AutoGen vs Semantic Kernel

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings

Analysis reviewed Live tool data as of 2026-09-28
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At a glance

DimensionAutoGenSemantic Kernel
Pricingfree · from Open Source $0/mofree · from Open Source $0/mo
Best forDevelopers building agents in Python or .NET, Researchers studying multi-agent collaboration.NET developers building copilots and AI agents, Enterprise teams on Microsoft Azure
Standout featuresAutoGen Studio web UI for prototyping agents without writing code · AgentChat Python framework for conversational single- and multi-agent apps · Core event-driven framework for scalable multi-agent systemsPlugin-based skill composition · Memory management for context · Process Framework for stateful workflows
Viability score69/10073/100
APIYesYes

AutoGen is the stronger pick for developers building agents in python or .net; Semantic Kernel fits better for .net developers building copilots and ai agents.

Built from live tool data, last verified 2026-09-28.

AutoGen
AutoGen

Microsoft's open-source framework for building conversational and event-driven AI agents in Python and .NET.

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Semantic Kernel
Semantic Kernel

Microsoft's open-source SDK for building production-grade AI agents with plugins, memory, and orchestration.

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Pricing
Free
Free
Plans
$0/mo
$0/mo
Popularity
5.3k views
3.0k views
Skill Level
Intermediate
Intermediate
API Available
Platforms
—
API
Categories
🕸️ Agent Frameworks & Orchestration
🕸️ Agent Frameworks & Orchestration
Features
AutoGen Studio web UI for prototyping agents without writing code
AgentChat Python framework for conversational single- and multi-agent apps
Core event-driven framework for scalable multi-agent systems
Flexible agent role definition with distinct tools and model backends
Customizable conversation patterns including group chat and sequential turns
Extensions system for interfacing with external services and libraries
McpWorkbench for connecting agents to Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers
OpenAIAssistantAgent for using the OpenAI Assistant API
DockerCommandLineCodeExecutor for running model-generated code in a Docker container
GrpcWorkerAgentRuntime for distributed multi-language agents
Community extensions you can discover, use, or publish
Human-in-the-loop approval and intervention inside agent workflows
Python 3.10+ support with a .NET surface for agent workflows
Migration path documented for projects moving off AutoGen 0.2
MIT-licensed and free to self-host and modify
Plugin-based skill composition
Memory management for context
Process Framework for stateful workflows
Agent Framework for multi-agent systems
Security filters and policy enforcement
Observability and telemetry
Multi-language support (C#, Python, Java)
Integration with Azure OpenAI
Integration with OpenAI
Kernel extensibility through middleware
Support for Microsoft Graph and 365 Copilot
Connectors for various data sources
ASP.NET Core integration
Semantic functions and plans
Integrations
OpenAI
Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers
Docker
gRPC
OpenAI Assistant API
Azure OpenAI
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft Graph
Azure Cognitive Search
Entity Framework
ASP.NET Core
Blazor
Power Platform
Microsoft Entra ID

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, AutoGen or Semantic Kernel?

The best choice between AutoGen and Semantic Kernel depends on your specific use case — we compare them independently on features, current pricing, integrations, and real-world signals (with an on-demand sentiment scan available for each). See the side-by-side breakdown above to match them to your needs.

What are the main differences between AutoGen and Semantic Kernel?

The key differences include pricing model, feature set, platform support, and skill level requirements. Review the full comparison on RightAIChoice for a detailed breakdown.

Is there a free version of AutoGen or Semantic Kernel?

Check the pricing section in the comparison for the latest pricing details on both tools, including free tiers, trial options, and paid plans.

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If you're a .NET shop on Azure building production copilots, Semantic Kernel is the no-brainer——it's free, deeply integrated with Microsoft's stack, and the process framework handles durable workflows

Explore each tool further

AutoGen
View AutoGen reviewAutoGen alternatives
Semantic Kernel
View Semantic Kernel reviewSemantic Kernel alternatives

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Last reviewed: May 12, 2026