Retell AI vs Deepgram: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Retell AI 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Retell AI
Build, deploy, and manage human-like AI voice agents for automated phone call and chat automation.
Best for you if:
- • You need ai voice features specifically
- • Automates phone calls, chat, and SMS with human-like AI voice agents.
- • Features low-latency, natural conversations powered by LLMs and proprietary turn-taking models.
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 |  Retell AI |  Deepgram |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | AI Voice | Transcription |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Retell AI | Deepgram |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI VoiceAI Agents | TranscriptionAI Voice |
How Retell AI and Deepgram Compare
Retell AI
Build, deploy, and manage human-like AI voice agents for automated phone call and chat automation.
Free tier available
Deepgram
Enterprise Voice AI: STT, TTS & Agent APIs for accurate, realistic, and cost-effective voice solutions.
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Retell AI is a ai voice tool. Deepgram is in transcription.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Retell AI
Want the highest-rated option?
Deepgram scores 88/100. Retell AI 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Retell AI is a ai voice 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
Retell AI
- Better fit for ai voice
The Bottom Line
Deepgram (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Retell AI or Deepgram better?
Deepgram scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Retell AI and Deepgram used for?
Retell AI: Build, deploy, and manage human-like AI voice agents for automated phone call and chat automation.. Deepgram: Enterprise Voice AI: STT, TTS & Agent APIs for accurate, realistic, and cost-effective voice solutions..
What does Retell AI cost vs Deepgram?
Retell AI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Deepgram is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.