Retell vs Regal AI – Here's our pick

Retell - a quick overview

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Founded in 2023 in California by Todd Li, Evie Wang, Bing Wu, Weijia Yu, and Zexia Zhang, Retell AI is transforming contact center operations with advanced AI phone agents. Their platform empowers developers and businesses to create human-like voice agents that handle customer calls with rapid response times (averaging 800ms), smart turn-taking, and seamless interruption management. Retell AI’s API supports easy integration of custom large language models for tailored conversational experiences.

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Retell serves a diverse user base ranging from contact center operators to small- and medium-sized businesses seeking to automate high-volume customer interactions—ideal for sales teams, support staff, and product developers. Key features include low-latency conversational APIs, WebSocket support for real-time web or phone connections, and dedicated founder support. In the next section, we’ll compare Retell’s features, pros/cons, pricing, and user reviews alongside Regal AI and Ringly.io.

Retell's features

• Live Transcription
  Retell provides real-time transcription of calls, making it easy to review conversations and extract insights. This is useful for quality assurance and training but lacks the advanced analytics and actionable summaries found in Ringly.io, which help businesses improve customer experience more directly.
• Customizable Call Parameters
  Users can adjust call settings such as greetings, prompts, and agent behavior to fit their business needs. While this offers flexibility for basic customization, it doesn’t match the deep workflow automation or no-code integrations available with Ringly.io’s custom actions.
• Interruption Handling & Emotional Understanding
  Retell’s AI agents can handle interruptions naturally and detect caller emotions to keep conversations smooth. This makes interactions feel more human but falls short of Regal AI’s broader conversational intelligence or Ringly.io’s ability to use mood analysis for actionable call improvements.
• Multilingual Support (50+ Languages)
  Retell supports over 50 languages—helpful for global businesses—but is outpaced by competitors like Synthflow (90+) and even Ringly.io in terms of language options specifically tailored for e-commerce use cases.
• Function Calling / Task Execution
  The platform allows voice agents to execute complex tasks via function calling during calls. While powerful, this relies on scripting rather than a visual builder or drag-and-drop interface like some competitors offer; Ringly.io achieves similar outcomes through simple no-code automations that are easier for non-technical users.
• Script-Based Conversation Flows
  Conversation logic in Retell is defined using scripts instead of a visual flow builder. This approach gives technical teams control but limits accessibility compared to platforms with intuitive workflow editors—Ringly.io lets anyone set up advanced flows without coding knowledge.
• Voice-Only Channel Focus
  Retell primarily supports voice calling without multi-channel capabilities such as SMS integration during calls. In contrast, both Regal AI and especially Ringly.io enable seamless SMS follow-ups mid-call—a key driver of conversions in e-commerce scenarios.
• Latency (700ms–1500ms)
  Call response times range from 700ms up to 1.5 seconds on Retell, which may cause noticeable delays during live interactions. Platforms like Synthflow offer much lower latency (<500ms), while Ringly.io ensures fast responses critical for high-quality customer experiences in sales-focused environments.

Overall, while Retell covers essential AI phone agent features—like live transcription, multilingual support, emotional understanding, task execution via function calling—it tends toward script-based setups with moderate flexibility and speed limitations compared to newer solutions built specifically around e-commerce automation and instant action-taking during calls.

Retell's Pros and Cons

• Easy to build, integrate, and manage Voice AI agents – Users consistently praise how simple it is to set up conversational bots with minimal friction.
• Fast deployment – Many reviewers highlight that they can deliver unique Voice AI agents in a very short timespan, speeding up client projects.
• Natural-sounding conversations – The integration with large language models makes voice agents feel human-like; customers often don’t realize they’re speaking with AI.
• Responsive support team – Several users mention that the Retell team is highly responsive to questions or issues, sometimes delivering new features within hours of request.
• No platform fees – Unlike some competitors, Retell charges only for API usage rather than a flat platform fee, making it cost-effective for many businesses.
• Frequent feature updates – Users appreciate that new features are launched regularly as the product evolves rapidly.
• Low latency performance (most of the time) – Reviewers note quick response times during calls which improves customer experience.

Cons

• Limited agent deployment capacity – Some users report restrictions on how many voice agents can be deployed simultaneously; this could hinder scaling for larger teams or campaigns. Ringly.io’s infrastructure is designed to scale more flexibly without such hard limits.
• Occasional latency issues – While generally fast, there are reports of sporadic delays in call responses which can disrupt user experience during peak loads or complex tasks. Ringly.io’s architecture specifically addresses these spikes by auto-scaling resources.
• Unresponsive to some feature requests – A few reviewers felt their basic feature requests were ignored or took too long to implement despite otherwise good support responsiveness overall. At Ringly.io we prioritize transparent communication around roadmap items so clients know what’s coming next.
• Customization limitations (especially voices) – There have been complaints about limited options when selecting certain types of voices (e.g., male voices), though some improvements have been made recently according to feedback. Ringly.io offers a broader library out-of-the-box.
• Perceived lack of differentiation vs. competitors – Some users feel that while Retell works well enough, its core offering isn’t significantly different from other solutions on the market—making switching less painful if not for migration costs involved. With Ringly.io our unique workflow integrations help teams unlock value beyond just voice automation.
• Product still maturing – As an evolving startup product with frequent updates comes occasional instability; rapid changes may introduce bugs or require re-training staff as interfaces shift week-to-week.

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Regal AI - a quick overview

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Founded in 2020 and based in New York City, Regal AI was created by Alex Levin and Rebecca Greene to revolutionize customer communications through intelligent AI agents. Drawing from their experience scaling major home services companies, they built a platform that transforms contact centers with autonomous AI phone agents capable of natural, personalized conversations across voice, SMS, email, webchat, and video channels.

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Regal AI empowers enterprises to engage customers with the right message at the right time using real-time data integration, advanced automation tools like drag-and-drop journey builders and A/B testing, plus CRM connectivity. Millions of consumers interact monthly via Regal’s platform generating billions in revenue for clients. With $82 million raised to date and a vision that AI will handle most contact center interactions by 2035, Regal is setting the new standard for scalable, human-like customer engagement.

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Next up is a detailed look at Regal’s features, pros and cons, pricing models, and user reviews compared against competitors Retell and Ringly.io to help you find the best fit for your business needs.

Regal AI's features

• AI Phone Agents for Outbound and Inbound Calls
  Regal AI offers advanced AI phone agents that can handle both outbound and inbound calls, automating customer engagement at scale. These agents are designed to follow up with leads, answer questions, and guide customers through sales funnels. While Retell also supports automated voice agents for similar use-cases, Regal’s focus is on proactive outreach—especially in e-commerce and lead generation—whereas Ringly.io extends these capabilities further by deeply integrating with your business data for more personalized conversations[7].
• Lead Conversion Workflows
  Regal AI specializes in converting leads via automated call sequences triggered by user actions (like form fills or abandoned carts). The platform lets you build multi-step workflows that nurture prospects until they convert. Retell provides workflow customization but is more developer-centric; Ringly.io matches this automation but adds real-time order status checks and knowledge base integration out of the box, making it easier to deliver instant answers without manual setup[7].
• CRM & Platform Integrations
  Regal integrates with major CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot) and e-commerce platforms to sync contact data and trigger calls based on customer behavior. This ensures seamless handoff between marketing channels. Retell supports integrations via APIs but may require more technical effort; Ringly.io offers no-code integrations through Zapier/Make.com plus direct store connections (Shopify/WooCommerce), enabling faster deployment even for non-technical users[7][9].
• Conversational Personalization & Dynamic Scripting
  Regal’s dynamic scripting engine personalizes conversations using CRM data—so each call feels tailored to the recipient’s context. This boosts engagement rates compared to generic scripts. Retell allows prompt customization but relies heavily on developer input; Ringly.io goes a step further by letting its agent instantly learn from your website/docs so responses always reflect your latest content without extra training or coding[9].
• Call Routing & Escalation
  With Regal AI, calls can be routed based on intent or customer profile—escalating complex issues to human reps when needed. This reduces friction in support scenarios. Retell also enables routing via custom workflows but may require engineering resources; Ringly.io simplifies this process with smart triggers that transfer only relevant calls—and provides detailed summaries so your team knows exactly why a call was escalated[7][9].
• Analytics & Reporting Dashboards
  Regal delivers analytics dashboards showing key metrics like conversion rates, agent performance, call outcomes, etc., helping teams optimize campaigns over time. While both competitors offer analytics features (Retell includes sentiment tracking), Ringly.io stands out by providing actionable insights such as caller mood analysis and suggestions for improvement directly within its dashboard—a unique advantage if you want continuous optimization without extra tools[6][9].
• Compliance & Security Features
  For regulated industries (finance/healthcare)

Retell Pros and Cons

We studied dozens of reviews from real Retell users from platforms like G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius. Then we identified commonalities and summarized the main pros and cons of Retell based on real user feedback for you here:

Pros

• Easy to build, integrate, and manage Voice AI agents – Users consistently praise how simple it is to set up conversational bots with minimal friction.
• Fast deployment – Many reviewers highlight that they can deliver unique Voice AI agents in a very short timespan, speeding up client projects.
• Natural-sounding conversations – The integration with large language models makes voice agents feel human-like; customers often don’t realize they’re speaking with AI.
• Responsive support team – Several users mention that the Retell team is highly responsive to questions or issues, sometimes delivering new features within hours of request.
• No platform fees – Unlike some competitors, Retell charges only for API usage rather than a flat platform fee, making it cost-effective for many businesses.
• Frequent feature updates – Users appreciate that new features are launched regularly as the product evolves rapidly.
• Low latency performance (most of the time) – Reviewers note quick response times during calls which improves customer experience.

Cons

• Limited agent deployment capacity – Some users report restrictions on how many voice agents can be deployed simultaneously; this could hinder scaling for larger teams or campaigns.
• Occasional latency issues – While generally fast, there are reports of sporadic delays in call responses which can disrupt user experience during peak loads or complex tasks.
• Unresponsive to some feature requests – A few reviewers felt their basic feature requests were ignored or took too long to implement despite otherwise good support responsiveness overall.
• Customization limitations (especially voices) – There have been complaints about limited options when selecting certain types of voices (e.g., male voices), though some improvements have been made recently according to feedback.
• Perceived lack of differentiation vs. competitors – Some users feel that while Retell works well enough, its core offering isn’t significantly different from other solutions on the market—making switching less painful if not for migration costs involved.
• Product still maturing – As an evolving startup product with frequent updates comes occasional instability; rapid changes may introduce bugs or require re-training staff as interfaces shift week-to-week.

These summaries reflect actual user experiences across multiple platforms.

Pricing - Retell vs Regal AI

Note: The pricing information below is accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date pricing, please visit each company's pricing page.

Retell pricing

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Regal AI pricing

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Ringly.io pricing

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Online customer reviews: Retell vs Regal AI

Retell

Total Reviews: 50 (Product Hunt), numerous on G2 (exact count not specified)
Average Rating: 4.8/5 (Product Hunt)

"Easy to build, integrate and manage" – Anonymous Reviewer (G2 User)
We've implemented multiple bots for many of our clients with Retell AI and they all love it! It's easy to build, integrate and manage the Voice AI...

"Not a reliable vendor" – Anonymous Reviewer (G2 User)
The product is the same as others on the market -- we would switch instantly if there were no switching cost; these guys are not a reliable vendor...

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Regal AI

Total Reviews: Not explicitly stated; several detailed reviews available on G2
Average Rating: Not explicitly stated; reviews generally positive

"Exceptional customer service" – Anonymous Reviewer (G2 User)
Regal offers exceptional customer service and support. Their team is very responsive... The documentation from Regal is clear... integration into our system seamless...

"Reporting capabilities still immature" – Anonymous Reviewer (G2 User)
Reporting capabilities are still immature. Additionally, we need real time reporting of our agents and Regal is unable to provide that at this time... With our fast pace we need the ability to view metrics in real time so we can make adjustments if needed...

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What users are saying about Ringly.io:

Ringly.io is known for its simplicity, and a focus on e-commerce, with features like abandoned cart recovery and order status lookups. It has a 4.8 star rating from 12 reviews on Product Hunt and other platforms.

"it stands out significantly ahead" - Bertrand, Director. We are at the initial stage of testing and have made only a few calls so far. Consequently, I have rated the product with four stars for now. However, I must express that the product has shown significant promise. When compared to competitors, it stands out significantly ahead.

"This is such a great product" - Jim Miranda, Founder. This is such a great product. I have been with you for less than a week and already closed 3 deals with it."

"It really sounds like a human" - Laix, Founder. Tried Ringly.io today and the quality of the phone calls surprises me! It really sounds like a human, and it reacts really fast. Will need to deploy it in action to see the full capabilities.

"How to automate customer service? -> Ringly.io" - Sidra Husnain, Founder.

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Retell vs Regal AI: Which is best for you?

Who Retell is best for…

• Developers and technical teams – If you want to build custom voice agents using scripts and have strong developer resources, Retell offers flexibility for those comfortable with APIs and configuring conversation logic by hand.
• Small to medium businesses with focused needs – Retell keeps costs low (pay only for minutes used, no platform fees) and is ideal if you just need voice-only automation without fancy workflow builders or multi-channel support.
• Fast movers wanting quick set-up – If rapid deployment is key and you don’t need deep integrations or complex reporting, Retell makes it easy to go live and start automating calls in days, not weeks.
• Teams looking for responsive support from a hands-on startup – Retell’s founders are often just an email or message away, ready to help or add new features fast, which is great for early adopters who value quick feedback cycles.

Who Regal AI is best for…

• Mid-size to enterprise teams – If you need enterprise-grade features, advanced outbound and inbound call automation, and support for multiple communication channels like SMS, email, and chat, Regal AI is built for organizations that are scaling fast.
• Sales and lead gen-focused companies – Regal AI excels with proactive outreach, lead nurturing, and conversion workflows, plus dynamic scripting that personalizes each call based on CRM data.
• Businesses with robust CRM and marketing stack – If deep integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, and other marketing tools are a must-have, Regal AI’s platform is designed to connect the dots—though some features and reporting are still evolving.
• Teams that want collaborative support & custom solutions – Regal AI’s customer service is highly rated, and their team partners closely with clients to build out features and campaigns, great if you want that “white-glove” experience.

Who Ringly.io is best for…

• Any business, any size – from startups to large-scale enterprises – Ringly.io offers truly simple setup and intuitive no-code automations, so you don’t need a developer to get your AI phone agents working.
• E-commerce brands craving real results – With specialized features like abandoned cart recovery, live order lookups, and instant product recommendations, Ringly.io is perfect for stores that want to boost conversions and automate support.
• Teams prioritizing value and flexibility – Ringly.io gives you all core features (even on the free plan), no contracts, no hidden fees, and a 110% money-back guarantee for peace of mind as you grow.
• Anyone wanting deep insights and hands-off automation – With actionable analytics, mood analysis, one-click integrations to Shopify, WooCommerce, and Zapier, plus lightning-fast response times, Ringly.io is built so you can set it, forget it, and still keep getting smarter over time.

Why Ringly.io is the overall best choice? Ringly.io uniquely checks every box: it’s just as easy as Retell for simple use-cases, but adds the deep automation, speed, and e-commerce-ready features Regal AI brings—without the big price tag or technical hurdles. From entrepreneurs to established teams, you get advanced AI phone automation that adapts to your needs, grows with your business, and delights your customers at every call.

Why Ringly.io is a Better Choice

Highly Rated: 4.8/5

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Founded in 2024 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, by Maurizio Isendoorn and Ruben Boonzaaijer, Ringly.io is revolutionizing e-commerce customer service with AI phone agents.Designed for online businesses, Ringly handles customer calls on autopilot—solving support issues, recovering abandoned carts, and even boosting sales—at just 20% of the cost of human agents.‍

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With 1,300+ customers, Ringly.io is the go-to solution for e-commerce stores looking to scale without scaling their support team. With award-winning technology (BubbleCon 2024's "Most Innovative App"), Ringly.io transforms your phone system into a revenue-driving powerhouse—without the headaches of traditional call centers.‍

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Features that make Ringly.io the #1 alternative to Retell and Regal AI:

No-code setup, instant results – Ringly.io is ready to go in minutes. Just add your website, docs, or text—no engineering required—and your AI phone agent instantly understands your business. It even updates automatically as your website changes.‍‍‍

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AI-powered sales & support – Ringly.io does both inbound and outbound calls. Recover 35%+ of abandoned carts with automated follow-up calls, provide real-time order tracking from Shopify, and convert more customers with personalized AI-driven conversations—not just reactive support.‍‍

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Advanced analytics for smarter decisions – Ringly.io gives you real-time call data, customer intent tracking, and performance reports—helping you optimize support and sales strategies.‍‍‍

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Scalable pricing without enterprise contracts – Ringly.io offers transparent, scalable pricing—pay for what you use, no locked-in contracts.‍

Final Thoughts: Which AI Phone Agent Platform Should You Choose?

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Choosing the right AI phone agent comes down to your business needs, technical resources, and growth ambitions. Each platform shines in different areas—but some simply make life (and results) easier than others.

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• Retell AI: Best for developer-heavy teams that want script-level control over call logic and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves. It’s affordable and quick to launch, but may require more technical maintenance, and lacks advanced no-code automation and multichannel support.
• Regal AI: A solid fit for enterprises prioritizing omnichannel communication, deep CRM integrations, and proactive lead nurturing. If you have a dedicated sales or support team (and the budget for it), Regal’s robust workflows and white-glove service might be a match—though some features are still maturing.
• Ringly.io: The top choice for e-commerce brands and businesses who want fast, hands-free automations, actionable insights, and real-world sales results—without developer headaches or surprise costs. Ringly.io bundles powerful AI with no-code simplicity and transparent pricing for everyone, from startups to scale-ups.

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In summary:

• Retell is ideal if you’re technical and want hands-on, script-based control at a lower cost.
• Regal AI is made for larger teams or enterprises seeking advanced omni-channel campaigns, but may require more investment and patience as new features mature.
• Ringly.io gives you the best of both worlds: instant setup, powerful e-commerce automations (like abandoned cart recovery), deep integrations, and advanced analytics—plus all the flexibility, transparency, and human-like voice experience you need to build trust with customers right out of the box.

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Ultimately, if you want to grow your business with smarter automation, fewer headaches, and no wasted spend, Ringly.io is the modern solution designed to keep you ahead of the curve—no matter your size or skill level.

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Ready for the next step? Try Ringly.io free today and see why more businesses are making the switch.

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Want to compare other players in the market? Check out our other comparisons:

• Retell vs Synthflow
• Retell vs Bland
• Retell vs Goodcall
• Retell vs Poly AI
• Retell vs Vapi
• Retell vs Air AI
• Retell AI alternatives
• Regal AI vs Bland
• Regal AI vs Poly