Open-Source AI · AI agent framework

LangGraph vs Phidata

LangGraph vs Phidata compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Stateful, controllable agent graphs vs Agents with memory, knowledge and tools.

Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech

Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose Phidata for agents that need to remember and retrieve.

LangGraph vs Phidata at a glance

SpecLangGraphPhidata
CategoryAI agent frameworkAI agent framework
TypeAgent orchestration (graphs)Agent framework
LicenseMITMPL-2.0
Runs locallyCloud-optionalYes
Primary languagePython / JSPython
Ease of useAdvancedBeginner
Best fordevelopers needing controllable agent workflowsagents that need to remember and retrieve
GitHub stars37.1k

How LangGraph and Phidata score

🏆 Overall edge: Phidata — 4.5 vs 4.0 / 5
CriterionLangGraphPhidata
Popularity4.0n/a
Maintenance5.0n/a
Ease of use2.55.0
Privacy3.55.0
License freedom5.03.5

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 →

Phidata

Agent framework · MPL-2.0

Phidata builds agents that combine memory, a knowledge base and tools, and ships a UI to chat with and inspect them.

  • Memory and knowledge built in
  • Ships an agent inspection UI
  • Simple, readable API
Visit Phidata →

Key differences

LangGraph is agent orchestration (graphs), while Phidata is agent framework. Their licenses differ (MIT vs MPL-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. LangGraph leans more advanced-friendly, whereas Phidata is more suited to beginner users. They also differ in how they run (Cloud-optional vs Yes). In short, LangGraph fits developers needing controllable agent workflows, and Phidata fits agents that need to remember and retrieve.

Which should you choose?

Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose Phidata for agents that need to remember and retrieve.

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 Phidata easier to use?

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

Are LangGraph and Phidata free?

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

Can I run LangGraph and Phidata locally?

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

LangGraph vs Phidata — which should I pick in 2026?

Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose Phidata for agents that need to remember and retrieve.

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