Google ADK vs LlamaIndex: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Google ADK and LlamaIndex? Both are popular agent framework tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Both Google ADK and LlamaIndex are strong agent framework choices. The right pick comes down to your specific feature needs, existing stack, and team preferences.
Google ADK vs LlamaIndex — Side by Side
| Google ADK | LlamaIndex | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Agent Framework | Agent Framework |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Free tier | ||
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Best for | Agent Framework — ai, llm | Agent Framework — ai, llm |
Pros & Cons
- Deep GCP / Vertex AI integration
- Strong multi-agent support
- Model-agnostic via LiteLLM
- Backed by Google
- Best value tied to Google Cloud
- Younger ecosystem than LangChain
- Excellent RAG tooling
- Strong document parsing (LlamaParse)
- Open-source
- Many data connectors
- Overlaps with LangChain (choose one)
- Cloud features usage-priced
Key Features Compared
Google ADK
- Multi-agent orchestration
- Gemini-optimized, model-agnostic (LiteLLM)
- Built-in evaluation
- Tooling & code execution
- Python & Java
LlamaIndex
- Free open-source framework
- Best-in-class RAG primitives
- Data connectors & query engines
- Python & TypeScript
Choose Google ADK if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Deep GCP / Vertex AI integration
- Strong multi-agent support
- Model-agnostic via LiteLLM
Choose LlamaIndex if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Excellent RAG tooling
- Strong document parsing (LlamaParse)
- Open-source
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google ADK better than LlamaIndex?⌄
Both Google ADK and LlamaIndex are strong agent framework choices. The right pick comes down to your specific feature needs, existing stack, and team preferences.
What is the difference between Google ADK and LlamaIndex?⌄
Google ADK — Google's open-source Agent Development Kit — multi-agent systems optimized for Gemini and Vertex AI, model-agnostic via LiteLLM. LlamaIndex — Open-source data framework for RAG and agents — connect LLMs to your data, with LlamaCloud for managed pipelines. Both are agent framework tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Google ADK vs LlamaIndex: which is cheaper?⌄
Google ADK pricing: Free. LlamaIndex pricing: Free. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Google ADK or LlamaIndex?⌄
In our catalog, Google ADK rates 4.4 out of 5 and LlamaIndex rates 4.5 out of 5, so LlamaIndex has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best agent framework tools for startups.
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