Voice agent platforms for React developers
Voice agent platforms can provide speech, realtime audio, call orchestration, tool calls, and deployment. React teams still need a clear frontend layer for state, activity, and trust.
orb-ui is intentionally narrow. It is the React UI layer that can sit on top of provider stacks.
Where orb-ui fits
| Layer | Examples | orb-ui role |
|---|
| Voice agent platform | Vapi, Retell AI, Bland AI, Synthflow | Render the visible state layer |
| Realtime model API | OpenAI Realtime, Gemini Live API | Use controlled mode today |
| Voice generation | ElevenLabs | Render conversational state and audio activity |
| Custom backend | WebRTC, WebSocket, telephony | Use controlled mode or write an adapter |
Comparison posture
When comparing tools, keep the distinction clear:
- Vapi is a voice agent platform.
- ElevenLabs can provide voice and conversational agent capabilities.
- OpenAI Realtime and Gemini Live API are lower-level realtime model APIs.
- orb-ui is the frontend component layer.
That distinction is better for trust and more useful for developers than pretending everything is interchangeable.
Related pages
Last modified on May 28, 2026
