Open-Source AI · AI agent framework

Eliza vs Google ADK

Eliza vs Google ADK compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Agents with personality for Discord, X and more vs Google's official Agent Development Kit.

Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech

Choose Eliza for character-driven agents living on social platforms. Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.

Eliza vs Google ADK at a glance

SpecElizaGoogle ADK
CategoryAI agent frameworkAI agent framework
TypeAgent framework (TS)Agent framework
LicenseMITApache-2.0
Runs locallyPartialPartial
Primary languageTypeScriptPython
Ease of useIntermediateIntermediate
Best forcharacter-driven agents living on social platformsproduction agents on the Google/Gemini stack
GitHub stars18.7k20.6k

Feature comparison

FeatureElizaGoogle ADK
Multi-agent
Tool / function calling
Code execution
Memory
Human-in-the-loop
Graph control

How Eliza and Google ADK score

🤝 Too close to call — Eliza and Google ADK land within a hair (4.1 vs 4.1 / 5). Pick on fit, not on score.
CriterionElizaGoogle ADK
Popularity3.53.5
Maintenance5.05.0
Ease of use3.53.5
Privacy3.53.5
License freedom5.05.0

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

Eliza

Agent framework (TS) · MIT

elizaOS is a TypeScript framework for autonomous agents with personas, memory and connectors to Discord, X and Telegram — the framework behind many social AI agents.

  • Personas and long-term memory out of the box
  • Native Discord, X and Telegram connectors
  • Huge plugin ecosystem in TypeScript
See the Eliza 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

Eliza is agent framework (TS), while Google ADK is agent framework. Their licenses differ (MIT vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. In short, Eliza fits character-driven agents living on social platforms, and Google ADK fits production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.

Which should you choose?

Choose Eliza for character-driven agents living on social platforms. 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 Eliza or Google ADK easier to use?

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

Are Eliza and Google ADK free?

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

Can I run Eliza and Google ADK locally?

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

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

Choose Eliza for character-driven agents living on social platforms. Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.

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