OpenAI Agents SDK vs CrewAI

Verdict: in our “Best framework for your first agent” ranking, OpenAI Agents SDK ranks #1 and CrewAI ranks #5. The table compares their verified basics; how we rank.

FeatureOpenAI Agents SDKCrewAI
What it isLightweight framework for multi-agent workflows from OpenAI.Python framework for orchestrating role-playing multi-agent crews.
CategoryAgent frameworks & SDKsAgent frameworks & SDKs
Pricing modelopen-sourceopen-source
IntegrationsAPI, MCPAPI
Self-hostableYesYes
Open-source repoopenai/openai-agents-pythoncrewAIInc/crewAI
Rank in “Best framework for your first agent”#1#5
StackRank scoreNot yet benchmarkedNot yet benchmarked
Last verifiedOct 14, 2026Oct 14, 2026

Try them

CrewAI

Python framework for orchestrating role-playing multi-agent crews.

Agent frameworks & SDKsopen-source