MetaGPT vs OpenManus
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A framework where several LLM agents play software-company roles to build software from one sentence.
Open source · MIT
Open-source Python framework for building general-purpose AI agents that run tasks from a prompt.
Our verdict
MetaGPT is built around a simulated software company: several role-playing agents (product manager, architect, engineer) take a one-line requirement and produce specs and code, so it suits people exploring multi-agent teamwork or small prototypes. OpenManus is a general-purpose agent that takes a task in plain language and works toward it, with browser use and tool calls, so it suits people who want an open, customizable agent for everyday tasks. Both are free, MIT-licensed Python projects that need your own LLM API key and are aimed at developers rather than non-technical users.
Pick MetaGPT if you want to experiment with role-based AI teams that turn a one-sentence software requirement into specs and code.
Pick OpenManus if you want a customizable general-purpose agent that runs plain-language tasks and can browse the web.
| Key difference | MetaGPT | OpenManus |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | Several agents play software-company roles to build software. | One general agent works toward tasks described in plain language. |
| Best at | Generating specs, designs and small code prototypes from one line. | Running varied tasks with tool calls and browser automation. |
| Setup | Python plus Node.js with pnpm, and a YAML config for LLM providers. | Python and a config.toml file; optional browser and chart extras. |
| Maturity | Active project with 71.1k GitHub stars; output still needs review. | 58.8k GitHub stars; README calls the multi-agent flow unstable. |
| Cost | Free and open source, but you pay for LLM API usage. | Free and open source, but you pay for LLM API usage. |
Written with AI from both products' catalogue entries · updated 2026-10-29
Who each one is for
Choose MetaGPT if you need…
- Developers experimenting with multi-agent LLM workflows
- Researchers interested in agent collaboration using standard operating procedures
- Students exploring how role-based AI teams are built
- People who want a starting-point project to generate small software prototypes
Choose OpenManus if you need…
- Developers who want to experiment with an open-source general AI agent
- Students learning how LLM agents call tools and browse the web
- Teams wanting to customize agent behavior in Python rather than use a closed product
- People who already have an LLM API key from OpenAI or a compatible provider
Side-by-side
| MetaGPT | OpenManus | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Framework | AI model / agent |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 71.1k | 58.9k |
| Setup difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Clone and build from source |
| Main language | Python | Python |
| Last code update | 10 months ago | 4 days ago |
What each one is
MetaGPT
MetaGPT is a Python framework that assigns different roles, such as product manager, architect, project manager, and engineer, to LLM-based agents. You give it a one-line requirement and the agents work through a software-company style process to produce artifacts like user stories, requirements, data structures, APIs, and code. It is used by people who want to experiment with multi-agent collaboration on complex tasks.
OpenManus
OpenManus is a Python project for building AI agents, programs that take a task described in plain language and use a language model to work toward it. The README describes it as an open alternative to the Manus agent that does not require an invite code. You supply your own LLM API key and run the agent from a terminal, and it can also use a browser through Browser Use.
Best for
MetaGPT
- Developers experimenting with multi-agent LLM workflows
- Researchers interested in agent collaboration using standard operating procedures
- Students exploring how role-based AI teams are built
- People who want a starting-point project to generate small software prototypes
OpenManus
- Developers who want to experiment with an open-source general AI agent
- Students learning how LLM agents call tools and browse the web
- Teams wanting to customize agent behavior in Python rather than use a closed product
- People who already have an LLM API key from OpenAI or a compatible provider
Strengths
MetaGPT
- Clear, documented multi-role design built around a software-company process
- Supports several LLM providers through a single YAML configuration file
- Open source under the MIT license with an active project and a large star count
OpenManus
- MIT licensed, so the code can be used and modified freely
- Supports multiple entry points: a general agent, an MCP version and a multi-agent flow
- Clear configuration through a single config.toml file for model and API settings
Not ideal for
MetaGPT
- Users who need reliable, production-ready code without reviewing output, since the README does not make such guarantees
- People without an LLM API key or local model setup, since configuration is required before use
- Users who want a no-code, point-and-click tool; the README centers on CLI and Python usage
OpenManus
- Non-technical users, since setup requires Python, a config file and API keys
- Anyone needing a polished, supported production product, because the README calls its implementation simple and is still evolving
- Users unwilling to pay for LLM API usage, since the README requires an API key for the models it calls
Trade-offs
MetaGPT
- Output quality depends on the underlying LLM and API costs are paid by the user
- The README requires a specific Python version range and Node.js with pnpm, which adds setup steps
- Documentation is spread across an external site, so some details are not in the README itself
OpenManus
- The README calls its multi-agent flow unstable and describes the project as a simple implementation
- Requires paid or self-hosted LLM API access and careful key handling
- Several optional features need extra setup, such as Playwright browsers and chart visualization dependencies
Getting started
MetaGPT
Install from PyPI
pip install --upgrade metagptCreate initial config file
metagpt --init-configOpenManus
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/FoundationAgents/OpenManus.gitCreate and activate a virtual environment with uv
uv venv --python 3.12Frequently asked questions
Should I use MetaGPT or OpenManus?
MetaGPT is built around a simulated software company: several role-playing agents (product manager, architect, engineer) take a one-line requirement and produce specs and code, so it suits people exploring multi-agent teamwork or small prototypes. OpenManus is a general-purpose agent that takes a task in plain language and works toward it, with browser use and tool calls, so it suits people who want an open, customizable agent for everyday tasks. Both are free, MIT-licensed Python projects that need your own LLM API key and are aimed at developers rather than non-technical users. Pick MetaGPT if you want to experiment with role-based AI teams that turn a one-sentence software requirement into specs and code. Pick OpenManus if you want a customizable general-purpose agent that runs plain-language tasks and can browse the web.
What is the difference between MetaGPT and OpenManus?
MetaGPT: A framework where several LLM agents play software-company roles to build software from one sentence. OpenManus: Open-source Python framework for building general-purpose AI agents that run tasks from a prompt. MetaGPT suits developers experimenting with multi-agent llm workflows, while OpenManus suits developers who want to experiment with an open-source general ai agent.
Are MetaGPT and OpenManus free?
MetaGPT: Free and open source. OpenManus: Free and open source.
Is MetaGPT or OpenManus more popular?
MetaGPT has more GitHub stars (71.1k) than OpenManus (58.9k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to MetaGPT and OpenManus?
Other options people compare them with include CrewAI, OpenHands, Agent Lightning, OpenUI, SWE-agent.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.