kitio.aiOpenAI Agents SDK vs Microsoft Agent Framework
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. OpenAI Agents SDK starts at Free and Microsoft Agent Framework 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
- Agent handoffs
- Function and hosted tools
- Guardrails
- Sessions
- Built-in tracing
- Python and .NET SDKs
- Graph-based workflows
- Multi-agent orchestration
- Checkpointing
- OpenTelemetry tracing
| Feature | OpenAI Agents SDK | Microsoft Agent Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | OpenAI's lightweight framework for multi-agent workflows | Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | OpenAI | Microsoft |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
OpenAI Agents SDK starts at Free and Microsoft Agent Framework 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
OpenAI Agents SDK
- Small, easy-to-learn API
- Good tracing
- Official OpenAI support
- Model usage billed separately
- Fewer integrations than larger frameworks
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
Which one should you choose?
Choose OpenAI Agents SDK if you want:
- Small, easy-to-learn API
- Good tracing
- Official OpenAI support
Watch out: model usage billed separately.
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.
OpenAI Agents SDK vs Microsoft Agent Framework FAQ
What is the difference between OpenAI Agents SDK and Microsoft Agent Framework?
OpenAI Agents SDK: OpenAI's lightweight framework for multi-agent workflows. Microsoft Agent Framework: Microsoft's open-source successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is OpenAI Agents SDK or Microsoft Agent Framework cheaper?
OpenAI Agents SDK starts at Free and Microsoft Agent Framework starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do OpenAI Agents SDK and Microsoft Agent Framework have free plans?
OpenAI Agents SDK: Yes, fully free. Microsoft Agent Framework: Yes, fully free.
Who makes OpenAI Agents SDK?
OpenAI Agents SDK is made by OpenAI, based in United States.
Who makes Microsoft Agent Framework?
Microsoft Agent Framework is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Which should I choose, OpenAI Agents SDK or Microsoft Agent Framework?
Choose OpenAI Agents SDK if you value small, easy-to-learn api and good tracing. Choose Microsoft Agent Framework if you value supported long term by microsoft and first-class .net support.