Voice AI Platforms: ElevenLabs vs LiveKit vs Custom Build (2025)
Quick Answer: ElevenLabs is fastest for simple voice agents ($5k-7k, 6-8 days). LiveKit offers more control for complex workflows ($6k-9k, 8-10 days). Custom builds provide maximum flexibility but cost more ($8k-12k, 10-14 days).
Published October 12, 2025
Platform Comparison at a Glance
| Platform | Best For | Pilot Cost | Production Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ElevenLabs Conversational AI | Lead gen, info bots, simple support | $5k-7k | $25k-35k | 6-8 days |
| LiveKit Agents | Multi-party, custom workflows, real-time | $6k-9k | $30k-45k | 8-10 days |
| Custom Build | Unique requirements, maximum control, enterprise | $8k-12k | $40k-60k+ | 10-14 days |
ElevenLabs Conversational AI
Strengths
- Best-in-class voice quality (industry-leading)
- Fastest time to market (6-8 days pilot)
- Managed infrastructure (no servers to maintain)
- Built-in telephony (no Twilio needed)
- Affordable ($5-15/hour of conversation)
Limitations
- Less customization (their framework)
- Conversation complexity limits
- Vendor lock-in (tied to ElevenLabs)
Best Use Cases
- Lead qualification (outbound calling)
- Information bots (FAQs, hours, locations)
- Appointment booking
- Customer support (Tier 1)
LiveKit Agents
Strengths
- Maximum flexibility (full control)
- Multi-party support (multiple participants)
- Advanced features (sentiment, interruption handling)
- Self-hosting option (data sovereignty)
Limitations
- More complex setup
- Infrastructure management required
- Need Twilio for telephony
Best Use Cases
- Sales coaching (multi-party calls)
- Customer success (product demos with AI assist)
- Enterprise support (compliance requirements)
Custom Build (Twilio + AI)
Strengths
- Unlimited customization
- Multi-model approach (Claude + GPT + Gemini)
- No vendor lock-in
- Enterprise-grade compliance (HIPAA, SOC 2)
Limitations
- Highest cost
- Longest timeline
- Maintenance overhead
Best Use Cases
- HIPAA-compliant healthcare
- White-label products
- Proprietary workflows
Decision Framework
Choose ElevenLabs If:
- Simple conversation flows (5-15 questions)
- Speed is critical (need live in 1 week)
- Budget-conscious ($5k-7k pilot)
- No deep technical team
- Voice quality matters (brand impression)
Choose LiveKit If:
- Multi-party conversations required
- Custom conversation logic
- Advanced features needed
- Some technical expertise available
Choose Custom Build If:
- Unique requirements (no platform supports)
- Enterprise security/compliance
- Building voice AI as your product
- Budget $40k-60k+
Cost Comparison: 1000 Hours of Conversation
| Platform | Development | Platform/API | Total (Year 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ElevenLabs | $30k | $60k-180k | $90k-210k |
| LiveKit | $35k | $18k-72k | $59k-119k |
| Custom | $50k | $24k-96k | $86k-170k |
Key Takeaways
- ElevenLabs: Best for speed and simplicity
- LiveKit: Best total cost at scale, most flexible
- Custom: Maximum control, highest compliance
- Under 500 hours/month: ElevenLabs often cheapest
- 500-2,000 hours/month: LiveKit typically wins
- Voice quality: ElevenLabs leads, custom can match