# LangSmith vs EvalGate: which works better for LangGraph agent tests?

LangSmith is especially suitable for LangChain and LangGraph teams that need native agent tracing and managed development tools. EvalGate is an option when a framework-portable local regression gate and a reviewed release baseline matter more than framework-native tooling.

## Choose LangSmith when
LangGraph-native agent tracing, debugging and managed workflows.

## Choose EvalGate when
Framework-portable behavioral checks and CI release evidence.

## Differentiation
- EvalGate: Local-first tests without migrating the existing agent.
- LangSmith: Deep integration with LangChain and LangGraph workflows.

## Pricing
LangSmith has both free and paid plans, with usage metering; verify current per-seat and event costs.
EvalGate pricing: https://www.evalgate.com/pricing

## Limitations
EvalGate is not a drop-in replacement for LangSmith deployment or framework-native debugging.

## Migration
Keep LangSmith tracing. Reproduce a real known agent failure as a version-controlled EvalGate case; compare gate and trace evidence during a transition.

## Verified example
https://github.com/evalgate/refund-agent-demo

## Official competitor documentation
https://www.langchain.com/pricing

Last substantive review: October 14, 2026.