Build vs buy AI agent calculator
Compare self-hosting an open-source AI agent with paying for a hosted tool: setup, hosting, model API, maintenance time and seats, over 12, 24 or 36 months, with the break-even month.
Free, no sign-up. Runs entirely in your browser: nothing you type is sent to AgentScout or any AI provider.
Buy: hosted tool
Build: self-host open source
Need the model API figure? Estimate it with the agent run cost estimator. Looking for open-source options? Browse the best-of lists or check a license with the license checker.
FAQ
How is the comparison calculated?
Buy = one-time setup + (seats × seat price + usage) × months. Build = setup hours × hourly cost + (hosting + model API + maintenance hours × hourly cost) × months. Break-even is the first month where building has cost no more in total than buying.
What does this leave out?
Things that are hard to price: security reviews, uptime, support, features the hosted tool adds over time, and what your team could build instead. Add rough figures to maintenance hours if they matter.
Are any prices filled in for me?
No. The starting numbers are examples only. Enter your real quotes and costs.
Is anything sent to a server?
No. The calculator runs in your browser.
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