Livekit vs Twilio: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Livekit and Twilio comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Livekit
Open-source WebRTC platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need live streaming features specifically
- • LiveKit is an open-source WebRTC platform for real-time video and audio
- • It provides infrastructure for building video conferencing and streaming apps
Twilio
Communication APIs
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 7.9/10)
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Cloud communications APIs
- • SMS, voice, video, WhatsApp
| At a Glance |  Livekit |  Twilio |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Live Streaming | Email Marketing |
Rating | 79/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Livekit | Twilio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 79 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Live StreamingAPI Tools | Email MarketingAPI Tools |
How Livekit and Twilio Compare
Livekit
Open-source WebRTC platform
Free tier available · 79/100 score
Twilio
Communication APIs
Paid · 87/100 score
Livekit is a live streaming tool. Twilio is in email marketing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Livekit has a free tier. Twilio is paid only.
Go with: Livekit
Want the highest-rated option?
Livekit: 79/100. Twilio: 87/100.
Go with: Twilio
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Twilio
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Livekit is freemium. Twilio is paid. Livekit lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Livekit is a live streaming tool. Twilio is in email marketing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Twilio scores higher: 87/100 vs 79/100.
Key Takeaways
Twilio
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 79
- Our pick for this comparison
Livekit
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for live streaming
The Bottom Line
Twilio (87/100) is our pick. Livekit has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Livekit or Twilio better?
Twilio scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Livekit is freemium and Twilio is paid.
What are Livekit and Twilio used for?
Livekit: Open-source WebRTC platform. Twilio: Communication APIs.
What does Livekit cost vs Twilio?
Livekit is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Twilio is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.