Retell AI vs Twilio for voice AI
Short answer. Retell AI sells the AI agent. It runs $0.07 to $0.31 a minute, built from a voice engine, a voice, and a language model. Twilio sells the phone line. It charges $0.0085 a minute to receive a call on a US local number. Twilio's Conversation Relay for voice AI adds $0.07 a minute, and you bring your own model. Retell can run on Twilio numbers or on your own SIP carrier. We read both pricing pages on October 27, 2026.
Build voice agents for trades? Get your tool listed free.
Price side by side
| Item | Retell AI | Twilio |
|---|---|---|
| AI per minute | $0.07 to $0.31, all parts | $0.07 Conversation Relay, model not included |
| Receive a call (US local) | $0.015 a minute on Retell's Twilio line, no charge on your own SIP | $0.0085 a minute |
| Make a call (US local) | $0.015 a minute on Retell's Twilio line | $0.0140 a minute |
| Phone number | $2.00 a month | $1.15 a month local, $2.15 toll-free |
| Call transfer | AI fee stops, phone minutes continue | Billed as call minutes |
| Free start | $10 in credits | $15 trial credit |
Sources: Retell AI pricing and Twilio voice pricing, United States, checked October 27, 2026.
Source conflict: the Twilio rate
Retell's telephony table lists US Twilio at $0.015 a minute. Twilio's own page lists $0.0085 a minute to receive and $0.0140 to make a call on a local number. Retell's rate runs $0.0065 a minute above Twilio's receive rate by our math. We show both. Retell lists no charge when you connect your own carrier over SIP, so check your carrier's SIP rates.
1,000 inbound minutes
| Setup | Cost, our math |
|---|---|
| Retell, GPT 5.1 with a platform voice, Retell Twilio number | $127 |
| Retell on your own SIP carrier | $110 plus your carrier's SIP rates |
| Twilio Conversation Relay plus your own model | $79.65 plus model costs |
The Retell build uses its own table: $0.04 for GPT 5.1, $0.055 for voice infrastructure, and $0.015 for a platform voice. That is $0.11 a minute. Twilio's route needs a developer to write the agent and pick a model provider.
Which to pick
Pick Retell if you want a working agent with per-minute billing and no model bills to juggle. Pick Twilio direct if you have a developer and want the lowest raw phone cost. You can run Retell on Twilio numbers, so the choice is not one or the other.
Compare more: Bland AI vs Twilio · Vapi vs Twilio · Retell AI pricing
Related: Retell AI listing, Twilio voice pricing, Retell AI alternatives, Twilio vs Telnyx, Plivo vs Twilio.
FAQ
Does Retell AI use Twilio? Retell lists US Twilio telephony at $0.015 a minute. You can bring your own carrier over SIP, and Retell lists no charge for that.
Is Retell AI cheaper than Twilio? They bill for different parts. Retell's $0.07 to $0.31 a minute covers the agent. Twilio's $0.0085 a minute covers the phone line, and Conversation Relay adds $0.07 with the model left to you.
What does a Retell phone number cost? $2.00 a month. Twilio lists a US local number at $1.15 a month.
Does Retell bill after a call transfer? Retell says the AI fee stops after a transfer and phone minutes continue.
Does Twilio have a free trial? Yes. Twilio lists $15 in trial credit.
Checked 2026-10-27. Prices and policies change. Confirm on the source before you buy.
Sources
More guides
- Abby Connect pricing: plans, Abby Minutes, and AI vs human cost (2026)
- AI answering service cost in 2026: $29 to $500 a month, 8 services compared
- AI answering service for contractors: prices compared (2026)
- AI receptionist for appliance repair: 5 options from $24.95 a month (2026)
- AI receptionist for auto repair shops: 7 options from $24.95 a month (2026)
- AI receptionist for cleaning businesses: 7 options from $0 to $449 a month (2026)