When to use Voice Agent API vs. Universal-3 Pro Streaming

AssemblyAI offers two primary options for building voice agents: the Voice Agent API and Universal-3 Pro Streaming, each catering to different needs. The Voice Agent API provides a comprehensive solution by integrating speech recognition, language model reasoning, and voice synthesis over a single WebSocket connection, making it ideal for those who prefer a streamlined approach with minimal setup, at a flat rate of $4.50 per hour. Conversely, Universal-3 Pro Streaming is a standalone speech-to-text model, best for users who already have their own language model and text-to-speech systems, costing $0.45 per hour for the speech-to-text component and offering more control over the pipeline. Key features of the Voice Agent API include turn detection, interruption handling, tool calling, and session resumption, all of which enhance the naturalness and functionality of voice interactions. The decision between these options depends largely on whether users wish to manage the entire voice pipeline themselves or leverage AssemblyAI's infrastructure for a faster deployment.

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