Agent Framework vs Agent Platform
LiveKit is open-source realtime infrastructure, and it is very good at it. OpenAI built ChatGPT's Advanced Voice on LiveKit Cloud. Its Agents framework, in Python or Node.js, lets an engineering team build almost any voice or video agent and host it on LiveKit Cloud or on its own servers.
The Catch
The framework is where the work starts. Your team writes the agent in code, chooses and wires the models, configures a SIP trunk for outbound calling, and builds the testing process around it. LiveKit's no-code Agent Builder is positioned for prototypes and does not support workflows, handoffs or tests.
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Retell is a finished voice agent platform. Your team designs the call on a drag-and-drop canvas or in a prompt, picks a GPT, Claude or Gemini model, connects a phone number, and tests with simulated callers before going live.
- Conversation Flow builder for multi-step calls
- Inbound and outbound calling on Retell numbers or your own carrier
- Cold, warm and agentic warm transfer
- Simulation testing and post-call analysis built in
- HIPAA with a self-serve BAA on every plan
Your team spends its time on the conversation, not the infrastructure.
Why Retell is Different
Where the engineering time goes
Feature, Pricing & Compliance Breakdown
Compare the two on what your team would build, operate and pay for, from outbound calling to HIPAA coverage.
Retell is the AI Voice Platform Enterprise Contact Centers Run On
What Comes Built In
The parts of a phone agent you would otherwise build yourself
When to Use Each Tool
Use LiveKit when you:
- Have engineers who want to own the agent code
- Are building voice or video into your own product
- Need to self-host on your own infrastructure
- Want realtime agents across web, mobile and video, not only phone calls
LiveKit is the right foundation for teams building their own agent stack.
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Use Retell when you:
- Need production phone agents without building the stack
- Want operations teams to change call flows without a code release
- Run outbound calling, transfers and batch campaigns
- Need HIPAA coverage without moving to a higher plan
Retell is the right choice when the goal is calls handled well, not infrastructure to maintain.
Common  Questions
Revolutionize your call operation with Retell
