Microsoft Agent Framework vs Semantic Kernel
Side-by-side comparison of two AI agent tools
Short answer
- Microsoft Agent Framework is growing faster: +390 GitHub stars in the last 30 days vs +166 for Semantic Kernel.
- Pick Microsoft Agent Framework for: a framework for building, orchestrating and deploying AI agents and multi-agent workflows with support. Pick Semantic Kernel for: integrate cutting-edge LLM technology quickly and easily into your apps.
From GitHub data refreshed daily.
M
Microsoft Agent Frameworkopen-source
A framework for building, orchestrating and deploying AI agents and multi-agent workflows with support for Python and .NET.
Semantic Kernelopen-source
Integrate cutting-edge LLM technology quickly and easily into your apps
Metrics
| Microsoft Agent Framework | Semantic Kernel | |
|---|---|---|
| Stars | 13.9k | 28.6k |
| Star velocity /mo | 390 | 166.19047619047618 |
| Commits (90d) | 938 | 59 |
| Releases (6m) | 10 | 10 |
| Overall score | 0.8207149083127021 | 0.6825043139380368 |
Pros
- +Model-agnostic design supports multiple LLM providers including OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Hugging Face, and local models
- +Enterprise-ready with built-in observability, security features, and stable APIs for production deployments
- +Multi-language support (Python, .NET, Java) with comprehensive agent orchestration and multi-agent system capabilities
Cons
- -Requires significant programming knowledge and understanding of AI agent concepts
- -Complex setup and configuration for advanced multi-agent workflows
- -Learning curve for mastering the framework's extensive feature set and architectural patterns
Use Cases
- •Building enterprise chatbots and conversational AI applications with reliable LLM integration
- •Creating complex multi-agent systems where specialized AI agents collaborate on business processes
- •Developing AI applications that need flexibility to switch between different LLM providers and deployment environments
FAQ
- Which is more popular, Microsoft Agent Framework or Semantic Kernel?
- Semantic Kernel has more GitHub stars (28,622 vs 13,909).
- Which is more actively developed, Microsoft Agent Framework or Semantic Kernel?
- Microsoft Agent Framework had more commits in the last 90 days (938 vs 59).
- Should I use Microsoft Agent Framework or Semantic Kernel?
- Compare their capabilities, limitations and "best for" notes above. Both are open source, so trying each on a small task is the fastest way to decide.