LangGraph vs 
OpenHands
LangGraph vs OpenHands compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Stateful, controllable agent graphs vs AI developer that writes and runs code.
Updated regularly · curated by olud.ai
LangGraph vs OpenHands at a glance
| Spec | LangGraph | OpenHands |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI agent framework | AI agent framework |
| Type | Agent orchestration (graphs) | Autonomous coding agent |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Runs locally | Cloud-optional | Cloud-optional |
| Primary language | Python / JS | Python |
| Ease of use | Advanced | Advanced |
| Best for | developers needing controllable agent workflows | autonomous end-to-end coding tasks |
| GitHub stars | 37.8k | — |
How LangGraph and OpenHands score
| Criterion | LangGraph | OpenHands |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 4.0 | n/a |
| Maintenance | 5.0 | n/a |
| Ease of use | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| License freedom | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
LangGraph
LangGraph is a library for building stateful, controllable agents as graphs, giving you fine-grained control over loops, branching and persistence.
- Explicit, controllable agent state machines
- Persistence and human-in-the-loop built in
- Integrates with the LangChain ecosystem
OpenHands
OpenHands (formerly OpenDevin) is an autonomous software-engineering agent that can write code, run commands, browse the web and fix issues like a human developer.
- Acts like a real developer: edits, runs, tests
- Strong SWE-bench performance
- Open alternative to Devin
Key differences
LangGraph is agent orchestration (graphs), while OpenHands is autonomous coding agent. In short, LangGraph fits developers needing controllable agent workflows, and OpenHands fits autonomous end-to-end coding tasks.
Which should you choose?
Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose OpenHands for autonomous end-to-end coding tasks.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is LangGraph or OpenHands easier to use?
Both sit at a similar level (Advanced). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.
Are LangGraph and OpenHands free?
LangGraph is free and open source (MIT), and OpenHands is free and open source (MIT). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run LangGraph and OpenHands locally?
LangGraph: cloud-optional · OpenHands: cloud-optional. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
LangGraph vs OpenHands — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose LangGraph for developers needing controllable agent workflows. Choose OpenHands for autonomous end-to-end coding tasks.
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