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Claude Agent SDK review (2026): pricing, features and alternatives
AI agent framework · code.claude.com
Claude Agent SDK at a glance
Claude Agent SDK is an AI agent framework that is free to start, best for agents that read files, run commands and edit code.
- What it is
- Anthropic's SDK that packages Claude Code's tools, agent loop and context management as a Python or TypeScript library.
- What it costs
- Free SDK; pay for Claude API use
- Who it's for
- Agents that read files, run commands and edit code · Developers
- How it compares
- All 8 AI agent frameworks on Klyvoo are free to start
- Pricing checked
- October 2026 on code.claude.com
Our verdict
The Claude Agent SDK gives you the same built-in tools, hooks, subagents and MCP support that power Claude Code, so agents that work with files and commands need little setup. It works only with Claude models and is governed by Anthropic's commercial terms rather than a plain open-source license.
Pros
- Built-in tools for files, shell and web search
- Hooks, subagents, sessions and MCP included
- Same agent loop as Claude Code
Cons
- Works with Claude models only
- Commercial terms, not a fully open-source license
- Third-party products must use API key billing
Claude Agent SDK pricing
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Agent SDK | Free | Python and TypeScript library you run in your own app |
| Claude API usage | Per-token Claude API rates | Model usage billed to your API key |
https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview
Claude Agent SDK alternatives
| Agent | Starting price | Pricing model | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
| OpenAI Agents SDK | Free (open source) | Free; pay for model API usage | Lightweight multi-agent apps with handoffs | OpenAI Agents 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 |
Claude Agent SDK FAQ
Is Claude Agent SDK free?
The SDK costs nothing to install. You pay for Claude API usage through an API key, and use is governed by Anthropic's Commercial Terms of Service.
What languages does Claude Agent SDK support?
Python and TypeScript.
What is Claude Agent SDK best for?
Agents that plan their own steps and work with files, commands and code, using Claude Code's tools inside your own app.
What are the best Claude Agent SDK alternatives?
OpenAI Agents SDK, LangGraph, CrewAI, Microsoft Agent Framework, Google Agent Development Kit, LlamaIndex and Mastra.