Pipecat vs Deepgram: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pipecat and Deepgram 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:
Pipecat
Open-source framework for building voice and multimodal conversational AI.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need chatbots features specifically
- • Open-source framework for conversational AI.
- • Supports voice and multimodal interactions.
Deepgram
Enterprise Voice AI: STT, TTS & Agent APIs for accurate, realistic, and cost-effective voice solutions.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need transcription features specifically
- • AI speech-to-text API
- • Fast, accurate transcription
| At a Glance |  Deepgram | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Chatbots | Transcription |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Pipecat | Deepgram |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ChatbotsAI Voice | TranscriptionAI Voice |
How Pipecat and Deepgram Compare
Pipecat
Open-source framework for building voice and multimodal conversational AI.
Free
Deepgram
Enterprise Voice AI: STT, TTS & Agent APIs for accurate, realistic, and cost-effective voice solutions.
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Pipecat is a chatbots tool. Deepgram is in transcription.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pipecat is free. Deepgram is freemium.
Go with: Pipecat
Want the highest-rated option?
Deepgram scores 88/100. Pipecat is unrated.
Go with: Deepgram
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Deepgram
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Pipecat is free. Deepgram is freemium. Go with Pipecat if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Pipecat is a chatbots tool. Deepgram is in transcription. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Deepgram
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Pipecat
- Completely free
- Better fit for chatbots
The Bottom Line
Deepgram (88/100) is our pick. That said, Pipecat is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pipecat or Deepgram better?
Deepgram scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Pipecat is free and Deepgram is freemium.
What are Pipecat and Deepgram used for?
Pipecat: Open-source framework for building voice and multimodal conversational AI.. Deepgram: Enterprise Voice AI: STT, TTS & Agent APIs for accurate, realistic, and cost-effective voice solutions..
What does Pipecat cost vs Deepgram?
Pipecat is completely free. Deepgram is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.