Compare / Voice AI
PyAI vs OpenAI Realtime API
PyAI and OpenAI Realtime API: the practical difference
Omni provides a managed speech-to-speech agent runtime; managed telephony is a separate service. PyAI Omni provides a managed voice-agent runtime; OpenAI Realtime provides a model API that an application can combine with its own tools and telephony.
OpenAI Realtime is an option when direct control over the model and surrounding application is the priority.
For a phone call, include both the AI session and any carrier or managed telephony charges. PyAI managed telephony is a separate line item with a one-minute pulse; a per-minute AI rate alone is not the total cost of every call.
A practical evaluation checklist
| Decision | PyAI | OpenAI Realtime API |
|---|---|---|
| Product scope | Omni provides a managed speech-to-speech agent runtime; managed telephony is a separate service. | OpenAI Realtime is an option when direct control over the model and surrounding application is the priority. |
| Integration | Check the relevant API protocol, audio formats, authentication and events against the PyAI guide. | Review the provider’s documented APIs, product scope and deployment requirements. |
| Pricing | Use the rate card and include each relevant service and billing increment. | Check the linked provider terms for the same workload, model, region and add-ons. |
Test the decision on your own workflow
Include backend, telephony, tools and retries in the comparison; measure response audio and completed outcomes under the same conditions.
Questions to resolve with OpenAI Realtime API
- Decide which application owns tool execution, permissions, session state and call control.
- Include the model, backend tools, hosting and telephony when estimating a complete phone workflow.
- Compare audio formats, events, interruption behavior and failure recovery before a migration.
Sources and billing assumptions
Compare the same product, duration, region and features. Managed telephony is a separate PyAI line item and uses a one-minute pulse; other provider fees and billing units may differ. Check current terms for your configuration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PyAI and OpenAI Realtime API?
PyAI Omni provides a managed voice-agent runtime; OpenAI Realtime provides a model API that an application can combine with its own tools and telephony.
When might OpenAI Realtime API be a better fit?
OpenAI Realtime is an option when direct control over the model and surrounding application is the priority.
How should I compare the costs?
Compare the same usage, duration, region and features. Include the voice runtime, model, telephony, add-ons and any subscription; check each provider's current pricing and billing increments.
How can I evaluate both options?
Include backend, telephony, tools and retries in the comparison; measure response audio and completed outcomes under the same conditions.
What changes when I migrate?
Test one complete workflow first. Check authentication, audio formats, events, tools, phone routing and observability against the relevant integration guide before moving production traffic.
Test the workflow that matters to you.
Explore the documentation and evaluate a representative task before launch.