Microsoft Agent Framework vs Mastra
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Mastra is freemium.
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
- Agents with tools and memory
- Workflow graphs
- RAG helpers
- Local dev playground
- Evals and tracing
| Feature | Microsoft Agent Framework | Mastra |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel | TypeScript framework for building AI agents and workflows |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $250/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Mastra |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Mastra is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Starter
Free
- 100K observability events
- 24 CPU hours
- 15-day data retention
- Unlimited users and projects
Teams
$250/mo
- 1M observability events
- 250 CPU hours
- 6-month data retention
- SSO and SOC 2 docs
Enterprise
Custom
- Custom limits and retention
- For teams at scale
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
Mastra
- Native TypeScript experience
- Good developer playground
- Deploys anywhere
- Not for no-code users
- Younger ecosystem than Python tools
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 Mastra if you want:
- Native TypeScript experience
- Good developer playground
- Deploys anywhere
Watch out: not for no-code users.
Microsoft Agent Framework vs Mastra FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft Agent Framework and Mastra?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel. Mastra: TypeScript framework for building AI agents and workflows. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is Microsoft Agent Framework or Mastra cheaper?
Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Mastra is freemium.
Do Microsoft Agent Framework and Mastra have free plans?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Yes, fully free. Mastra: Yes.
Who makes Microsoft Agent Framework?
Microsoft Agent Framework is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Mastra?
Mastra is made by Mastra, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Microsoft Agent Framework or Mastra?
Choose Microsoft Agent Framework if you value supported long term by microsoft and first-class .net support. Choose Mastra if you value native typescript experience and good developer playground.