kitio.aiMicrosoft Agent Framework vs Windmill
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Windmill 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
- Multi-language scripts
- Flow orchestration
- Auto-generated UIs
- Internal app builder
- AI agent steps
| Feature | Microsoft Agent Framework | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel | Code-first platform for scripts, workflows, apps and AI agents |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $120/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Windmill Labs |
| Based in | United States | France |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Windmill is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free and Open-source
Free
- Unlimited executions
- 3 workspaces, up to 50 users
- Max 4 groups
Enterprise
From $120/mo
- $20/mo per builder seat
- Unlimited workspaces and users
- Observability and security features
- 1-month 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
Windmill
- Real code in many languages
- Fast and self-hostable
- Combines jobs, flows and apps
- Requires programming skills
- Smaller connector library than no-code 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 Windmill if you want:
- Real code in many languages
- Fast and self-hostable
- Combines jobs, flows and apps
Watch out: requires programming skills.
Microsoft Agent Framework vs Windmill FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft Agent Framework and Windmill?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel. Windmill: Code-first platform for scripts, workflows, apps and AI agents. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is Microsoft Agent Framework or Windmill cheaper?
Microsoft Agent Framework is completely free, while Windmill is freemium.
Do Microsoft Agent Framework and Windmill have free plans?
Microsoft Agent Framework: Yes, fully free. Windmill: Yes.
Who makes Microsoft Agent Framework?
Microsoft Agent Framework is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Windmill?
Windmill is made by Windmill Labs, based in France.
Which should I choose, Microsoft Agent Framework or Windmill?
Choose Microsoft Agent Framework if you value supported long term by microsoft and first-class .net support. Choose Windmill if you value real code in many languages and fast and self-hostable.