helicone vs langsmith-sdk
LLM observability and tracing projects compared
helicone combines request observability with an AI gateway for routing requests across model providers. langsmith-sdk provides Python and JavaScript/TypeScript clients that send application traces to the LangSmith platform; it is an SDK rather than a standalone service.
helicone: Monitor and Route LLM Requests
Helicone is a TypeScript platform for observing LLM requests and routing them across model providers. It helps AI teams inspect traces, track cost and latency, manage prompts, and self-host the observability stack.
langsmith-sdk: Trace and Evaluate LLM Applications with LangSmith
LangSmith SDKs from LangChain let Python and JavaScript/TypeScript applications trace, evaluate, and monitor language models and agents through the LangSmith platform. This repository is archived; the SDKs have moved to separate Python and JavaScript repositories.
| helicone | langsmith-sdk | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | Python |
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| Stars | 6.2k | 1.1k |
| Forks | 683 | 315 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 7, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 |
Key differences
- helicone combines tracing and metrics with an OpenAI-compatible gateway, while langsmith-sdk focuses on tracing application runs to the LangSmith platform.
- helicone includes tools for routing, fallbacks, prompt management, and a playground; langsmith-sdk supports debugging, evaluation, and monitoring workflows through its clients.
- helicone is written in TypeScript and uses the Apache-2.0 license; langsmith-sdk provides Python and JavaScript/TypeScript SDKs and uses the MIT license.
- helicone offers a self-hosting path involving multiple services; langsmith-sdk requires access to the LangSmith platform and an API key.
- helicone has 6.2k stars and 680 forks, compared with 1.1k stars and 307 forks for langsmith-sdk.
Choose helicone if you…
- need request traces alongside cost, latency, and quality metrics.
- want a gateway to access multiple model providers and configure routing or fallbacks.
- need prompt testing and version management, or want to evaluate a multi-service self-hosting option.
Choose langsmith-sdk if you…
- want Python or JavaScript/TypeScript clients to trace an existing LLM application.
- need to send application runs to LangSmith for debugging, evaluation, or monitoring.
- want to add tracing to OpenAI client calls or a LangChain-based application.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.