Bandwidth Voice API
Bandwidth Voice API: A broad PSTN voice API for calling, media control, transcription, and AI streaming. Ranked #3 of 53 in Voice APIs by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for mature PSTN voice and media streaming projects.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forMature PSTN voice and media streaming projects
- Free planNo
- Inbound callingYes
- Founded2001 · Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Inbound and outbound PSTN calling with REST APIs, webhooks, and BXML
- Voice, transcription, recording, conferencing, and answering-machine detection
- WebSocket media streaming with OpenAI Realtime API integration
Where it doesn't
- Paid service with usage-based rates rather than a conventional monthly plan
- No permanent $0 Voice API plan
- API-only access requires development work to build user-facing workflows
Our verdict on Bandwidth Voice API
Bandwidth Voice API gives developers programmable inbound and outbound telephone calling through HTTPS requests, webhooks, REST APIs, and Bandwidth XML (BXML). It is aimed at businesses and software teams building IVR systems, click-to-call workflows, call tracking, voice notifications, conversational AI, and other communications applications. The API supports phone numbers, SIP, and several development languages, including Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP, .NET, and Java. It is a strong fit for projects that need direct control over PSTN calling and media behavior rather than a finished communications interface.
Its feature set covers the main building blocks of production voice workflows. Developers can add text-to-speech with multiple languages, voices, and SSML, speech transcription, mono or dual-channel recording, conferencing for up to 20 participants, and answering-machine detection. Real-time WebSocket media streaming extends the platform into conversational applications, and the published integrations include the OpenAI Realtime API plus WebSocket-compatible AI and third-party tools. That combination makes the service particularly suitable for voice applications that need both conventional telephony and streamed audio processing.
Pricing is usage-based rather than organized around a conventional monthly plan. Bandwidth also advertises free Build credits, while the Voice API itself is a paid service without a permanent $0 plan. This model can suit teams that want costs to follow call activity, but it requires usage forecasting and budget controls. Choose Bandwidth Voice API for mature PSTN projects needing call control, SIP, recording, and streaming in one API-oriented service. Teams seeking a no-code calling product, a permanent free tier, or a packaged monthly subscription should look elsewhere.
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Bandwidth Voice API pricing
Bandwidth Voice API fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Inbound calling | Yes |
| Outbound calling | Yes |
| Phone number support | Yes |
| SIP support | Yes |
| Call recording | Yes |
| Concurrent call limit | Not verified |
| SDK languages | C#, Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, Ruby |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Compliance & security | SOC 2, GDPR |
| Support | Docs, Email |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Pricing on request (source) |
| Website | bandwidth.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Bandwidth Voice API
- Vonage Voice APIA broad voice API for building PSTN, SIP, WebRTC, IVR, and AI call workflows.9.4
- Twilio Elastic SIP TrunkingA focused SIP-to-PSTN service with secure trunking and pay-as-you-go voice charges.9.2
- Twilio Programmable VoiceA broad voice API for calling, IVR, SIP, recording, conferencing, and SDK-based apps.9.0
See all Bandwidth Voice API alternatives →
Bandwidth Voice API vs the competition
- Bandwidth Voice API vs Vonage Voice API
- Bandwidth Voice API vs Twilio Elastic SIP Trunking
- Bandwidth Voice API vs Twilio Programmable Voice
- Bandwidth Voice API vs RingCentral Voice API
- Bandwidth Voice API vs Microsoft Azure Communication Services Call Automation
- Bandwidth Voice API vs Amazon Chime SDK Voice Connector
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Also Ranked In
Bandwidth Voice API is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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