# Semantic Kernel vs Microsoft Agent Framework

## TL;DR

Semantic Kernel is Microsoft's SDK for plugins and agents in C#, Python and Java. Microsoft Agent Framework is its stated successor, combining Semantic Kernel and AutoGen ideas with graph workflows and checkpoints in Python and .NET. Microsoft says most new features go to Agent Framework and that Semantic Kernel keeps receiving critical fixes.

## Facts side by side

|  | [Semantic Kernel](https://multiagentguide.top/tools/semantic-kernel.md) | [Microsoft Agent Framework](https://multiagentguide.top/tools/microsoft-agent-framework.md) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Type | Framework | Framework |
| Languages / SDKs | C#, Python, Java | Python, .NET, Go |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Pricing model | Open source, free | [Open core](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/microsoft-foundry/) |
| Orchestration pattern | Other | Graph |
| GitHub stars | 28,613 (as of 2026-09-30) | 13,877 (as of 2026-09-30) |
| GitHub forks | 4,795 | 2,403 |
| Last push | 2026-09-30 | 2026-09-30 |
| Latest release | dotnet-1.80.1 | python-1.19.0 |
| Repository | [microsoft/semantic-kernel](https://github.com/microsoft/semantic-kernel) | [microsoft/agent-framework](https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework) |
| Website | [aka.ms](https://aka.ms/semantic-kernel) | [aka.ms](https://aka.ms/agent-framework) |
| Documentation | [learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/overview/) | [learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/agent-framework/) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-30 | 2026-09-30 |
| MCP support | [Yes (checked 2026-09-30)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/concepts/plugins/adding-mcp-plugins) | [Yes (checked 2026-09-30)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/agent-framework/agents/tools/local-mcp-tools) |
| A2A support | [Partial (checked 2026-09-30)](https://github.com/microsoft/semantic-kernel/blob/main/dotnet/src/Agents/A2A/A2AAgent.cs) | [Yes (checked 2026-09-30)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/agent-framework/hosting/self-hosting/a2a/) |
| AG-UI support | Unknown (checked 2026-09-30) | [Yes (checked 2026-09-30)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/agent-framework/integrations/by-component/ui/ag-ui/) |
| Install verified | 2026-09-30 | 2026-09-30 |

## Choose Semantic Kernel if

- You have an existing Semantic Kernel application and need stability rather than new features.
- You build in Java: Semantic Kernel has a Java SDK, Agent Framework does not.
- You rely on Semantic Kernel plugins, filters or the Process Framework and have no reason to move yet.

## Choose Microsoft Agent Framework if

- You are starting a new project on Python or .NET.
- You need workflow checkpoints, approval-required tools, or A2A and AG-UI packages in both Python and .NET (Semantic Kernel's A2A support is .NET only).
- You want the five built-in orchestrations on a workflow layer that is not marked experimental in the way Semantic Kernel's orchestration is.

## Migration notes

Microsoft publishes an official guide: [Migration guide: from Semantic Kernel](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/agent-framework/migration-guide/from-semantic-kernel/). In outline: the `Kernel` plus plugins model is replaced by agents built directly on chat clients with function tools; `AgentThread` becomes an agent session; Semantic Kernel's orchestration classes (concurrent, sequential, handoff, group chat, Magentic) have same-named orchestrations on Agent Framework workflows; filters map to middleware. Timeline facts from Microsoft's blog: Semantic Kernel will be supported for at least a year after Agent Framework reaches general availability, with critical bug and security fixes continuing. Java teams have no Agent Framework SDK to move to. Several Agent Framework integrations are still pre-release (`--pre`).

## FAQ

### Is Semantic Kernel being discontinued?

Microsoft calls Agent Framework its successor and says the majority of new features will be built there. It has stated Semantic Kernel will get critical bug and security fixes and support for at least a year after Agent Framework's general availability.

### Does Agent Framework support Java?

No Java SDK is documented. Agent Framework covers Python and .NET, with Go in public preview.

### Which has broader protocol support?

Agent Framework documents MCP, A2A and AG-UI for Python and .NET. Semantic Kernel documents MCP plugins for Python, has A2A in .NET only, and no AG-UI evidence was found.

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Data as of 2026-09-30. Not affiliated with listed projects. HTML version: https://multiagentguide.top/compare/semantic-kernel-vs-agent-framework