Vapi vs Poly AI: Who has the best AI phone agent?

Vapi - a quick overview

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Founded in 2023 in San Francisco by Jordan Dearsley and Nikhil Gupta, Vapi is a cutting-edge AI voice agent platform designed for developers and enterprises. It enables teams to deploy human-like voice agents quickly through flexible APIs, integrating seamlessly with telephony systems, CRMs, and EHRs. Vapi’s technology scales voice operations efficiently, offering natural conversational experiences that replace robotic IVRs.

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With a developer-first approach and a small but growing team of around 10 employees, Vapi serves businesses looking to automate outbound calls with personalized AI agents that enhance customer engagement. The platform features advanced call management tools, customizable voice agents tailored to brand tone, real-time analytics, and robust infrastructure supporting millions of concurrent calls.

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In the following section, we’ll explore Vapi’s features, pros and cons, pricing models, and user reviews compared to competitors like Poly AI and Ringly.io to help you understand where it stands in the evolving AI voice agent market.

Vapi's features

• Turbo Latency Optimizations
  Vapi uses optimized GPU inference and intelligent caching for ultra-fast, low-latency audio streaming, making conversations feel smooth and responsive. This is ideal for businesses needing real-time interactions at scale. While Poly AI also focuses on natural conversation flow, Vapi’s technical emphasis on latency stands out. Ringly.io matches this with instant responses but adds daily content updates from your knowledge base[1][5].
• Interruptions & Proprietary Endpointing
  Vapi’s voicebot detects pauses and interruptions naturally, ensuring users aren’t cut off mid-sentence. This creates a more human-like experience compared to some rigid IVR systems. Poly AI offers similar conversational intelligence; however, Ringly.io further enhances this by grounding answers in your actual business content for higher accuracy[1][5].
• Scalability (1M+ Concurrent Calls)
  Built on Kubernetes, Vapi can handle over a million concurrent calls—perfect for enterprises with massive call volumes or seasonal spikes. Poly AI supports high concurrency as well but may require custom scaling solutions; Ringly.io also scales efficiently while integrating deeply with e-commerce platforms like Shopify[2][5].
• Function Calling & Custom Actions
  Vapi enables bots to perform tasks like booking appointments or data lookups via function calling—boosting productivity through automation without extra coding effort. Poly AI offers robust integrations too; however, Ringly.io takes it further by letting you trigger actions across CRMs and helpdesks during live calls using no-code tools like Zapier[1][10].
• WebRTC Streaming & Private Backbone
  Using WebRTC (like Google Meet), Vapi ensures high-quality audio with minimal lag globally thanks to its private internet backbone—reducing network congestion issues common in public infrastructure. While Poly AI provides reliable connectivity as well, Ringly.io focuses more on seamless integration than proprietary networking tech[1].
• On-Premises Deployment
  For organizations needing strict data control or compliance (e.g., finance/healthcare), Vapi allows full on-premises deployment—a feature not always available in cloud-first competitors like Poly AI or even some plans of Ringly.io[1]. However, most SMBs find managed cloud options sufficient.
• Multilingual Support (100+ Languages)
  Vapi supports over 100 languages out-of-the-box so you can serve diverse global audiences easily—a match for leading enterprise voice platforms including Poly AI and ahead of many niche providers. Ringly.io covers major languages relevant to commerce but emphasizes deep domain expertise over sheer language count[1][5].
• No-Code Flow Studio & Pipedream API Integration
  With drag-and-drop conversation builders and easy API integrations (like Pipedream), developers can rapidly prototype complex workflows without writing code—making advanced automation accessible even to non-engineers. Both competitors offer visual builders; however, only Ringly.io lets you automate entire customer journeys tied directly into your sales/support stack without manual training steps required elsewhere[10][6].
• Customizability: Bring Your Own Models/Voices/Backend
  Developers have full flexibility to use their preferred LLMs (OpenAI/Gemini), voices (ElevenLabs), or backend logic within the same platform—a big plus if you want total control over brand experience or compliance needs versus the more “black box” approach of some rivals like Poly AI.
• Intelligent Call Routing & Analytics Dashboards
  Calls are routed automatically based on caller intent using smart triggers set by admins—reducing misrouted calls and improving first-call resolution rates. Detailed analytics dashboards show call volumes, completion rates, satisfaction scores etc., helping optimize operations continuously—a feature all three platforms share but which is especially actionable when combined with real-time order/status checks as found in Ringly.io[6][10].

Pros

• Affordable pricing – Many users highlight that Vapi is a cost-effective solution compared to other AI voice agent platforms.
• Easy to get started – The setup process is straightforward for those with some technical background; configuring transcription, language models, and text-to-speech providers is well-documented.
• Human-like voice quality – Users consistently mention that Vapi’s AI agents sound natural, can mimic human tone/cadence well, and respond quickly in conversations.
• Scalable for business needs – The platform supports deploying multiple AI voice agents to handle both inbound and outbound calls at scale.
• Useful analytics & insights – Businesses appreciate the detailed insights into sales conversations provided by Vapi’s analytics tools; these help teams refine their tactics over time.

Cons

• Steep learning curve for non-developers – Several reviewers note that many features require technical skills (like Python or JSON), making it less accessible to non-coders or business users without IT support. Ringly.io addresses this by offering a more intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels.
• Limited workflow automation – Users report frustration that related tasks (such as sending follow-up emails or automating post-call actions) cannot be handled natively within Vapi; integrating with other tools often requires extra subscriptions or manual workarounds. Ringly.io provides built-in workflow automation out-of-the-box.
• Feature limitations compared to competitors – Some reviewers feel there are functional limits in areas like integrations or advanced customization when compared with leading alternatives in the space. Ringly.io offers broader integration options without such constraints.
• Best suited for tech-savvy teams only – Because of its reliance on scripting/configuration files during setup, less technical teams may struggle to unlock full value from the platform without developer involvement.
• No multi-channel support beyond voice calls – Current feedback suggests that if your customer engagement strategy includes channels beyond phone (like chat/SMS/email), you’ll need additional solutions since Vapi focuses solely on voice interactions.

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Poly AI - a quick overview

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Founded in London in 2017 by Nikola Mrkšić, Tsung-Hsien Wen, and Pei-Hao Su—experts from Apple, Google, and Meta—PolyAI specializes in AI-powered voice agents designed to revolutionize customer service call centers. Their cutting-edge conversational AI helps enterprises deliver seamless voice experiences, reducing reliance on traditional chatbots and enhancing customer interactions.

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With over 150 employees across offices in London, New York, San Francisco, and Belgrade, PolyAI serves major global brands like Marriott and Unicredit. The company’s advanced technology leverages deep research from Cambridge’s Machine Intelligence Lab to create state-of-the-art automated voice assistants that handle complex calls efficiently.

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In the following section, we’ll explore PolyAI’s features, pros and cons, pricing models, and user reviews compared with competitors Vapi and Ringly.io to help you understand how it stands out in the AI voice assistant market.

Poly AI's features

• Natural Language Understanding (NLU) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)
  Poly AI’s core strength lies in its advanced NLU and ASR, enabling the platform to accurately interpret spoken language and understand customer intent. This allows businesses to deploy voice assistants that can handle complex queries, resolve issues, and provide recommendations without human intervention. While Vapi also offers strong NLP capabilities, Poly AI is particularly focused on delivering highly natural conversations for enterprise customer service. Ringly.io matches this with deep knowledge base integration but extends further by instantly updating from your website content for always-current answers.
• Multi-Channel Deployment
  Poly AI supports deployment across various channels—mobile phones, PCs, web browsers, and enterprise applications—making it accessible wherever customers interact. This flexibility is comparable to Vapi’s telephony integrations but stands out for businesses needing omnichannel presence. However, Ringly.io specializes in phone-based automation with seamless e-commerce integrations like Shopify and WooCommerce for direct business impact.
• Human-Like Conversational Experience
  Poly AI leverages proprietary conversational models optimized for realistic dialogue flow, aiming to make interactions feel genuinely human. This focus benefits sectors like retail or banking where empathy matters. Vapi also emphasizes natural-sounding agents but leans more toward developer customization than out-of-the-box realism. Ringly.io delivers a similar lifelike experience while layering on actionable features such as abandoned cart recovery calls that drive measurable results.
• Industry-Specific Solutions
  Poly AI provides tailored solutions for industries including retail, banking, telecoms, and hospitality. These verticalized offerings help enterprises launch specialized bots quickly without starting from scratch each time. While Vapi is highly customizable through APIs for any use case (ideal for developers), Poly AI’s pre-built industry templates speed up deployment in large organizations—a contrast to Ringly.io’s laser focus on e-commerce workflows where setup takes minutes even without technical expertise.
• Cloud-Based Scalability
  As a cloud-first platform available globally—including the US and Europe—Poly AI ensures high availability regardless of company size or location. Its infrastructure supports rapid scaling as engagement grows. Vapi similarly boasts robust scalability (handling over 1 million concurrent calls), making both suitable choices at scale; however, neither offers the instant plug-and-play automations found in Ringly.io designed specifically around online store needs.
• Customizable Conversational Agents
  Users can select or design their own conversational agents within PolyBuzz (the consumer-facing version of PolyAI), choosing personalities or creating custom characters powered by advanced language models. This personalization appeals especially in entertainment or support scenarios requiring brand alignment. In contrast, Vapi focuses more on backend customization via APIs rather than user-facing character creation; meanwhile Ringly.io personalizes agent responses directly from your real business content so every answer reflects your brand voice authentically.

Pros

• Affordable pricing – Many users highlight that Vapi is a cost-effective solution compared to other AI voice agent platforms.
• Easy to get started – The setup process is straightforward for those with some technical background; configuring transcription, language models, and text-to-speech providers is well-documented.
• Human-like voice quality – Users consistently mention that Vapi’s AI agents sound natural, can mimic human tone/cadence well, and respond quickly in conversations.
• Scalable for business needs – The platform supports deploying multiple AI voice agents to handle both inbound and outbound calls at scale.
• Useful analytics & insights – Businesses appreciate the detailed insights into sales conversations provided by Vapi’s analytics tools; these help teams refine their tactics over time.

Cons

• Steep learning curve for non-developers – Several reviewers note that many features require technical skills (like Python or JSON), making it less accessible to non-coders or business users without IT support. Ringly.io addresses this by offering a more intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels.
• Limited workflow automation – Users report frustration that related tasks (such as sending follow-up emails or automating post-call actions) cannot be handled natively within Vapi; integrating with other tools often requires extra subscriptions or manual workarounds. Ringly.io provides built-in workflow automation out-of-the-box.
• Feature limitations compared to competitors – Some reviewers feel there are functional limits in areas like integrations or advanced customization when compared with leading alternatives in the space. Ringly.io offers broader integration options without such constraints.
• Best suited for tech-savvy teams only – Because of its reliance on scripting/configuration files during setup, less technical teams may struggle to unlock full value from the platform without developer involvement.
• No multi-channel support beyond voice calls – Current feedback suggests that if your customer engagement strategy includes channels beyond phone (like chat/SMS/email), you’ll need additional solutions since Vapi focuses solely on voice interactions.

Pricing - Vapi vs Poly 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.

Vapi pricing

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Poly AI pricing

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Ringly.io pricing

Ringly.io delivers the perfect balance of affordability and features. Unlike competitors who force you into expensive tiers, Ringly.io includes all core features even in its free plan. The simple, transparent pricing scales based on your actual usage, with no surprise fees.

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Online customer reviews: Vapi vs Poly AI

Vapi

"Seriously impressive!"
Dilmi Kottahachchi, Developer
Vapi is seriously impressive! The voices sound super natural, and the API is easy to integrate. Perfect for building voice-driven apps without the usual headaches...

"Voice AI isn't 100%"
Chris Daigle, Product Manager
Voice AI isn't 100%, but Vapi is easy to use and definitely some of the best voice AI capabilities I've seen...

Note: There are no reviews for Vapi on G2, Capterra, or Trustpilot at this time—users should be cautious and consider this when evaluating broader sentiment.

PolyAI

"Exceptional capability"
Anonymous Reviewer (G2)
I loved PolyAi for its exceptional capability to automate client calls. Their customer support is commendable. The interface is simple and very user friendly...

"Competitor offerings seem robotic"
Anonymous Reviewer (G2)
The assistant itself is lifelike and constantly learning... In comparison, competitor offerings seem robotic make customers feel like they are not being cared for...

Note: While there’s no single average rating number provided by G2 or other platforms in public summaries, all available written feedback points toward a strong reputation among enterprise users.

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.

Vapi vs Poly AI: Which is best for you?

Who Vapi is best for…

• Tech-savvy teams & developers – Vapi is a dream tool for developers who want full control. You can plug in your own models, customize voice agents, and build workflows using APIs and no-code tools. If you're comfortable with tech, it’s super powerful.
• Enterprises needing large-scale voice automation – Vapi can handle over a million calls at once. So if you're in finance, healthcare, or any high-volume industry, it’s built to scale fast—especially with options for on-premises deployment.
• Companies looking for low-latency voicebots – Vapi’s strength is performance. Lightning-fast responses and smart interrupt handling make every conversation smooth and responsive.
• Businesses who want affordability with flexibility – Starting free and scaling with usage-based pricing, it's a low-risk way to try AI voice automation without committing to long contracts.

Who PolyAI is best for…

• Large enterprises across industries – With years of R&D and clients like Marriott and Unicredit, PolyAI is built to serve heavy-duty customer service operations in industries like banking, retail, and hospitality.
• Teams needing voice AI across multiple channels – PolyAI doesn’t stop at phones. If you need voice assistants on web, mobile, or desktop apps, this platform brings a lot of reach.
• Companies needing lifelike, out-of-the-box conversation quality – Their AI agents are designed to sound human and handle complex support calls without much customization.
• Organizations preferring fully-managed solutions – PolyAI provides long-term, enterprise contracts with round-the-clock support, custom SLAs, and continuous model updates.

Who Ringly.io is best for…

• Online stores & eCommerce brands – If you're using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, Ringly.io connects directly to your store and automates support, follow-ups, and product recommendations.
• Small to midsize businesses needing fast results – No dev team? No problem. Ringly.io is easy to set up with a friendly interface. You’ll be up and running in minutes, not weeks.
• Teams looking for powerful automations without coding – Built-in workflows like abandoned cart recovery and live CRM actions don’t require writing a single line of code.
• Businesses that want value and transparency – All core features are included even in the free plan. Plus, pricing is predictable and fair, with a 110% money-back guarantee to boot.

The bottom line? Vapi and Poly AI shine in specific areas…but if you're looking for a smart, easy-to-use, and fully-featured voice agent that works for businesses of all sizes, Ringly.io is hard to beat. It combines the best of both platforms—real human-sounding AI, powerful integrations, and eCommerce-ready automations—without the complexity or heavy price tags.

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 Vapi and Poly 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 Voice Platform Comes Out on Top?

Choosing the right AI voice platform depends on your goals, technical resources, and the type of customer interactions you want to automate. Each tool—Vapi, PolyAI, and Ringly.io—brings something unique to the table, but their strengths shine in different contexts.

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• Vapi is perfect for developers and enterprise teams that need low-latency performance, millions of concurrent calls, and deep backend customization. If you've got engineering support, it's incredibly flexible.
• PolyAI excels in large-scale customer service across industries, offering world-class NLU and lifelike dialogue out-of-the-box—especially for businesses with complex needs and larger budgets.
• Ringly.io is ideal for fast-moving eCommerce businesses and teams who want instant results, powerful automation, and excellent voice quality without the technical lift.

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At the end of the day, Ringly.io offers a remarkable balance of speed, simplicity, and impact. It combines the intelligent infrastructure of Vapi with the conversation quality of PolyAI—while delivering purpose-built features for growth-focused teams.

It’s the only platform that:

• Works right out of the box, no devs required
• Delivers voice agents that actually drive sales and recover revenue
• Offers smooth, affordable pricing with zero surprises

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If you're looking for AI voice agents that don’t just sound smart—but actually work smarter for your business—Ringly.io is your best bet.

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Get started free today →

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

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• Poly AI vs Retell
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