
AttributeLangGraphVellum
Pricing modelOpen source and free, with optional managed platformFreemium with paid plans and pay-as-you-go credits
PlatformsPython, JavaScript, WebWeb, macOS, iOS, Slack, Telegram, Terminal

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 LangGraph

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

Only in Vellum

  • Persistent AI identity
  • Long-term memory
  • Email automation
  • Calendar management
  • Autonomous task execution
  • Multi-device synchronization
  • Custom plugins
  • Open-source deployment

What people use each for

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

LangGraph

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

Vellum

  • Personal productivity automation across email and calendarnot LangGraph
  • CRM updates and pipeline managementnot LangGraph
  • Expense report generation and managementnot LangGraph
  • Document drafting and content creationnot LangGraph
  • Meeting scheduling and calendar coordinationnot LangGraph

Where each one falls short

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

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

Vellum

  • Pricing varies significantly by computational tier, making budget planning difficult
  • Requires explicit permission for sensitive actions, limiting autonomy
  • Self-hosting option may intimidate non-technical users
  • Learning curve to develop customizations with plugins

Pricing, plan by plan

LangGraph

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

Vellum

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Starter credits included
    • Basic features
  • Mighty$30/month
    • 1 vCPU, 2 GiB RAM
    • 10 GB storage
    • Included usage allowance
  • Super$100/month
    • 2.5 vCPU, 5 GiB RAM
    • 30 GB storage
    • Assistant email and subdomain
  • Ultra$200/month
    • 4 vCPU, 8 GiB RAM
    • 60 GB storage
    • Assistant email and subdomain

Which should you pick?

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.

Choose Vellum if

  • You need persistent ai identity.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, iOS, Slack, Telegram, Terminal.
  • You also want long-term memory.

Questions people ask

Is LangGraph or Vellum better?
Neither clearly leads. LangGraph starts at Free and Vellum at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LangGraph or Vellum?
LangGraph starts at Free and Vellum at Free.
Does LangGraph or Vellum run on more platforms?
LangGraph runs on Python, JavaScript, Web. Vellum runs on Web, macOS, iOS, Slack, Telegram, Terminal.
Can I use LangGraph for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is LangGraph best used for?
LangGraph is most often used for building production ai agents with auditable workflows, designing multi-agent systems for complex tasks, implementing human oversight in autonomous systems, creating reliable agentic applications at scale. Of those, building production ai agents with auditable workflows and designing multi-agent systems for complex tasks are not what Vellum is typically brought in for.
What can LangGraph do that Vellum cannot?
LangGraph covers Human-in-the-loop controls, Customizable workflows, Memory management, Token-by-token streaming. Vellum covers Persistent AI identity, Long-term memory, Email automation, Calendar management.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Vellum: How does Vellum protect my data privacy?

Vellum uses permission-based controls requiring explicit approval for sensitive actions. Data is encrypted and the option for self-hosting provides complete data control. Open-source deployment option allows hosting on your own infrastructure.

Source
LangGraph: What programming languages does LangGraph support?

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

Source
Vellum: Can I use Vellum for business team collaboration?

Vellum is primarily designed as a personal assistant with persistent identity. For team collaboration, platforms like Lindy offer better multi-user features with shared credit pools and Slack workspace integration.

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
Vellum: What does the free tier include?

Vellum offers free starter credits to begin using the platform. Beyond that, it operates on a pay-as-you-go credit model with paid tiers starting at $30/month for increased computational resources and bundled credits.

Source
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