Dify vs AnythingLLM: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dify and AnythingLLM comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Dify
Develop, deploy, and manage autonomous agents and RAG pipelines for AI applications.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
AnythingLLM
The all-in-one AI desktop app for documents and agents
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
| At a Glance |  Dify | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | AI & Automation | AI & Automation |
Rating | 84/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Dify | AnythingLLM |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | ★★★★★3.8 |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 452 |
| Categories | AI & AutomationDeveloper Tools | AI & AutomationProductivity |
Understanding the Differences
Both Dify and AnythingLLM solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Dify positions itself as "develop, deploy, and manage autonomous agents and rag pipelines for ai applications." while AnythingLLMfocuses on "the all-in-one ai desktop app for documents and agents". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Dify
Dify makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose AnythingLLM
AnythingLLM is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Dify lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Dify
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Dify handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Dify
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Dify
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? AnythingLLM won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Dify higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted AnythingLLM more (452 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Dify Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider AnythingLLM If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Dify (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Dify scores higher in our analysis, but AnythingLLM might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dify or AnythingLLM better?
Based on our analysis, Dify scores higher with 84/100. Dify isfreemium while AnythingLLM is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Dify to AnythingLLM easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Dify and AnythingLLM offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Dify is freemium with a free tier.AnythingLLM is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.