Pick Mastra
Pick Mastra if you have an existing TypeScript app and want to add agent orchestration without changing your deploy story. Mastra is best-in-class at agent state, tools, MCP.
← All comparisons
Theo vs Mastra — honest comparison
Mastra is the TypeScript framework for agent orchestration. Theo is the full cycle — coding agent, scaffold, framework, and managed deploy. Same wedge category, different scope.
We respect Mastra. This page is honest framing of where each shines.
TL;DR
Pick Theo
Pick Theo if you're starting fresh (or migrating) and want the full cycle in one ecosystem — coding agent for the implementation, scaffold for the project shape, framework for the app, managed runtime for the deploy.
You can use both: Mastra runs inside a TheoKit app, deployed via TheoCloud.
Comparison matrix
| Capability | Theo (full ecosystem) | Mastra |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 funnel (5 OSS products) + commercial cloud | Open (framework) + commercial Mastra Cloud |
| Coding agent included | yes (TheoCode, Plan/Code/Infra) | no (BYO) |
| Project scaffolding | TheoCreate (19 templates, 7 languages) | Limited (npm create mastra, single template) |
| Managed deploy runtime | yes (TheoCloud, opinionated) | yes (Mastra Cloud) |
| Durable workflow primitives (graphs, retries) | Partial | yes (best-in-class — longer iteration) |
| Memory / RAG natives in-framework | Partial (TheoKit-SDK + BYO) | yes (first-class) |
| Library-shape embed in existing app | Partial | yes (drop into any TS codebase) |
| Polyglot backend (Go, Python, Rust, Java, …) | yes (7 langs + Next.js) | no (TypeScript-only) |
| Self-host commercial license | yes (Enterprise) | no (OSS framework only, DIY) |
When to pick Mastra
Your agent IS your product
Not part of a larger app. Mastra is library-shaped.
Embedding into existing TypeScript codebase
Mastra is library-shaped; Theo is platform-shaped.
Need mature workflow primitives today
Durable graphs, retry semantics. Mastra has been iterating longer.
Heavily invested in another deploy target
Vercel, your own K8s, Cloudflare Workers — and don't want a managed runtime opinion.
When to pick Theo
You want the full cycle in one ecosystem
Coding agent, scaffolding, framework, deploy. Less vendor sprawl.
You're building the app your agent lives in
TheoKit (routing, auth, real-time, sessions) is the app layer.
You're polyglot
Go, Python, Rust, Java, Ruby, PHP services around your TS agent.
Managed deploy with fast rollback matters
TheoCloud is the destination.
Open runtime end-to-end
Apache-2.0 from the coding agent (TheoCode) to the local agent runtime (pi/). Walk-away cost zero.
FAQ
Can I use both Mastra and Theo?
Yes. Mastra-built agents can run inside a TheoKit app and deploy via TheoCloud. The frameworks are complementary.
Is Theo a Mastra fork?
No. Independent projects. The SDK shape has converged because the category is settling.
What does Mastra do better than Theo?
Workflow primitives (durable graphs), memory/RAG natives, standalone library ergonomics.
What does Theo do better than Mastra?
Full cycle. Coding agent upstream, scaffolding, app framework, managed deploy.