Apache Burr
Apache Burr: An open-source Python framework for stateful, inspectable workflow applications. Ranked #6 of 49 in LLM Application Development Frameworks by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for stateful, inspectable workflow applications.
At a glance
- Editor score8.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forStateful, inspectable workflow applications
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- RAG supportYes
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Immutable state, persistence, and resumable human-input pauses
- Parallel actions and branches support complex workflows
- Burr UI exposes execution telemetry for inspection and debugging
Where it doesn't
- Python-focused; no official JavaScript or TypeScript SDK is identified
- Requires developers to implement LLM calls within actions
- Fewer ready-made model integrations and agent capabilities than some alternatives
Our verdict on Apache Burr
Apache Burr is an open-source Python framework for building applications from actions, transitions, and explicit state. It is aimed at developers orchestrating chatbots, agents, conversational retrieval workflows, and other applications that need to retain and inspect progress. Its framework-agnostic approach lets developers implement LLM calls and other work with libraries of their choice, rather than requiring a particular model stack.
State management and workflow control are central to Burr. Immutable state is changed through update operations, and workflows can pause for human input and resume later. Developers can also run parallel actions and branches, persist state through pluggable database backends, and connect vector stores for retrieval-augmented generation. Documentation includes conversational RAG and multi-agent examples, including supervisor patterns. This makes Burr a fit for applications where explicit transitions and inspectable execution matter; teams seeking a ready-made, high-level agent product may prefer a more integrated alternative.
The ecosystem spans OpenAI, LangChain / LCEL, and Haystack, alongside storage options such as SQLite, PostgreSQL, Redis, MongoDB, LanceDB, and Qdrant. FastAPI, Streamlit, Pydantic, Ray, Hamilton, and OpenTelemetry are also listed integrations. Burr provides a UI for examining telemetry and debugging executions, with community and documentation as support channels. It is self-hosted and available on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its Python focus is important for platform fit: the project documentation does not identify official JavaScript or TypeScript SDKs. Choose Burr for a Python team that values stateful workflows, persistence, and observability; consider another framework if broad ready-made model integrations or a JavaScript SDK is a priority.
Apache Burr pricing
Apache Burr fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Primary language | Python |
| RAG support | Yes |
| Agent and tool use | Yes |
| Workflow graphs | Yes |
| Prompt optimization | Not verified |
| Open-source license | Apache-2.0 |
| JavaScript/TypeScript SDK | No |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 15 integrations: OpenAI, LangChain / LCEL, Haystack, Hamilton, Ray, SQLite … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | burr.apache.org |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Apache Burr integrations
Apache Burr lists 15 integrations on its own site.
- OpenAI
- LangChain / LCEL
- Haystack
- Hamilton
- Ray
- SQLite
- PostgreSQL
- Redis
- MongoDB
- LanceDB
- Qdrant
- OpenTelemetry
- FastAPI
- Streamlit
- Pydantic
See all Apache Burr integrations →
Alternatives to Apache Burr
- LangChainA self-hosted framework for LLM apps, retrieval workflows, and agents.9.4
- LangGraphGraph-based control for developers who need durable, stateful agent workflows.9.2
- Microsoft Agent FrameworkAn open-source framework for multi-agent orchestration, with checkpoints and approval gates.9.1
See all Apache Burr alternatives →
Apache Burr vs the competition
- Apache Burr vs LangChain
- Apache Burr vs LangGraph
- Apache Burr vs Microsoft Agent Framework
- Apache Burr vs Spring AI
- Apache Burr vs Haystack
- Apache Burr vs Langflow
Compare Apache Burr with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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