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Claude Code vs Microsoft Agent Framework

Bottom line

Claude Code is paid, while Microsoft Agent Framework is free. Microsoft Agent Framework is open source and Claude Code is not. You can run Microsoft Agent Framework on your own machine or server; Claude Code is hosted by the vendor.

Which one should you try?

Claude Code

Paid

Best for Developers comfortable reviewing code and commands

Visit Claude Code See full review

Microsoft Agent Framework

Free

Best for Teams building production multi-agent systems with enterprise governance requirements

Visit Microsoft Agent Framework See full review

Pricing, capabilities and platforms side by side. Prices are as of the "Pricing checked" date in the table.

Claude Code

Claude Code

Anthropic's coding agent for editing repositories, running commands and tests, and reviewing changes.

Microsoft Agent Framework

Microsoft Agent Framework

A framework for building, orchestrating and deploying AI agents and multi-agent workflows with support for Python and .NET.

AttributeClaude CodeMicrosoft Agent Framework
PricingPaidFree
PricePro US$20/month or US$200/year billed upfront; API/provider usage billed separately—
Pricing checkedOct 17, 2026Not checked yet
Free trialNot statedNot stated
Open sourceNoYes
Has APIYesYes
Self-hosted optionNoYes
PlatformsTerminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop, webPython, .NET (1.0 stable); Go (public preview)
Languages—Python, C# (.NET)
Released—2025-10
Pros
  • Edits files and runs project commands within a repository
  • Terminal and supported IDE workflows
  • MCP and automation options extend project tooling
  • Unifies the enterprise-ready foundations of Semantic Kernel with the innovative orchestration of AutoGen
  • Full framework support for both Python and C#/.NET implementations with consistent APIs and built-in OpenTelemetry integration for distributed tracing, monitoring, and debugging
  • Open standards & interoperability — MCP, A2A, and OpenAPI ensure agents are portable and vendor-neutral
  • Supports integration with any API via OpenAPI, collaboration across runtimes with Agent2Agent (A2A), and dynamic tool connections using MCP
  • Enterprise readiness — built-in observability, approvals, security, and long-running durability
Cons
  • Usage limits or API charges depend on authentication
  • Generated code and commands still require review
  • Self-hosted runners retain hosted inference and session traffic
  • Public preview released October 1, 2025, with AutoGen and Semantic Kernel entering maintenance mode
  • Requires understanding of agentic AI concepts and orchestration patterns
  • Dependent on external model providers for LLM capabilities

Made up your mind?

Claude Code

Paid

Best for Developers comfortable reviewing code and commands

Visit Claude Code See full review

Microsoft Agent Framework

Free

Best for Teams building production multi-agent systems with enterprise governance requirements

Visit Microsoft Agent Framework See full review

Related comparisons

Free trials & curated lists

Specs come from each tool's own site and docs (how we test). AIDiveForge is editorially independent.

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