OpenAI Agents SDK: Complete Guide 2026
Everything about OpenAI's official Agents SDK - function calling, code interpreter, file search. Features, pricing, and comparison with alternatives.
OpenAI Agents SDK
Official SDK for building AI agents with GPT models, function calling, and built-in tools.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Pricing | API usage |
| Models | GPT-4, GPT-4o, o1, o3 |
| Best For | OpenAI-native apps |
| Languages | Python, TypeScript |
| Key Tools | Code Interpreter, File Search |
| Provider | OpenAI |
What is OpenAI Agents SDK?
The OpenAI Agents SDK is the official way to build agent applications with GPT models. It provides first-class support for function calling, code execution, and file search—all tightly integrated with the Assistants API.
If you’re committed to the OpenAI ecosystem, this SDK offers the cleanest developer experience. Built-in tools like Code Interpreter and File Search work out of the box without additional setup.
Key Features
- Function Calling - Let GPT call your functions
- Code Interpreter - Execute Python in a sandbox
- File Search - RAG over uploaded documents
- Streaming - Real-time response streaming
- Threads - Persistent conversation management
- Runs - Execute agent tasks with monitoring
- Tool Use - Combine multiple tools
- JSON Mode - Structured output guarantees
Pricing
Priced per API usage:
| Model | Input | Output |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-4o | $2.50/MTok | $10/MTok |
| GPT-4 | $30/MTok | $60/MTok |
| Code Interpreter | $0.03/session | |
| File Search | $0.10/GB/day |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Official OpenAI support
- Best integration with GPT models
- Built-in Code Interpreter
- Reliable, production-ready
- Clean SDK design
Cons:
- OpenAI lock-in
- More expensive than alternatives
- Less flexible than frameworks
- Limited to OpenAI models
Alternatives
- LangChain - Multi-provider support
- CrewAI - Multi-agent orchestration
- Anthropic SDK - Claude-native development
FAQ
When should I use OpenAI Agents SDK vs LangChain? Use OpenAI SDK if you’re committed to GPT and want the cleanest integration. Use LangChain if you need provider flexibility or complex orchestration.
Can I use other models? No, the SDK is specifically for OpenAI models. For multi-provider support, use LangChain or similar.
Is Code Interpreter worth it? Yes, for data analysis, file processing, and computation tasks. The sandbox execution is reliable and secure.
How does File Search compare to building my own RAG? File Search is simpler to set up but less customizable. Build your own RAG for specific embedding models or retrieval strategies.
Last verified: 2026-03-04