fast-agent vs autogen
Python frameworks for building and orchestrating AI agents
fast-agent and autogen are Python projects for building LLM agents and multi-agent workflows, with support for tools and MCP servers. fast-agent emphasizes configurable agents, workflows, and an interactive CLI, while autogen offers layered APIs, prototyping tools, and is in maintenance mode.
fast-agent: Build and Run LLM Agents and Workflows
A Python framework and CLI for building, testing, and running LLM agents that use MCP tools and compose into workflows. It suits developers who want both interactive agent development and a programmable framework.
autogen: Build Multi-Agent AI Applications
AutoGen is a Python framework for building AI agents that work independently or alongside people. It supports multi-agent orchestration, model and tool integrations, and prototyping, but is now in maintenance mode.
| fast-agent | autogen | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Python | Python |
| License | Apache-2.0 | CC-BY-4.0 |
| Stars | 3.9k | 61.3k |
| Forks | 446 | 9.3k |
| Last analyzed | Oct 7, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- fast-agent combines a Python framework with a CLI for interactive terminal use; autogen provides Core, AgentChat, and Extensions APIs, plus AutoGen Studio for prototyping.
- fast-agent supports chains, parallel fan-out, routers, evaluator-optimizers, and orchestrators; autogen focuses on event-driven agents and higher-level chat and orchestration patterns.
- fast-agent lists native Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google providers, with other providers available through TensorZero; autogen lists integrations including OpenAI and Azure OpenAI.
- fast-agent uses the Apache-2.0 license; autogen uses CC-BY-4.0.
- fast-agent is active and describes uses including developing and running agent applications; autogen is in maintenance mode, with Microsoft recommending its successor for new projects.
- fast-agent can run applications as MCP servers or through ACP clients; autogen includes AutoGen Bench for evaluation and a Python and .NET project ecosystem.
Choose fast-agent if you…
- need a Python framework and CLI for configuring and interacting with agents.
- want to compose agents using patterns such as parallel fan-out, routers, or evaluator-optimizers.
- plan to run agent applications as MCP servers or through ACP clients.
Choose autogen if you…
- maintain or migrate an existing application built with AutoGen APIs.
- want to prototype multi-agent workflows with AutoGen Studio or evaluate agents with AutoGen Bench.
- need its event-driven Core API or Python and .NET project resources.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.