Agent Frameworks · Head-to-head
langchain vs LangGraph
langchain and LangGraph are both agent frameworks. langchain is The agent engineering platform, while LangGraph is langChain's low-level orchestration framework for stateful, controllable agents. Here's an independent, side-by-side look at how they compare — and which fits.
LangChain's low-level orchestration framework for stateful, controllable agents.
Visit LangGraph →langchain and LangGraph take different routes to the same job: one is a commercial product, the other open-source and self-hostable. Choose based on whether you want a managed experience or full control.
Side by side
| Spec | langchain | LangGraph |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Framework | Framework |
| Model | Open source | Commercial |
| Pricing | Open source | Freemium |
| GitHub stars | 144,368 | — |
| Language | Python | — |
| License | MIT | — |
| Last activity | Aug 2026 | — |
Key differences
- LangGraph is a commercial product; langchain is open-source and self-hostable.
- Pricing model differs — langchain is open source, LangGraph is freemium.
Builders who want composable primitives and the broadest ecosystem of integrations for LLM applications.
Production agents that need controllable, stateful, graph-based orchestration.
About LangGraph
LangChain's low-level orchestration framework for stateful, controllable agents.
Full LangGraph profile →Frequently asked
- What's the main difference between langchain and LangGraph?
- LangGraph is a commercial product; langchain is open-source and self-hostable.
- Is langchain or LangGraph better?
- Neither is universally better. langchain is the stronger fit for Builders who want composable primitives and the broadest ecosystem of integrations for LLM applications; LangGraph for Production agents that need controllable, stateful, graph-based orchestration. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.
- Is langchain or LangGraph free?
- langchain is free to run and self-host; LangGraph is free to start (freemium), with paid tiers.
- Which is more popular, langchain or LangGraph?
- We rank open-source projects by GitHub adoption, but at least one of these is a commercial product and stars don't measure commercial adoption — so compare them on capabilities and pricing instead.
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