# langchain vs LangGraph
_Agent Frameworks · independent comparison_

> 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

**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/)

**LangGraph**
- Freemium · Framework
- Best for: Production agents that need controllable, stateful, graph-based orchestration.
- Avoid if: You want a quick no-code start — expect real engineering investment.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/langgraph-platform) · [official](https://langchain.com/langgraph)

## Key differences

- LangGraph is a commercial product; langchain is open-source and self-hostable.
- Pricing model differs — langchain is open source, LangGraph is freemium.

## Which to choose

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

**Choose LangGraph if:** Production agents that need controllable, stateful, graph-based orchestration.

## FAQ

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