Skip to content
OpenAI Agents SDK review (2026): pricing, features and alternatives
AI agent framework · openai.github.io
OpenAI Agents SDK at a glance
OpenAI Agents SDK is an AI agent framework that is free and open source, best for lightweight multi-agent apps with handoffs.
- What it is
- Lightweight open-source framework from OpenAI for multi-agent workflows with handoffs, guardrails and built-in tracing.
- What it costs
- Free (open source). Free; pay for model API usage
- Who it's for
- Lightweight multi-agent apps with handoffs · Developers
- How it compares
- All 8 AI agent frameworks on Klyvoo are free to start
- Pricing checked
- October 2026 on openai.github.io
Our verdict
The OpenAI Agents SDK has few abstractions, so it is quick to learn and works well for apps built around handoffs between agents. It defaults to OpenAI models and has no official paid hosting, so you run and host it yourself.
Pros
- Small set of building blocks, easy to learn
- Built-in tracing, guardrails and handoffs
- Works with other model providers through adapters
Cons
- Defaults and best support are for OpenAI models
- No official hosting; you deploy it yourself
OpenAI Agents SDK pricing
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI Agents SDK (open source) | Free | MIT-licensed SDK for Python and JS/TS; you pay for model API usage |
https://openai.github.io/openai-agents-python/
OpenAI Agents SDK alternatives
| Agent | Starting price | Pricing model | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI Agents SDK | Free (open source) | Free; pay for model API usage | Lightweight multi-agent apps with handoffs | This page |
| LangGraph | Free (open source) | Free; pay for model API usage and optional LangSmith hosting | Stateful long-running agents with fine control | LangGraph review |
| CrewAI | Free (open source) | Free; pay for model API usage and optional CrewAI AMP plan | Role-based multi-agent teams and workflows | CrewAI review |
| Claude Agent SDK | Free SDK; pay for Claude API use | Free SDK; pay for Claude API usage | Agents that read files, run commands and edit code | Claude Agent SDK review |
| Microsoft Agent Framework | Free (open source) | Free; pay for model API usage and any Azure hosting | .NET and Python teams building production agents | Microsoft Agent Framework review |
| Google Agent Development Kit (ADK) | Free (open source) | Free; pay for model API usage and any cloud hosting | Multi-language agents with easy Google Cloud deployment | Google Agent Development Kit (ADK) review |
OpenAI Agents SDK FAQ
Is OpenAI Agents SDK free?
Yes. The SDK is open source under the MIT license. You pay for the model API calls your agents make.
What languages does OpenAI Agents SDK support?
Python and JavaScript/TypeScript. The JS/TS version runs on Node.js 22+, Deno and Bun.
What is OpenAI Agents SDK best for?
Multi-agent workflows where agents hand tasks to each other, with guardrails and tracing built in. It also supports voice agents.
What are the best OpenAI Agents SDK alternatives?
LangGraph, CrewAI, Claude Agent SDK, Microsoft Agent Framework, Google Agent Development Kit, LlamaIndex and Mastra.