GPT-Realtime-1.5
GPT-Realtime-1.5 is OpenAI's flagship audio model for voice agents and customer support, handling speech-to-speech conversation with stronger instruction following and more reliable tool calling than earlier realtime preview models. Your use is subject to OpenAI's Terms & Privacy Policies.
- Input and output price
- Input $4, Output $16, Per 1M tokens
import { gateway } from '@ai-sdk/gateway';
export async function POST() { const { token, url } = await gateway.experimental_realtime.getToken({ model: 'openai/gpt-realtime-1.5', });
return Response.json({ token, url, tools: [] });}Copy link to headingPlayground
Try out GPT-Realtime-1.5 by OpenAI. Usage is billed to your team at API rates. Free users (those who haven't made a payment) get $5 of credits every 30 days.
GPT-Realtime-1.5Voice agent
Talk to a realtime agent. It listens to your voice and replies with audio.
Start the session and ask the agent something.
Copy link to headingProviders
Route requests across multiple providers. Copy a provider slug to set your preference. Visit the docs for more info. Using a provider means you agree to their terms, listed under Legal.
Copy link to headingMore models by OpenAI
| Model |
|---|
| 1.1M | 3.5 s | 72 tps | $10/M+2 more | $50/M+2 more | Read$1/M Write$12.50/M | $10/K | +5 |  | 09/04/2026 | |||||
| 1.1M | 2.2 s | 146 tps | $0.20/M+2 more | $1.20/M+2 more | Read$0.02/M Write$0.25/M | $10/K | +5 |  | 07/09/2026 | |||||
| 1.1M | 5.9 s | 69 tps | $4/M+2 more | $20/M+2 more | Read$0.40/M Write$5/M | $10/K | +5 | | 07/09/2026 | |||||
| 1.1M | 1.9 s | 85 tps | $2/M+2 more | $12/M+2 more | Read$0.20/M Write$2.50/M | $10/K | +5 | | 07/09/2026 | |||||
| 400K | 0.9 s | 159 tps | $0.05/M | $0.40/M | Read$0.005/M | $14/K | +3 | | 08/07/2025 | |||||
| 400K | 3.2 s | 119 tps | $0.25/M+1 more | $2/M+1 more | Read$0.03/M | $14/K | +3 | | 08/07/2025 |
Copy link to headingAbout GPT-Realtime-1.5
GPT-Realtime-1.5 launched on February 23, 2026 as OpenAI's flagship realtime audio model for voice agents and customer support. Compared with earlier realtime preview models, GPT-Realtime-1.5 delivers stronger instruction following, more reliable tool calling, and better voice quality.
Speech-to-speech is the defining design choice. Rather than chaining transcription, a text model, and speech synthesis, GPT-Realtime-1.5 processes audio natively and responds in audio. That cuts latency and produces responses that sound more natural. Tool calling works during live conversation, so a voice agent can check a calendar or query a database while the caller is still talking.
GPT-Realtime-1.5 also enacts specified roles reliably, following instructions to hold a particular personality or tone. That consistency makes GPT-Realtime-1.5 practical for branded support experiences and scripted workflows at scale.
Copy link to headingWhat To Consider When Choosing a Provider
- Configuration: Realtime support on AI Gateway is in beta through AI SDK 7. The integration is WebSocket-based: your server mints a short-lived token, and the browser connects with the AI SDK's realtime hook, which handles microphone capture and playback. Your AI Gateway API key never reaches the client.
- Zero Data Retention: Zero Data Retention is offered on a per-provider and model basis. See the documentation for details.
- Authentication: AI Gateway authenticates requests using an API key or OIDC token. You do not need to manage provider credentials directly.
Copy link to headingWhen to Use GPT-Realtime-1.5
Best for
- Customer support agents: Script-following voice agents that answer, resolve, and escalate correctly
- Tool-calling voice workflows: Assistants that check calendars, query databases, or call APIs mid-conversation
- Low-latency voice interfaces: Native speech-to-speech avoids the delay of chained transcription and synthesis
- Role-consistent personas: Agents that hold a defined personality or tone across long sessions
Consider alternatives when
- Deeper reasoning required:
gpt-realtime-2adds configurable reasoning effort for complex voice workflows - Recorded audio transcription:
gpt-4o-transcribeandgpt-4o-mini-transcribeare built for speech-to-text jobs - Cost-sensitive voice features:
gpt-realtime-minihandles high-volume, simpler interactions at a lower rate
Copy link to headingConclusion
GPT-Realtime-1.5 is the production baseline for voice agents through AI Gateway: native speech-to-speech, reliable tool calling, and consistent instruction following. Build here first, and move specific workflows to gpt-realtime-2 when they need configurable reasoning.
Copy link to headingFrequently Asked Questions
How do I access GPT-Realtime-1.5 through AI Gateway?
Realtime support is in beta through AI SDK 7. Mint a short-lived token on your server with the AI SDK's gateway provider, then connect from the browser with the AI SDK's realtime hook over WebSocket. The hook manages microphone capture and audio playback.
What does speech-to-speech mean for GPT-Realtime-1.5?
One model handles the full loop: GPT-Realtime-1.5 takes audio in and produces audio out, with no separate transcription and text-to-speech steps. That reduces latency and keeps intonation and conversational cues intact.
Can GPT-Realtime-1.5 call tools during a live conversation?
Yes. Tool calling works mid-conversation, so a voice agent can look up an order or query a system while the caller is still talking, then respond with the result.
How does GPT-Realtime-1.5 compare to gpt-realtime-2?
GPT-Realtime-1.5 is the flagship for standard voice agents and customer support. GPT Realtime 2 is the more capable successor, adding configurable reasoning effort for conversations that involve multi-step problem solving.
How is GPT-Realtime-1.5 priced?
Pricing is listed on this page. Rates reflect the providers routing through AI Gateway and update when providers change list prices.
Does GPT-Realtime-1.5 support zero data retention through AI Gateway?
Zero Data Retention is not currently available for this model. Zero Data Retention is offered on a per-provider basis. See https://vercel.com/docs/ai-gateway/capabilities/zdr for details.
What are typical latency characteristics?
This page shows live performance metrics measured across real AI Gateway traffic.