LangChain / LangGraph vs LlamaIndex
Compare graph-oriented agent orchestration with a data-oriented framework for retrieval and private-data workflows.
LangChain / LangGraph
Agent and graph runtime ecosystem for building tool-using, stateful, and observable LLM applications.
LlamaIndex
Data-oriented agent and workflow framework for building LLM agents over private data, tools, retrieval, and workflows.
Recommendation
Use LangChain / LangGraph when graph-style control flow and broad integrations dominate the design. Use LlamaIndex when retrieval, document context, and data-connected workflows are the center of the application.
Comparison criteria
Decision matrix
| Criterion | LangChain / LangGraph | LlamaIndex | Winner | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graph runtime | Strong graph-oriented workflow model through LangGraph. | Workflow support exists, but positioning is more data and retrieval oriented. | left | LangChain / LangGraph is the clearer fit for graph-native agent control flow. |
| Retrieval context | Broad integration ecosystem for retrieval workflows. | Data and retrieval are central to the framework identity. | right | LlamaIndex is the stronger default when document and data context are the primary concern. |
| Ecosystem breadth | Large ecosystem across providers, tools, and workflows. | Strong ecosystem around data connectors and retrieval patterns. | depends | Breadth depends on whether the project optimizes for general agent integrations or data workflows. |
| Deployment fit | Suitable for server, container, and workflow runtime deployments. | Suitable for server, container, and workflow runtime deployments. | tie | Both can fit production service deployment patterns with source-specific validation. |
Related compatibility facts
| Source | Target | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| langchain-langgraph | serverless-container-runtime | supported | LangChain and LangGraph applications commonly run in server, container, and workflow runtime deployments. |
| llamaindex | serverless-container-runtime | supported | LlamaIndex agent and workflow applications can run as service or container deployments for data-connected agent workflows. |
When should teams choose LangChain / LangGraph over LlamaIndex?
Choose LangChain / LangGraph when graph-style control flow and broad integrations dominate. Choose LlamaIndex when document context, private data, and retrieval-first workflows are the center of the system.