AutoGen vs 
AG2
AutoGen vs AG2 compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Microsoft's conversational agent framework vs The community continuation of AutoGen.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
AutoGen vs AG2 at a glance
| Spec | AutoGen | AG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI agent framework | AI agent framework |
| Type | Multi-agent framework | Multi-agent framework |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Cloud-optional | Cloud-optional |
| Primary language | Python | Python |
| Ease of use | Advanced | Intermediate |
| Best for | researchers building conversational agent systems | teams invested in the AutoGen conversation model |
| GitHub stars | 59.7k | 4.8k |
How AutoGen and AG2 score
| Criterion | AutoGen | AG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Maintenance | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| License freedom | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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
AutoGen
AutoGen — the official full name, short for “Automated Generation” — is Microsoft’s open-source framework for building multi-agent AI systems where agents converse to solve tasks, with strong support for code execution and tool use.
- Flexible multi-agent conversation patterns
- Strong code-execution and tool-use support
- Backed by Microsoft Research
AG2
AG2 is the community-driven continuation of AutoGen, focused on multi-agent conversations and orchestration with an open governance model.
- Continuity for the AutoGen ecosystem
- Community-governed, Apache-2.0
- Mature multi-agent conversation patterns
Key differences
AutoGen is multi-agent framework, while AG2 is multi-agent framework. Their licenses differ (MIT vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. AutoGen leans more advanced-friendly, whereas AG2 is more suited to intermediate users. In short, AutoGen fits researchers building conversational agent systems, and AG2 fits teams invested in the AutoGen conversation model.
Which should you choose?
Choose AutoGen for researchers building conversational agent systems. Choose AG2 for teams invested in the AutoGen conversation model.
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 AutoGen or AG2 easier to use?
AG2 is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while AutoGen rewards more setup with more control.
Are AutoGen and AG2 free?
AutoGen is free and open source (MIT), and AG2 is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run AutoGen and AG2 locally?
AutoGen: cloud-optional · AG2: cloud-optional. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
AutoGen vs AG2 — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose AutoGen for researchers building conversational agent systems. Choose AG2 for teams invested in the AutoGen conversation model.
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