Mastra vs Microsoft Agent Framework + Azure AI Foundry — A Practical Comparison
· 2 min read
Summary: A concise comparison between Mastra (TypeScript-first agent framework) and Microsoft's Agent Framework + Azure AI Foundry (Microsoft's managed agent platform).
1. One-line summary
2. Quick comparison
| Aspect | Mastra | Microsoft Agent Framework + Azure AI Foundry |
|---|---|---|
| Language / runtime | TypeScript / Node — ideal if your stack is JS | .NET and Python — first-class in Azure environments |
| Mental model | TypeScript-first framework for agents, pipelines, RAG, tracing, MCP | SDK + runtime for multi-agent graphs, successor of Semantic Kernel / AutoGen |
| Deployment | Self-host anywhere; Mastra Cloud for traces/evals | Standalone or connected to managed Foundry Agent Service in Azure |
| Model vendors | Multi-provider (OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Llama...) | Multi-provider with first-class Azure model integrations |
| Workflows & orchestration | Pipeline / graph style in TS, suspend/resume, streaming | Graph-based orchestration, conditional routing, long-running, HITL |
| RAG / Connectors | Vector stores (Postgres, Pinecone), RAG templates | Native integration with Azure AI Search, Fabric, OneLake, SharePoint |
| MCP & tools | Strong MCP support, agent networks and tools | MCP as a tool type; Foundry provides catalog of managed resources |
| Observability | Mastra Cloud: traces, evals, scoring, UI | OpenTelemetry + Azure Monitor; platform dashboards & governance |
| Azure integration | Can run in Azure but agnostic by design | Deep, official Azure integration (Foundry, Fabric, Entra, Defender) |
| License / community | Open source (Apache 2.0); JS-focused community | Open source (MIT) + Microsoft ecosystem & docs |
3. Which to choose depending on context
- If your stack is Node/TypeScript and you want fast iteration, Mastra is the natural fit: same language, quick developer velocity, good for MCP and scrapers.
- If you need full enterprise Azure governance (Foundry, Fabric, Defender, Entra), or your customer requires a managed Azure solution, Microsoft Agent Framework + Foundry is appropriate.
Hybrid approach (recommended for mixed environments):
- Keep an agent core in JS (Mastra) for rapid iteration and product features.
- For enterprise-grade RAG or Azure-centred customers, deploy Agent Framework / Foundry agents as managed services and expose them as APIs.
- Use your Node/Mastra code to orchestrate and call those managed agents where strict governance is required.
4. TL;DR / Practical suggestion
- For quick PoCs, internal automations, scrapers and MCP-first flows: Mastra.
- For regulated corporate projects inside Azure, where governance and integrations matter: MAF + Foundry.