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AI agents & automation

Which AI tool should I use to build a voice AI phone agent?

Voice agent platforms combine speech-to-text, an LLM and a voice, plus a phone number, with low enough latency for natural calls.

  1. Rank 1

    Retell AI

    Verdict The quickest route to a natural-sounding phone agent, with all-in per-minute pricing and no platform fee. Per-minute costs climb with premium voices and models.

    Best for
    Small businesses wanting an AI receptionist live this week
    Price
    Free tier: no. $0.07/min. Pay-as-you-go $0.07-$0.31/min depending on voice/LLM/telephony. $10 one-time free credit.
    Last checked

  2. Rank 2

    Vapi

    Verdict The most flexible developer platform: pick any STT/LLM/voice provider and build complex call flows. The $0.05/min fee is only Vapi's part; the true cost is roughly double once providers are added.

    Best for
    Developers building custom or high-volume voice products
    Price
    Free tier: no. $0.05/min. $0.05/min is Vapi's hosting fee only; STT, LLM, TTS and telephony are billed at cost on top. $5 one-time starter credit.
    Last checked

  3. Rank 3

    ElevenLabs

    Verdict Best-in-class voices with an agent builder on top, plus a cheap entry plan. Telephony and complex workflows are less mature than dedicated call platforms.

    Best for
    Voice quality first, or web/app voice assistants
    Price
    Free tier: yes. $6/mo. Free tier is non-commercial (10,000 credits/mo). Starter $6/mo adds commercial rights.
    Last checked

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