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The AI Agent Tools Directory β€” Built for Builders. Discover, compare, and choose the best AI agent tools and builder resources.

  1. Home
  2. Tools
  3. LiveKit Agents Framework
AI Agent BuildersπŸ”΄Developer
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LiveKit Agents Framework

Open-source framework for building real-time voice and multimodal AI agents with speech-to-text, LLM processing, and text-to-speech pipelines.

Starting atFree
Visit LiveKit Agents Framework β†’
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In Plain English

Build AI agents that participate in live voice and video calls β€” your AI can speak, listen, and respond in real-time conversations.

OverviewFeaturesPricingUse CasesLimitationsFAQSecurityAlternatives

Overview

LiveKit Agents Framework is an open-source Python framework for building real-time voice and multimodal AI agents. It provides the complete pipeline for voice-based agent interactions: speech-to-text transcription, LLM processing, text-to-speech synthesis, and real-time audio/video streaming β€” all integrated into a coherent framework with low-latency performance.

The framework is built on LiveKit's real-time communication infrastructure, which handles the complex networking, codec management, and streaming protocols required for low-latency audio/video. This means developers focus on agent logic rather than WebRTC, audio processing, and network engineering.

The VoicePipelineAgent is the framework's flagship component. It orchestrates the STT→LLM→TTS pipeline with built-in turn detection, interruption handling, and conversation flow management. The agent can detect when a user stops speaking, process their input, generate a response, and speak it — all with sub-second latency when using optimized providers.

The framework supports multiple STT providers (Deepgram, AssemblyAI, Azure, Google, OpenAI Whisper), LLM providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, local models), and TTS providers (ElevenLabs, OpenAI, Azure, Google, Cartesia). This mix-and-match approach lets developers optimize for quality, latency, and cost across each pipeline stage.

Multimodal support extends beyond voice. Agents can process video input, share their screen, send images, and use vision models β€” enabling use cases like visual assistants, remote diagnostics, and interactive tutoring. The framework handles the complexity of synchronizing multiple media streams.

LiveKit Agents Framework includes built-in function calling, allowing voice agents to execute tools during conversations. An agent can search databases, call APIs, process files, and control external systems while maintaining a natural voice conversation β€” a critical capability for practical voice agent applications.

The framework deploys on LiveKit's infrastructure or self-hosted LiveKit servers. It supports horizontal scaling, session management, and load balancing for production deployments serving many concurrent voice sessions.

For teams building voice-first AI agents β€” customer support, virtual receptionists, voice assistants, interactive tutoring, or accessibility tools β€” LiveKit Agents Framework provides the most complete open-source solution for real-time, low-latency voice AI.

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Key Features

VoicePipelineAgent+

Orchestrates the complete STT→LLM→TTS pipeline with turn detection, interruption handling, and natural conversation flow.

Use Case:

Building a voice customer support agent that listens, thinks, and responds naturally with sub-second latency.

Multi-Provider Mix & Match+

Choose independently among STT, LLM, and TTS providers to optimize each pipeline stage for quality, latency, or cost.

Use Case:

Using Deepgram for fast STT, Claude for quality reasoning, and ElevenLabs for natural-sounding TTS.

Real-Time Streaming+

Built on LiveKit's WebRTC infrastructure for low-latency audio and video streaming with automatic codec and network management.

Use Case:

Deploying a voice agent accessible via browser, mobile app, or phone with consistent low-latency performance.

Voice Function Calling+

Agents can execute tools and API calls during voice conversations while maintaining natural conversational flow.

Use Case:

A voice assistant that can look up order status, update reservations, or control smart home devices mid-conversation.

Multimodal Support+

Process video input, share screens, send images, and use vision models alongside voice for rich multimodal interactions.

Use Case:

Building a visual assistant that can see what the user is showing on camera and provide guidance.

Turn Detection & Interruption+

Intelligent detection of when users start and stop speaking, with graceful handling of interruptions and overlapping speech.

Use Case:

Creating a natural voice conversation where the agent responds at appropriate times and handles user interruptions gracefully.

Pricing Plans

Open Source

Free

forever

  • βœ“Voice pipeline agents
  • βœ“Multimodal support
  • βœ“Turn detection
  • βœ“Community support

LiveKit Cloud

Free

month

  • βœ“Managed infrastructure
  • βœ“Global edge
  • βœ“Dashboard
  • βœ“Telephony bridge

Ready to get started with LiveKit Agents Framework?

View Pricing Options β†’

Best Use Cases

🎯

Voice customer support agents

Voice customer support agents

⚑

Virtual receptionists

Virtual receptionists

πŸ”§

Interactive voice assistants

Interactive voice assistants

πŸš€

Multimodal tutoring and coaching

Multimodal tutoring and coaching

Limitations & What It Can't Do

We believe in transparent reviews. Here's what LiveKit Agents Framework doesn't handle well:

  • ⚠Infrastructure requirements for self-hosting
  • ⚠Voice AI costs compound across pipeline
  • ⚠Telephony integration requires additional setup
  • ⚠Not suited for text-only agents

Pros & Cons

βœ“ Pros

  • βœ“Most complete open-source voice agent framework
  • βœ“Low-latency real-time performance
  • βœ“Flexible provider selection per pipeline stage
  • βœ“Multimodal beyond just voice
  • βœ“Strong LiveKit infrastructure backing

βœ— Cons

  • βœ—Requires LiveKit infrastructure (self-hosted or cloud)
  • βœ—Voice AI costs add up across STT+LLM+TTS
  • βœ—Complexity for simple voice tasks
  • βœ—Python-only framework

Frequently Asked Questions

What latency can I expect?+

End-to-end voice response latency depends on providers chosen. With optimized providers (Deepgram STT, fast LLM, streaming TTS), sub-second response times are achievable.

Can it handle phone calls?+

Yes, LiveKit supports SIP trunking for phone call integration. Agents can receive and make phone calls through connected telephony providers.

How does it compare to Vapi or Bland?+

LiveKit Agents Framework is open-source and self-hostable with full control. Vapi and Bland are managed platforms that are faster to set up but less flexible and customizable.

Can I use local models?+

Yes, the framework supports local STT models (Whisper), local LLMs (Ollama), and can integrate with local TTS solutions.

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Comparing Options?

See how LiveKit Agents Framework compares to Vapi and other alternatives

View Full Comparison β†’

Alternatives to LiveKit Agents Framework

Vapi

Voice Agents

Developer platform for real-time voice AI agents.

Bland AI

Voice Agents

Phone calling API for scalable conversational voice agents.

Retell AI

Voice Agents

Conversational voice infrastructure for call center automation. - Enhanced AI-powered platform providing advanced capabilities for modern development and business workflows. Features comprehensive tooling, integrations, and scalable architecture designed for professional teams and enterprise environments.

LiveKit Agents

Voice Agents

Real-time media infrastructure platform with an integrated agent framework for building voice and video AI assistants that can participate in live conversations. Enables developers to create AI agents that can see, hear, and speak in real-time video calls, with support for spatial audio, screen sharing, and multi-participant interactions.

View All Alternatives & Detailed Comparison β†’

User Reviews

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Quick Info

Category

AI Agent Builders

Website

github.com/livekit/agents
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