kitio.aiMicrosoft Agent Framework vs Steel
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Steel 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
- Headless browser API
- Proxy and CAPTCHA handling
- Session persistence
- Steel CLI
- Self-hosted or cloud
| Feature | Microsoft Agent Framework | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel | Open-source browser API for AI agents, self-hosted or cloud |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $250/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Steel |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Steel is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Launch
Free
- $30 one-time credits, then usage
- 10 concurrent sessions
- Sessions up to 15 minutes
- Up to 3 seats
Scale
$250/mo
- Plus usage, $100 credits / month
- 100 concurrent sessions
- Sessions up to 1 hour
- Dedicated Slack, HIPAA BAA
Enterprise
Custom
- 1,000+ concurrent sessions
- Stealth browser
- Sessions up to 24 hours
- SLAs and enterprise SSO
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
Steel
- Open source and self-hostable
- Works with standard browser libraries
- Agent-friendly CLI
- Smaller company and community
- You manage it if self-hosted
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 Steel if you want:
- Open source and self-hostable
- Works with standard browser libraries
- Agent-friendly CLI
Watch out: smaller company and community.
Microsoft Agent Framework vs Steel FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft Agent Framework and Steel?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel. Steel: Open-source browser API for AI agents, self-hosted or cloud. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is Microsoft Agent Framework or Steel cheaper?
Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Steel is freemium.
Do Microsoft Agent Framework and Steel have free plans?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Yes, fully free. Steel: Yes.
Who makes Microsoft Agent Framework?
Microsoft Agent Framework is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Steel?
Steel is made by Steel.
Which should I choose, Microsoft Agent Framework or Steel?
Choose Microsoft Agent Framework if you value supported long term by microsoft and first-class .net support. Choose Steel if you value open source and self-hostable and works with standard browser libraries.