Head-to-Head Comparison

AutoGen vs Semantic Kernel

Quick answer: AutoGen leads this head-to-head in 2026, scoring 94 on the Hyland Score against Semantic Kernel's 84. It scores higher on the Hyland Score (94 vs 84). Choose Semantic Kernel instead if your work fits the "Orchestration" category better.

HIGHER SCORE

AutoGen

Microsoft

94HYLAND SCORE

Microsoft multi-agent conversation framework enabling complex LLM applications through agent collaboration.

Try AutoGen

Semantic Kernel

Microsoft

84HYLAND SCORE

Enterprise AI orchestration for .NET and Python.

Try Semantic Kernel

Spec-by-spec

SPEC

AUTOGEN

SEMANTIC KERNEL

Hyland Score

Category

Multi-Agent

Orchestration

Pricing

Open Source

Open source

Yes

Self-hostable

Yes

Languages

Python

—

GitHub stars

32K

~25K

Open source

Yes

—

Self-hostable

Yes

—

Free tier

Yes

—

Language

—

C#, Python, Java

Architecture

—

Kernel + plugins

License

—

MIT

AutoGen: strengths & weaknesses

Higher Hyland Score (94 vs 84)
Open Source pricing lowers the cost of getting started
Narrower feature set than the alternative

Semantic Kernel: strengths & weaknesses

Open Source pricing lowers the cost of getting started
Broader feature set out of the box
Lower Hyland Score (84 vs 94)

The Verdict

Choose AutoGen for most teams

AutoGen comes out ahead because it scores higher on the Hyland Score (94 vs 84).

Choose Semantic Kernel instead if your work fits the "Orchestration" category better.

Try AutoGen Browse all AI Agent Frameworks

AutoGen vs Semantic Kernel: FAQ

Which is better, AutoGen or Semantic Kernel?

Based on the Hyland Score, AutoGen leads with 94 vs 84, because it scores higher on the Hyland Score (94 vs 84). However, Choose Semantic Kernel instead if your work fits the "Orchestration" category better.

Is AutoGen free to use?

AutoGen uses a Open Source pricing model. It is open source. It can be self-hosted.

Is Semantic Kernel free to use?

Semantic Kernel uses a Open Source pricing model. It is open source. It can be self-hosted.

Can I use AutoGen and Semantic Kernel together?

Yes — many teams combine them. AutoGen strengths: python, coding, research. Semantic Kernel strengths: .net, python, enterprise. Evaluate both against your actual workload before standardizing on one.