LangGraph vs 
Google ADK
LangGraph vs Google ADK compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Stateful, controllable agent graphs vs Google's official Agent Development Kit.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
LangGraph vs Google ADK at a glance
| Spec | LangGraph | Google ADK |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI agent framework | AI agent framework |
| Type | Agent orchestration (graphs) | Agent framework |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Cloud-optional | Partial |
| Primary language | Python / JS | Python |
| Ease of use | Advanced | Intermediate |
| Best for | developers needing controllable agent workflows | production agents on the Google/Gemini stack |
| GitHub stars | 37.1k | 20.6k |
Feature comparison
| Feature | LangGraph | Google ADK |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-agent | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tool / function calling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Code execution | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory | ✓ | ✓ |
| Human-in-the-loop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graph control | ✓ | ✓ |
How LangGraph and Google ADK score
| Criterion | LangGraph | Google ADK |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Maintenance | 5.0 | 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
LangGraph
LangGraph is a library for building stateful, controllable agents as graphs, giving you fine-grained control over loops, branching and persistence.
- Explicit, controllable agent state machines
- Persistence and human-in-the-loop built in
- Integrates with the LangChain ecosystem
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
Key differences
LangGraph is agent orchestration (graphs), while Google ADK is agent framework. Their licenses differ (MIT vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. LangGraph leans more advanced-friendly, whereas Google ADK is more suited to intermediate users. They also differ in how they run (Cloud-optional vs Partial). In short, LangGraph fits developers needing controllable agent workflows, and Google ADK fits production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.
Which should you choose?
Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. 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 LangGraph or Google ADK easier to use?
Google ADK is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while LangGraph rewards more setup with more control.
Are LangGraph and Google ADK free?
LangGraph 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 LangGraph and Google ADK locally?
LangGraph: cloud-optional · Google ADK: partial. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
LangGraph vs Google ADK — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose Google ADK for production agents on the Google/Gemini stack.
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