Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Retell · ✨ ai assistants
Retell vs LiveKit
Build, test, deploy, and scale voice and video AI agents with an open source framework, inference gateway, telephony integrations, and full observability. Here is how LiveKit ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Retell ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
LiveKit is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Retell. Switching from Retell ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
LiveKit
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Retell vs LiveKit Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Retell (Paid) | LiveKit (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 22.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Retell to LiveKit
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy LiveKit
Clone https://github.com/livekit/livekit or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork LiveKit instead of vibe-coding a Retell clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Retell or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like LiveKit.
Retell vs LiveKit FAQ
Is LiveKit a good free alternative to Retell?+
Yes. LiveKit is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Retell. 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 catch when switching from Retell to LiveKit?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Retell to LiveKit?+
Retell costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas LiveKit is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host LiveKit instead of Retell?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/livekit/livekit or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
