LlamaIndex vs Semantic Kernel(2026)
LlamaIndex is better for teams that need best-in-class for rag. Semantic Kernel is the stronger choice if best .net support. LlamaIndex is open-source (from $0) and Semantic Kernel is open-source (from $0).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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LlamaIndex
LlamaIndex is a data framework for LLM applications specializing in connecting LLMs to external data sources — with best-in-class RAG pipelines, data connectors, and indexing strategies.
Starting at $0
Visit LlamaIndexSemantic Kernel
Semantic Kernel is Microsoft's open-source AI SDK that enables developers to integrate LLMs into .NET, Python, and Java applications with plugins, memory, and multi-agent orchestration.
Starting at $0
Visit Semantic KernelHow Do LlamaIndex and Semantic Kernel Compare on Features?
| Feature | LlamaIndex | Semantic Kernel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | open-source |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| RAG pipelines | ✓ | — |
| 100+ data connectors | ✓ | — |
| Multi-modal support | ✓ | — |
| Agents | ✓ | — |
| Query engines | ✓ | — |
| Observability | ✓ | — |
| Python + TypeScript | ✓ | — |
| Plugin architecture | — | ✓ |
| Memory management | — | ✓ |
| Multi-agent orchestration | — | ✓ |
| .NET/Python/Java | — | ✓ |
| Azure OpenAI integration | — | ✓ |
| Process framework | — | ✓ |
| Planners | — | ✓ |
LlamaIndex Pros and Cons vs Semantic Kernel
LlamaIndex
Semantic Kernel
Should You Use LlamaIndex or Semantic Kernel?
Choose LlamaIndex if…
- •Best-in-class for RAG
- •Rich data connectors
- •Strong enterprise adoption
Choose Semantic Kernel if…
- •Best .NET support
- •Enterprise-grade (Microsoft)
- •Strong Azure integration