Open-Source AI · AI agent framework

Agno vs Google ADK

Agno vs Google ADK compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Fast, lightweight multi-modal agents vs Google's official Agent Development Kit.

Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech

Choose Agno for fast agents with memory and tools. Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.

Agno vs Google ADK at a glance

SpecAgnoGoogle ADK
CategoryAI agent frameworkAI agent framework
TypeAgent frameworkAgent framework
LicenseMPL-2.0Apache-2.0
Runs locallyCloud-optionalPartial
Primary languagePythonPython
Ease of useIntermediateIntermediate
Best forfast agents with memory and toolsproduction agents on the Google/Gemini stack
GitHub stars41.1k20.6k

How Agno and Google ADK score

🤝 Too close to call — Agno and Google ADK land within a hair (3.9 vs 4.1 / 5). Pick on fit, not on score.
CriterionAgnoGoogle ADK
Popularity4.03.5
Maintenance5.05.0
Ease of use3.53.5
Privacy3.53.5
License freedom3.55.0

Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.

What each one is

Agno

Agent framework · MPL-2.0

Agno (formerly Phidata) is a lightweight, high-performance framework for building multi-modal agents with memory, knowledge and tools, plus a monitoring UI.

  • Very fast agent instantiation
  • Built-in memory, knowledge and tools
  • Multi-modal and model-agnostic
See the Agno page →

Google ADK

Agent framework · Apache-2.0

ADK is Google's code-first framework for building, evaluating and deploying agents: hierarchical multi-agent systems, workflow control, built-in eval and a path to Vertex AI.

  • Model-agnostic but optimized for Gemini
  • Workflow agents give deterministic orchestration
  • Built-in evaluation and deployment story
See the Google ADK page →

Key differences

Agno is agent framework, while Google ADK is agent framework. Their licenses differ (MPL-2.0 vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. They also differ in how they run (Cloud-optional vs Partial). In short, Agno fits fast agents with memory and tools, and Google ADK fits production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.

Which should you choose?

Choose Agno for fast agents with memory and tools. Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.

There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.

Frequently asked questions

Is Agno or Google ADK easier to use?

Both sit at a similar level (Intermediate). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.

Are Agno and Google ADK free?

Agno is free and open source (MPL-2.0), and Google ADK is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.

Can I run Agno and Google ADK locally?

Agno: cloud-optional · Google ADK: partial. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.

Agno vs Google ADK — which should I pick in 2026?

Choose Agno for fast agents with memory and tools. Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.

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