Head to head

Claude Agent SDK vs Dify

Claude Agent SDK and Dify both work in AI Agents. Here is how they stack up on pricing, access, context and our editorial scores, and which one to pick.

Side by side

Tool
Claude Agent SDKby Anthropic4.2Setuproll editorial score
Tool
Difyby Dify4.5Setuproll editorial score
PricingOpen SourceFree, self-host or bring your own key
PricingOpen SourceFree self-host + cloud plans
AccessAPI
AccessLocal
Contextn/a
Contextn/a
Open sourceYes
Open sourceYes
Best foragent building in ai agents
Best forLLM app and agent building
Setuproll score4.2
Setuproll score4.5

The verdict

Dify edges ahead overall, with a 4.5 Setuproll editorial score and a strong fit for llm app and agent building. Claude Agent SDK is the better pick when you want agent building in ai agents, and it stays in the running on price and access. Most teams choose Dify as the default and reach for Claude Agent SDK when their workflow leans that way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Claude Agent SDK or Dify better?

Claude Agent SDK holds a 4.2 Setuproll editorial score and is best for agent building in ai agents, while Dify holds a 4.5 and is best for llm app and agent building. Pick Claude Agent SDK for agent building in ai agents and Dify for llm app and agent building.

What is the difference between Claude Agent SDK and Dify?

Claude Agent SDK is reached as API (open source) with n/a, while Dify is reached as Local (open source) with n/a. They overlap on AI Agents and AI Backend but lead in different parts of the workflow.

Is Claude Agent SDK cheaper than Dify?

Claude Agent SDK is free, self-host or bring your own key, and Dify is free self-host + cloud plans. Both have a path to start without a large upfront cost.

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