kitio.aiMicrosoft Agent Framework vs Agent Development Kit
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft Agent Framework starts at Free and Agent Development Kit starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Python and .NET SDKs
- Graph-based workflows
- Multi-agent orchestration
- Checkpointing
- OpenTelemetry tracing
- Multi-agent composition
- Workflow agents
- Local dev UI
- Built-in evaluation
- Multi-language SDKs
| Feature | Microsoft Agent Framework | Agent Development Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel | Google's open-source toolkit for building and deploying agents |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Microsoft | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Microsoft Agent Framework starts at Free and Agent Development Kit starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Microsoft Agent Framework
- Supported long term by Microsoft
- First-class .NET support
- Combines AutoGen and Semantic Kernel
- Migration from older SDKs takes work
- Best fit with Azure services
Agent Development Kit
- Backed by Google
- Several programming languages
- Easy path to Google Cloud
- Best experience is on Google Cloud
- Code-first only
Which one should you choose?
Choose Microsoft Agent Framework if you want:
- Supported long term by Microsoft
- First-class .NET support
- Combines AutoGen and Semantic Kernel
Watch out: migration from older sdks takes work.
Choose Agent Development Kit if you want:
- Backed by Google
- Several programming languages
- Easy path to Google Cloud
Watch out: best experience is on google cloud.
Microsoft Agent Framework vs Agent Development Kit FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft Agent Framework and Agent Development Kit?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel. Agent Development Kit: Google's open-source toolkit for building and deploying agents. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is Microsoft Agent Framework or Agent Development Kit cheaper?
Microsoft Agent Framework starts at Free and Agent Development Kit starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Microsoft Agent Framework and Agent Development Kit have free plans?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Yes, fully free. Agent Development Kit: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Microsoft Agent Framework?
Microsoft Agent Framework is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Agent Development Kit?
Agent Development Kit is made by Google, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Microsoft Agent Framework or Agent Development Kit?
Choose Microsoft Agent Framework if you value supported long term by microsoft and first-class .net support. Choose Agent Development Kit if you value backed by google and several programming languages.