MetaGPT
★ 71.0k
vs
Orkas
★ 2.2k
MetaGPT vs Orkas
MetaGPT: MetaGPT is a multi-agent framework that assigns different roles to LLMs, enabling them to collaborate on complex software development tasks. It takes a one-line requirement and outputs comprehensive project artifacts, mimicking a software company's entire process.; Orkas: Orkas is an open-source, local-first multi-agent desktop app. A Commander agent plans a goal and coordinates specialist agents, and can also drive external CLI agents such as Claude Code, Codex and OpenCode as local sessions. Conversations, files and API keys stay on your disk, and model calls go straight from your machine to the provider.
01
TL;DR
MetaGPTMulti-Agent · ★ 71.0k
When to choose:
- You want to experiment with or demonstrate the 'software company SOP' multi-agent pattern (PM, architect, engineer generating specs and code).
- You are looking for the reference implementation of research papers from the team such as AFlow, SPO, and AOT.
When to skip:
- You want an actively updated general-purpose production agent framework; the repository's last push was in January 2026.
- You are on Python 3.12+ or do not want to install Node.js and pnpm alongside Python (README specifies Python 3.9–3.11).
OrkasMulti-Agent · ★ 2.2k
When to choose:
- You want a desktop app where one chat coordinates several agents, instead of writing orchestration code.
- You already use Claude Code, Codex or OpenCode and want one place to dispatch work to them.
- You want your data, keys and agents on your own disk, with your own model keys.
When to skip:
- You only want a single all-purpose chatbot; the README itself says Orkas is not for that.
- You want a code library to embed in your own app, or a fully hosted team: the README lists both as not a fit.
- You need Linux packages today: it runs from source on glibc 2.34+ only.
02
Side-by-Side Comparison
Field
MetaGPTOrkasCategory
Multi-Agent
Multi-Agent
Stars
★ 71.0k
★ 2.2k
License
MIT
MIT
Install Command
pip install --upgrade metagpt
git clone https://github.com/Orkas-AI/Orkas.git && cd Orkas && ./run.sh
Updated
9mo ago
1d ago
Open Source
Yes
Yes
Tags
Multi-Agent System, Large Language Models, Software Development
agent-collaboration, agent-harness, agent-orchestration
03
Features
MetaGPT01Accepts single-line requirements and generates comprehensive software artifacts (e.g., user stories, APIs, documentation).
02Emulates a software company by assigning distinct roles (e.g., PM, Architect, Engineer) to LLM agents.
03Orchestrates collaborative processes using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for complex task completion.
04Supports integration with various Large Language Models and APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Azure, Ollama, Groq).
05Enables advanced capabilities like data interpretation and automated workflow generation.
Orkas01A Commander that plans a goal and dispatches it to specialist agents in parallel or in sequence; nine specialists ship with the app
02Drives external CLI agents (Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, OpenClaw, Hermes-Agent) as local subprocesses from one chat
03Bring your own model keys: Claude, OpenAI, Gemini, DeepSeek, Kimi, GLM, Qwen and others, or a local OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible endpoint
04Each agent keeps its own private skills and memory and improves through reflection after each task
05Local storage of conversations, files, knowledge bases and keys; macOS and Windows installers, Linux from source
04
Use Cases
MetaGPT↳Data Interpreter
↳Debate
↳Researcher
Orkas↳Turn one goal into research, a written report and a slide deck through a chain of specialist agents
↳Break a product spec into tasks and hand them to coding agents such as Claude Code or Codex
↳Chat with local documents and run data analysis without sending files to a vendor cloud
05
Best For
MetaGPTMost PopularEssential
OrkasTrending
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between MetaGPT and Orkas?
Both MetaGPT and Orkas are in the Multi-Agent category. MetaGPT has 71.0k stars, while Orkas has 2.2k stars.
Which is better, MetaGPT or Orkas?
The best choice depends on your use case. Choose MetaGPT if Data Interpreter, and Orkas if Turn one goal into research, a written report and a slide deck through a chain of specialist agents.
Is MetaGPT free or open source?
Yes, MetaGPT is open source on GitHub (MIT).
Is Orkas free or open source?
Yes, Orkas is open source on GitHub (MIT).
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