Agent Framework

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 ADKLlamaIndex
CategoryAgent FrameworkAgent Framework
PricingFreeFree
Starting priceFree tier availableFree tier available
Free tier
Best forAgent Framework — ai, llmAgent Framework — ai, llm

Pros & Cons

Google ADK
Google ADK
  • 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
LlamaIndex
LlamaIndex
  • Excellent RAG tooling
  • Strong document parsing (LlamaParse)
  • Open-source
  • Many data connectors
  • Overlaps with LangChain (choose one)
  • Cloud features usage-priced

Choose Google ADK if…

you want a free tier to start, and Google ADK Google's open-source Agent Development Kit — multi-agent systems optimized for Gemini and Vertex AI, model-agnostic via LiteLLM.

Google ADK review & pricing

Choose LlamaIndex if…

you want a free tier to start, and LlamaIndex Open-source data framework for RAG and agents — connect LLMs to your data, with LlamaCloud for managed pipelines.

LlamaIndex review & pricing

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.

See more options in our guide to the best agent framework tools for startups.

Still not sure which to pick?

Get a free, AI-powered tech stack — including the best agent framework pick for your budget and team — in 60 seconds.

Build my stack free