CrewAI vs LlamaIndex
Which LLM Orchestration AI tool is better in 2026?
CrewAI
Framework for orchestrating role-playing autonomous AI agents
LlamaIndex
Data framework and cloud for LLM applications
Side-by-side
| CrewAI | LlamaIndex | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Framework for orchestrating role-playing autonomous AI agents | Data framework and cloud for LLM applications |
| Founded | 2024 | 2023 |
| HQ | San Francisco, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employees | 11-50 | 11-50 |
| Total funding | $18M | $27.5M |
| Latest round | Seed · Oct 2024 | Series A · Mar 2025 |
| Valuation | $76M | — |
| Cheapest paid plan | — | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plan | ✓ Basic (Free) | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier price | Enterprise · Contact sales | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summary | 2 published plans | Free |
| Categories |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for CrewAI and LlamaIndex.
| Capability | CrewAI | LlamaIndex |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✓ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDK languages | 1 (Python) | 2 (python, typescript) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of CrewAI
- Newer company (2024)
🔵 Strengths of LlamaIndex
- Has raised more capital ($27.5M vs $18M)
- Higher Neuron score (83 vs 52)
- More mature (2023)
Which should you choose?
Choose LlamaIndex if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both LLM Orchestration tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose LlamaIndex if you want the most established option — it has raised $27.5M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
CrewAI vs LlamaIndex — which is better?
It depends on your priority. CrewAI is the leaner option; LlamaIndex has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is CrewAI cheaper than LlamaIndex?
No — LlamaIndex's cheapest paid plan is Free, while CrewAI's is Free.
Do CrewAI and LlamaIndex offer free plans?
CrewAI: Yes, has a free plan. LlamaIndex: Yes, has a free plan.
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