Multi-Agent Frameworks
Comparing orchestration frameworks for 2026
LangGraph leads multi-agent frameworks at 34% market share with its graph-based orchestration, followed by CrewAI at 28% for role-based teams. The market is consolidating around two paradigms: deterministic graphs (LangGraph) and autonomous swarms (CrewAI/AutoGen).
34%
LangGraph market share
Framework Survey
28%
CrewAI market share
Framework Survey
5
Major frameworks
Research
Framework Landscape 2026
The multi-agent framework market has matured significantly. Five major players dominate, each with distinct architectural philosophies. The choice between them increasingly depends on specific deployment requirements rather than feature checklists.
LangGraph
34%Graph-based state machines. Best for deterministic, auditable workflows. 34% market share.
CrewAI
28%Role-based agent teams. Best for autonomous collaboration. 28% market share.
AutoGen
18%Conversation-driven patterns from Microsoft. Strong for research and prototyping.
OpenAI Agents SDK
NewNative OpenAI integration. Handoff patterns, guardrails built-in. Rapid adoption.
Pydantic AI
RisingType-safe, production-focused. Minimal abstraction, maximum control.
Selection Criteria
Choosing a framework requires evaluating: determinism needs (regulated industries demand LangGraph), team autonomy requirements (creative tasks suit CrewAI), existing stack (OpenAI-heavy shops benefit from Agents SDK), and production requirements (type safety drives Pydantic AI adoption).
Deterministic workflows
BestLangGraph: explicit state machines with human-in-the-loop checkpoints
Autonomous agent teams
BestCrewAI: agents negotiate roles and delegate independently
Rapid prototyping
BestAutoGen: conversation-based patterns, quick setup
Type-safe production
BestPydantic AI: minimal abstraction, strong typing throughout
Convergence Trends
All frameworks are converging on three capabilities: built-in memory/state management, native tool integration, and observability hooks. The differentiator is shifting from features to developer experience and production reliability.
Key Findings
LangGraph commands 34% market share with graph-based deterministic orchestration
CrewAI holds 28% with role-based autonomous agent teams
OpenAI Agents SDK growing fastest due to native integration with GPT models
Pydantic AI gaining traction in production environments requiring type safety
All major frameworks converging on memory, tools, and observability as baseline features
Frequently Asked Questions
LangGraph leads at 34% market share with graph-based deterministic orchestration, followed by CrewAI at 28% for role-based agent teams.
Sources & References
11 validated sources · Last updated 2026-01-27