---
title: "LangGraph vs LlamaIndex: Which is Better in 2026? | App Stack Builder"
description: "LangGraph vs LlamaIndex compared for 2026 — pricing, free tiers, features, pros & cons. See which agent framework tool is the better fit for your startup."
source: https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/langgraph-vs-llamaindex
retrieved: 2026-09-02
---

Agent Framework

# LangGraph vs LlamaIndex: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between [LangGraph](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/langgraph) and [LlamaIndex](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/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 LangGraph and LlamaIndex are strong agent framework choices. The right pick comes down to your specific feature needs, existing stack, and team preferences.

## LangGraph vs LlamaIndex — Side by Side

|                | LangGraph                 | LlamaIndex                |
| -------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Category       | Agent Framework           | Agent Framework           |
| Pricing        | Free                      | Free                      |
| Starting price | Free tier available       | Free tier available       |
| Free tier      | ✓                         | ✓                         |
| Rating         | 4.5                       | 4.5                       |
| Best for       | Agent Framework — ai, llm | Agent Framework — ai, llm |

## Pros & Cons

![LangGraph](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=langchain.com&sz=128)

[LangGraph](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/langgraph)

* ✓Fine-grained agent control
* ✓Great for complex multi-step flows
* ✓Open-source
* ✓Integrates with LangChain & LangSmith
* ✗Steeper learning curve
* ✗Newer than core LangChain

![LlamaIndex](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=llamaindex.ai&sz=128)

[LlamaIndex](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/llamaindex)

* ✓Excellent RAG tooling
* ✓Strong document parsing (LlamaParse)
* ✓Open-source
* ✓Many data connectors
* ✗Overlaps with LangChain (choose one)
* ✗Cloud features usage-priced

## Key Features Compared

### LangGraph

* ✓Free open-source library
* ✓Stateful agent graphs
* ✓Human-in-the-loop
* ✓Durable execution

### LlamaIndex

* ✓Free open-source framework
* ✓Best-in-class RAG primitives
* ✓Data connectors & query engines
* ✓Python & TypeScript

### Choose LangGraph if…

* ✓You want a free tier to validate before paying.
* ✓Fine-grained agent control
* ✓Great for complex multi-step flows
* ✓Open-source
[LangGraph review & pricing ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/langgraph)

### Choose LlamaIndex if…

* ✓You want a free tier to validate before paying.
* ✓Excellent RAG tooling
* ✓Strong document parsing (LlamaParse)
* ✓Open-source
[LlamaIndex review & pricing ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/llamaindex)

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is LangGraph better than LlamaIndex?⌄

Both LangGraph 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 LangGraph and LlamaIndex?⌄

LangGraph — Open-source library for building stateful, multi-step agent workflows as graphs — with a managed platform option. 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.

LangGraph vs LlamaIndex: which is cheaper?⌄

LangGraph pricing: Free. LlamaIndex pricing: Free. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.

Which is rated higher, LangGraph or LlamaIndex?⌄

In our catalog, LangGraph rates 4.5 out of 5 and LlamaIndex rates 4.5 out of 5 — they are evenly matched.

See more options in our guide to the [best agent framework tools for startups](https://appstackbuilder.com/categories/agent-framework).

## 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 ](https://appstackbuilder.com/)