LlamaIndex vs Semantic Kernel

Pick two tools from the same category to compare side-by-side.

	LlamaIndex Data framework for connecting LLMs to private data, with RAG, agents, and event-driven workflows.	Semantic Kernel Microsoft's open-source SDK for embedding LLM agents and plugins into .NET, Python, and Java apps.
Category	framework	framework
Vendor type	hybrid	open source
Pricing	freemium	free
Strengths	+ Extensive data connectors and RAG tooling + Strong document parsing and ingestion (LlamaParse/LlamaCloud) + Agents and event-driven workflows built in + Large ecosystem and integrations	+ Strong enterprise and multi-language support (.NET, Python, Java) + Plugin/connector model and Azure ecosystem integration + Backed by Microsoft with extensive documentation + Established memory and planner/agent primitives
Tradeoffs	− Broad API surface can be complex to navigate − Heritage is RAG-centric rather than agent-first − Frequent API changes across versions	− Most new investment has shifted to Microsoft Agent Framework − API churn and migration overhead for long-lived projects − Heavier, enterprise-oriented abstractions
Used in stacks	0	0