AI Agent Frameworks in 2026: OpenAI Agents SDK vs Anthropic MCP
The agent framework war is heating up. OpenAI released their Agents SDK while Anthropic pushed MCP (Model Context Protocol) to the Linux Foundation. Here's what matters.
The Two Ecosystems
OpenAI Agents SDK
- Philosophy: Full-stack, batteries included
- Built-in tools: Web Search, File Search, Computer Use
- Strength: Tight integration with OpenAI models
- Migration: Assistants API sunsetting in 2026
Anthropic MCP (Model Context Protocol)
- Philosophy: Open standard, interoperability
- Adoption: Donated to Linux Foundation
- Supporters: OpenAI, Google, Microsoft all adopted
- Strength: Tool-agnostic, cross-platform
Why This Matters
The battle mirrors the "iOS vs Android" of AI agents:
OpenAI approach:
- Integrated experience
- Easier to get started
- Locked into OpenAI ecosystem
Anthropic approach:
- Open standard
- More flexibility
- Works with any model
The Key Insight
From recent podcasts:
"The companies winning aren't just building better models. They're building better developer tools and protocols."
MCP is becoming the "USB-C of AI agents" - a universal standard for connecting AI to tools.
Framework Comparison
| Feature | OpenAI Agents SDK | Anthropic MCP |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Proprietary | Open (Linux Foundation) |
| Model lock-in | Yes (OpenAI) | No (any model) |
| Learning curve | Low | Medium |
| Tool ecosystem | Growing | Expanding |
| Enterprise ready | Yes | Yes |
Which to Choose
Choose OpenAI Agents SDK if:
- You want fastest time to market
- You're already in OpenAI ecosystem
- You don't need multi-model flexibility
Choose MCP if:
- You want vendor independence
- You need cross-platform tools
- You're building for enterprise
The Bigger Picture
The winner might not be either framework - it might be the standard (MCP) that everyone adopts. As one podcast noted: "MCP is becoming the USB-C of AI agents."
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