kitio.aiMicrosoft 365 Agents SDK vs Orkes
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft 365 Agents SDK is completely free, while Orkes is freemium.
Microsoft SDK for building agents that run in Teams, Copilot and the web
FreeAt a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
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Key features
- Python, JavaScript and .NET SDKs
- Deploy to Teams and Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Bring your own AI model
- Conversation state handling
- Local testing tools
- Durable workflow execution
- Agent orchestration
- Conductor open source
- Managed cloud
- Retry and branching logic
| Feature | Microsoft 365 Agents SDK | Orkes |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft SDK for building agents that run in Teams, Copilot and the web | Workflow platform for durable, explainable production AI agents |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Orkes |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Microsoft 365 Agents SDK is completely free, while Orkes is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Microsoft 365 Agents SDK
- Free and open source
- Reaches Teams and Copilot users directly
- Works with any model or orchestrator
- Requires coding knowledge
- Hosting and Azure services cost extra
- Tied closely to the Microsoft ecosystem
Orkes
- Built on proven open-source Conductor
- Deterministic, durable runs
- Free start available
- Pricing page shows no plan details
- Aimed at engineering teams
- Learning curve for workflow definitions
Which one should you choose?
Choose Microsoft 365 Agents SDK if you want:
- Free and open source
- Reaches Teams and Copilot users directly
- Works with any model or orchestrator
Watch out: requires coding knowledge.
Choose Orkes if you want:
- Built on proven open-source Conductor
- Deterministic, durable runs
- Free start available
Watch out: pricing page shows no plan details.
Microsoft 365 Agents SDK vs Orkes FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft 365 Agents SDK and Orkes?
Microsoft 365 Agents SDK: Microsoft SDK for building agents that run in Teams, Copilot and the web. Orkes: Workflow platform for durable, explainable production AI agents. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is Microsoft 365 Agents SDK or Orkes cheaper?
Microsoft 365 Agents SDK is completely free, while Orkes is freemium.
Do Microsoft 365 Agents SDK and Orkes have free plans?
Microsoft 365 Agents SDK: Yes, fully free. Orkes: Yes.
Who makes Microsoft 365 Agents SDK?
Microsoft 365 Agents SDK is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Orkes?
Orkes is made by Orkes, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Microsoft 365 Agents SDK or Orkes?
Choose Microsoft 365 Agents SDK if you value free and open source and reaches teams and copilot users directly. Choose Orkes if you value built on proven open-source conductor and deterministic, durable runs.