# LiveKit: Free Open Source Alternative to Retell, Vapi, Voiceflow

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/livekit
Last updated: 2026-11-07

LiveKit (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Retell, Vapi, Voiceflow. Build, test, deploy, and scale voice and video AI agents with an open source framework, inference gateway, telephony integrations, and full observability.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: LiveKit
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://livekit.io/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/livekit/livekit
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 22.1k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/livekit/livekit or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (3)
Replacing these paid tools with LiveKit saves up to $45/mo ($540/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Retell](https://caniforkit.com/retell) | [ai assistants](https://caniforkit.com/category/ai-assistant) | $15/mo | [Compare Retell vs LiveKit](https://caniforkit.com/vs/retell-vs-livekit) |
| [Vapi](https://caniforkit.com/vapi) | [ai assistants](https://caniforkit.com/category/ai-assistant) | $15/mo | [Compare Vapi vs LiveKit](https://caniforkit.com/vs/vapi-vs-livekit) |
| [Voiceflow](https://caniforkit.com/voiceflow) | [ai assistants](https://caniforkit.com/category/ai-assistant) | $15/mo | [Compare Voiceflow vs LiveKit](https://caniforkit.com/vs/voiceflow-vs-livekit) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is LiveKit free and open source?
LiveKit is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Build, test, deploy, and scale voice and video AI agents with an open source framework, inference gateway, telephony integrations, and full observability.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using LiveKit?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)