Skip to content
Microsoft Agent Framework review (2026): pricing, features and alternatives
AI agent framework · learn.microsoft.com
Microsoft Agent Framework at a glance
Microsoft Agent Framework is an AI agent framework that is free and open source, best for .NET and Python teams building production agents.
- What it is
- Open-source Microsoft framework for agents and multi-agent workflows, and the successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel.
- What it costs
- Free (open source). Free; pay for model API usage and any Azure hosting
- Who it's for
- .NET and Python teams building production agents · Developers
- How it compares
- All 8 AI agent frameworks on Klyvoo are free to start
- Pricing checked
- October 2026 on learn.microsoft.com
Our verdict
Microsoft Agent Framework is the default choice for teams already on .NET or Azure since it replaces both AutoGen and Semantic Kernel. Python and .NET are generally available, but Go is still in preview and missing several features.
Pros
- Successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel, with migration guides
- Graph-based workflows plus middleware and OpenTelemetry tracing
- Works with Azure OpenAI, OpenAI, Anthropic and Ollama
Cons
- Go version is in preview and missing features
- Hosting tools lean toward Microsoft Foundry and Azure
- Teams on AutoGen or Semantic Kernel must migrate code
Microsoft Agent Framework pricing
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Open source framework | Free | Full framework for .NET and Python (Go in preview); you pay your model provider |
| Microsoft Foundry hosting | Usage-based (Azure pricing) | Optional managed hosting for agents |
https://learn.microsoft.com/agent-framework/
Microsoft Agent Framework alternatives
| Agent | Starting price | Pricing model | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Agent Framework | Free (open source) | Free; pay for model API usage and any Azure hosting | .NET and Python teams building production agents | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Microsoft Agent Framework FAQ
Is Microsoft Agent Framework free?
Yes. It is open source under the MIT license. You pay only for the model APIs and any cloud hosting you use.
What languages does Microsoft Agent Framework support?
C# (.NET) and Python are generally available. Go is in public preview.
What is Microsoft Agent Framework best for?
Production agents and multi-agent workflows in .NET or Python, especially for teams moving from AutoGen or Semantic Kernel.
What are the best Microsoft Agent Framework alternatives?
Google Agent Development Kit, LangGraph, CrewAI, OpenAI Agents SDK and Claude Agent SDK.