Open-Source AI · AI agent framework

LangGraph vs Julep

LangGraph vs Julep compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Stateful, controllable agent graphs vs Stateful agents as a service.

Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech

Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose Julep for agents that must run for days, not seconds.

LangGraph vs Julep at a glance

SpecLangGraphJulep
CategoryAI agent frameworkAI agent framework
TypeAgent orchestration (graphs)Agent backend
LicenseMITApache-2.0
Runs locallyCloud-optionalYes
Primary languagePython / JSPython
Ease of useAdvancedIntermediate
Best fordevelopers needing controllable agent workflowsagents that must run for days, not seconds
GitHub stars37.1k6.6k

How LangGraph and Julep score

🤝 Too close to call — LangGraph and Julep land within a hair (4.0 vs 4.2 / 5). Pick on fit, not on score.
CriterionLangGraphJulep
Popularity4.02.5
Maintenance5.05.0
Ease of use2.53.5
Privacy3.55.0
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

LangGraph

Agent orchestration (graphs) · MIT

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
See the LangGraph page →

Julep

Agent backend · Apache-2.0

Julep provides a backend for long-running, stateful agents with persistent memory and scheduled tasks, so your agents survive restarts.

  • Persistent state across sessions
  • Scheduled and long-running tasks
  • Self-hostable backend
See the Julep page →

Key differences

LangGraph is agent orchestration (graphs), while Julep is agent backend. Their licenses differ (MIT vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. LangGraph leans more advanced-friendly, whereas Julep is more suited to intermediate users. They also differ in how they run (Cloud-optional vs Yes). In short, LangGraph fits developers needing controllable agent workflows, and Julep fits agents that must run for days, not seconds.

Which should you choose?

Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose Julep for agents that must run for days, not seconds.

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 Julep easier to use?

Julep is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while LangGraph rewards more setup with more control.

Are LangGraph and Julep free?

LangGraph is free and open source (MIT), and Julep is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.

Can I run LangGraph and Julep locally?

LangGraph: cloud-optional · Julep: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.

LangGraph vs Julep — which should I pick in 2026?

Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose Julep for agents that must run for days, not seconds.

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