Capability · Comparison
LangGraph vs OpenAI Agents SDK
LangGraph and the OpenAI Agents SDK occupy overlapping but distinct slots. LangGraph is the portable, provider-agnostic way to build agents with explicit state graphs — it runs on top of any model. The OpenAI Agents SDK (successor to Assistants API) is tightly integrated with OpenAI's Responses API and built-in tools. Pick based on how locked-in you want to be.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | LangGraph | OpenAI Agents SDK |
|---|---|---|
| Provider-agnostic | Yes — any LLM | OpenAI-first (some model support via proxy) |
| Control model | Explicit state graph | Agent-with-handoffs (higher-level) |
| Built-in tools | None — bring your own | Web search, file search, code interpreter, computer use |
| State persistence | First-class (SQLite, Postgres, Redis) | Server-side via Responses API state |
| Observability | LangSmith (first-class) | OpenAI dashboards + tracing |
| Multi-model routing | Native — different nodes, different models | Possible but less natural |
| Language | Python + TypeScript | Python + TypeScript |
| Best for | Multi-provider, portable agents | OpenAI-native products, quick integration |
| Lock-in | Low | High (Responses API state, built-in tools) |
Verdict
LangGraph is the right choice when portability matters — mixed models (Claude + GPT + Gemini), self-hosted deployment, or vendor neutrality. The OpenAI Agents SDK is the right choice when you're committed to OpenAI and want the least glue code — Responses API state, built-in web search, code interpreter, and computer use come out of the box. Teams often prototype on the Agents SDK and migrate to LangGraph once they hit a multi-provider requirement.
When to choose each
Choose LangGraph if…
- You want to use multiple providers (Claude, GPT, Gemini) in one agent.
- You need full state-persistence control (your own DB).
- You're already on LangChain + LangSmith.
- Vendor neutrality is a stated requirement.
Choose OpenAI Agents SDK if…
- You're OpenAI-first and want minimal glue code.
- You want built-in web search, code interpreter, or computer use.
- You prefer server-side state via Responses API.
- You want the fastest path to a working OpenAI-native agent.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OpenAI Agents SDK a successor to Assistants?
Yes — OpenAI has migrated the ecosystem from the Assistants API to the Responses API + Agents SDK. Assistants is in long-term maintenance but not receiving new features.
Can I use the Agents SDK with Claude?
Not directly. The SDK is built around the OpenAI Responses API. If you want Claude, use LangGraph, the Anthropic Agents SDK, or bridge via LiteLLM.
Which has better observability?
Both have dashboards. LangSmith is more mature for multi-provider tracing; OpenAI's dashboards are better for OpenAI-native workflows.
Sources
- LangGraph — accessed 2026-04-20
- OpenAI — Agents SDK — accessed 2026-04-20