Voice and receptionist bots
Retell AI: what it does, cost and setup
Build your own AI phone agent, billed per minute.
Checked 2026-10-24
| Cost | Pay as you go, $0.07 to $0.31 a minute depending on model and voice. 20 concurrent calls included. Phone numbers $2/mo. |
|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes |
| Open source | No |
| Runs on | Cloud, API |
| Source | retellai.com |
What Retell AI does
Retell AI is a platform for building voice agents that answer and place phone calls, with templates, call analytics and transcripts, simulation testing, webhooks and an API, per its pricing page. You choose the LLM and voice.
How to set up Retell AI
- Sign up free and start from a receptionist template.
- Pick an LLM and voice and check the per-minute estimate on the pricing page.
- Buy a $2/mo number or bring your own Twilio or Telnyx number.
- Run simulation tests before taking real calls.
Retell AI vs alternatives
Retell AI vs Vapi
Both are build-it-yourself voice platforms. Retell lists an all-in per-minute range and 20 free concurrent calls. Vapi charges $0.05/min hosting plus provider costs at no markup, with 4 concurrent calls on the free start.
Retell AI vs Rosie
Rosie is a finished receptionist for a flat monthly price. Retell is for people who want to build and tune their own agent.
Retell AI alternatives
- Vapi: Developer platform for voice AI agents. ($0.05/min Vapi hosting plus transcriber, model and voice costs passed through at no markup. $5 free credits to start. Pro package $999/mo minimum.)
- Goodcall: AI receptionist billed per unique caller, not per minute. (Starter $79/mo for 100 unique callers. Free demo agent.)
- Rosie: Ready-made AI receptionist for small businesses. (Professional $49/mo (250 minutes). Scale $149/mo (1,000 minutes, booking and transfers). 7-day free trial.)
Retell AI FAQ
How much does Retell AI cost per minute?
$0.07 to $0.31 a minute on pay as you go, depending on LLM, voice and telephony, per its pricing page checked Oct 24, 2026. US Twilio telephony is $0.015/min.
Does Retell AI have a free plan?
You can sign up for free and only pay for minutes used. There is no monthly platform fee on pay as you go.
Can Retell AI make outbound calls?
Yes, it supports batch calls. Outbound calls to US consumers fall under TCPA rules, so get prior consent, honor opt-outs and follow call-recording consent laws.
Sources
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