Google ADK vs 
AG2
Google ADK vs AG2 compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Google's official Agent Development Kit vs The community continuation of AutoGen.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Google ADK vs AG2 at a glance
| Spec | Google ADK | AG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI agent framework | AI agent framework |
| Type | Agent framework | Multi-agent framework |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Partial | Cloud-optional |
| Primary language | Python | Python |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Best for | production agents on the Google/Gemini stack | teams invested in the AutoGen conversation model |
| GitHub stars | 20.6k | 4.8k |
How Google ADK and AG2 score
| Criterion | Google ADK | AG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| Maintenance | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 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
Google ADK
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
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
Google ADK is agent framework, while AG2 is multi-agent framework. They also differ in how they run (Partial vs Cloud-optional). In short, Google ADK fits production agents on the Google/Gemini stack, and AG2 fits teams invested in the AutoGen conversation model.
Which should you choose?
Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack. 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 Google ADK or AG2 easier to use?
Both sit at a similar level (Intermediate). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.
Are Google ADK and AG2 free?
Google ADK is free and open source (Apache-2.0), and AG2 is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Google ADK and AG2 locally?
Google ADK: partial · AG2: cloud-optional. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Google ADK vs AG2 — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack. Choose AG2 for teams invested in the AutoGen conversation model.
People also compare
Explore more open-source AI
Browse thousands of open-source AI tools, models and projects — all curated in one place, updated daily.
Explore the directory →