OpenAI Realtime API (gpt-realtime) vs Vocode
OpenAI Realtime API (gpt-realtime) and Vocode are both Realtime Voice Agent APIs, compared here on pricing, compliance, capabilities, and developer experience from structured, cited data - not reviews or paid placement. Vocode offers a free tier while OpenAI Realtime API (gpt-realtime) does not, so Vocode is easier to trial before committing. On compliance, OpenAI Realtime API (gpt-realtime) additionally documents SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR. For coding-agent use, OpenAI Realtime API (gpt-realtime) scores higher on agent-friendliness (50 vs 45).
| Field | OpenAI Realtime API (gpt-realtime) | Vocode |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0.02 minute (audio input) | - |
| Pricing model | Usage | Usage |
| Free tier | ✗ | ✓ |
| Self-serve signup | ✓ | ✓ |
| SOC 2 | Type II | · |
| HIPAA | ✓ | ✗ |
| GDPR | ✓ | · |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sandbox | ✗ | ✗ |
| Documented actions | 17 | 19 |