Dify vs LlamaIndex
Which LLM Orchestration AI tool is better in 2026?
Dify
The open-source platform for building agentic AI workflows and LLM apps
LlamaIndex
Data framework and cloud for LLM applications
Side-by-side
Dify is the more established option (raised $30M), but LlamaIndex is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Dify | LlamaIndex |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The open-source platform for building agentic AI workflows and LLM apps | Data framework and cloud for LLM applications |
| Foundedi | 2023 | 2023 |
| HQi | United States | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | — | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 72 | 83🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $30M🏆 | $27.5M |
| Latest roundi | Pre-Series A | Series A · Mar 2025 |
| Valuationi | $180M🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | From $59/mo | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free · From $59/mo | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Dify and LlamaIndex.
| Capability | Dify | LlamaIndex |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (Python, JavaScript) | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Dify
- Has raised more capital ($30M vs $27.5M)
🔵 Strengths of LlamaIndex
- Higher Neuron score (83 vs 72)
- Offers a free trial
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 Dify if you want the most established option — it has raised $30M, 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.
💸 Deals
LlamaIndex Cloud free plan — 1000 pages/day
LlamaCloud free plan includes 1,000 parsed pages per day via LlamaParse — perfect for prototyping RAG pipelines.
Frequently asked questions
Dify vs LlamaIndex — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Dify has raised more capital and is the more established option; LlamaIndex is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Dify cheaper than LlamaIndex?
No — LlamaIndex's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Dify's is Free · From $59/mo.
Do Dify and LlamaIndex offer free plans?
Dify: Yes, has a free plan. LlamaIndex: Yes, has a free plan.
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