openai/openai-agents-python
OfficialA lightweight, powerful framework for multi-agent workflows
The OpenAI Agents SDK is a lightweight Python framework for building multi-agent systems using large language models. It supports agents configured with instructions, tools, guardrails, handoffs, sessions, human-in-the-loop, and tracing, while remaining provider-agnostic for OpenAI APIs and over 100
Best for
Our Review
OpenAI Agents SDK Python has 20,626 GitHub stars and 3,381 forks -- lightweight framework for multi-agent workflows from OpenAI. Built in Python under MIT license, it supports OpenAI APIs and 100+ other LLMs.
What OpenAI Agents SDK does:
- •Agents LLMs with instructions, tools, guardrails, and handoffs for task execution.
- •Handoffs Delegate specific tasks to other agents seamlessly.
- •Tools Integrate functions, MCP servers, and hosted tools for actions.
- •Guardrails Run safety checks on inputs and outputs.
- •Human in the loop Add human approval or input during agent runs.
- •Sessions Track conversation history across multiple runs automatically.
- •Tracing Monitor, debug, and optimize workflows with built-in UI.
- •Realtime agents Build voice agents using gpt-realtime-1.5 with full features.
OpenAI Agents ecosystem:
- •Examples directory Practical demos for multi-agent setups in the repo.
- •Agents JS/TS Companion JavaScript version at openai/openai-agents-js.
- •OpenAI integrations Works with Responses API, Chat Completions, and realtime models.
- •PyPI package Install via pip for quick starts.
Getting started:
Run pip install openai-agents. Import and create agents: from agents import Agent; agent = Agent(name="Research", instructions="..."). Full quickstart at https://openai.github.io/openai-agents-python/. Explore examples/ for multi-agent flows.
Cons
- No official releases yet -- main development on main branch.
- Optimized for OpenAI models -- other LLMs may lack full feature parity.
- Requires OpenAI API keys or compatible providers -- not fully offline.
- Python-only core -- use JS version for web or Node apps.
Our Verdict
Developers pick OpenAI Agents SDK to build production multi-agent systems with tracing and realtime voice. You gain provider flexibility and OpenAI-native features like gpt-realtime-1.5. Skip if you need graph-based control like LangGraph.
Vibe Builders use it to prototype agent teams fast -- define handoffs and tools in minutes. Human-in-the-loop keeps things safe for demos. Skip if you avoid coding or want no-setup UIs.
Teams choose it over CrewAI for official OpenAI support and guardrails. In 2026, tracing UI speeds debugging. Skip if your workflows stay single-agent simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OpenAI Agents SDK Python?
OpenAI Agents SDK Python is a framework for multi-agent LLM workflows. Owner OpenAI released it under MIT license with 20,626 stars. It handles agents, tools, tracing, and realtime voice.
How do you install OpenAI Agents SDK?
Install with `pip install openai-agents` from PyPI. Set your OpenAI API key via environment variable. Start building agents immediately from the docs.
Does it support non-OpenAI LLMs?
Yes, it works with 100+ LLMs beyond OpenAI APIs. Use Chat Completions compatible providers. Performance varies by model.
OpenAI Agents vs LangGraph?
OpenAI Agents suits realtime and handoff-heavy flows. LangGraph fits deterministic state machines. Choose OpenAI Agents when using OpenAI realtime models, LangGraph when needing graph cycles.
What changed in 2026 for OpenAI Agents?
In 2026, tracing UI added export to JSON for analysis. Realtime agents support gpt-realtime-1.5 fully. Docs at openai.github.io cover new guardrail configs.
What is openai-agents-python?
The OpenAI Agents SDK is a lightweight Python framework for building multi-agent systems using large language models. It supports agents configured with instructions, tools, guardrails, handoffs, sessions, human-in-the-loop, and tracing, while remaining provider-agnostic for OpenAI APIs and over 100
How do I install openai-agents-python?
Visit the GitHub repository at https://github.com/openai/openai-agents-python for installation instructions.
What license does openai-agents-python use?
openai-agents-python uses the MIT license.
What are alternatives to openai-agents-python?
Explore related tools and alternatives on My AI Guide.
Great for: Pro Vibe Builders
Skip if: You need something more beginner-friendly or guided
Open source & community-verified
MIT licensed — free to use in any project, no strings attached. 22,857 developers have starred this, meaning the community has reviewed and trusted it.
Reviewed by My AI Guide for relevance, quality, and active maintenance before listing.