# autogen vs langchain
_Agent Frameworks · independent comparison_

> autogen and langchain are both open-source agent frameworks you can self-host for free. langchain has wider GitHub adoption — 143k stars vs 60k. Neither is universally better — pick by fit.

## Side by side

**autogen**
- Open source · Framework · 60k★ · Python · CC-BY-4.0 · active 3 months ago
- Best for: Research-grade multi-agent conversation patterns backed by Microsoft.
- Avoid if: You need a stable, minimal API for simple single-agent tasks.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/autogen) · [official](https://microsoft.github.io/autogen/)

**langchain**
- Open source · Framework · 143k★ · Python · MIT · active 1 day ago
- Best for: Builders who want composable primitives and the broadest ecosystem of integrations for LLM applications.
- Avoid if: You want a ready-made autonomous agent out of the box — this is a framework, not an agent.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/langchain) · [official](https://docs.langchain.com/langchain/)

## Key differences

- langchain has wider GitHub adoption — 143k stars vs 60k.
- Licensing differs: autogen is CC-BY-4.0, langchain is MIT.

## Which to choose

**Choose autogen if:** Research-grade multi-agent conversation patterns backed by Microsoft.

**Choose langchain if:** Builders who want composable primitives and the broadest ecosystem of integrations for LLM applications.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between autogen and langchain?**
langchain has wider GitHub adoption — 143k stars vs 60k.

**Is autogen or langchain better?**
Neither is universally better. autogen is the stronger fit for Research-grade multi-agent conversation patterns backed by Microsoft; langchain for Builders who want composable primitives and the broadest ecosystem of integrations for LLM applications. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is autogen or langchain free?**
autogen is free to run and self-host; langchain is free to run and self-host. Both are free to self-host — you only pay for the infrastructure and any model or API usage.

**Which is more popular, autogen or langchain?**
By GitHub stars — a proxy for open-source adoption — langchain is ahead (143k vs 60k). Stars measure attention, not necessarily the better fit for you.

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Source: [Agent Search Engine](https://agentsearchengine.app) — https://agentsearchengine.app/compare/autogen-vs-langchain