GPT-Realtime mini
GPT-Realtime mini is a cost-efficient realtime model that responds to audio and text inputs in realtime, built for voice features that need low latency and workable unit economics at high volume.
- Input and output price
- Input $0.60, Output $2.40, 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-mini', });
return Response.json({ token, url, tools: [] });}Copy link to headingPlayground
Try out GPT-Realtime mini 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 miniVoice 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 | 2.9 s | 56 tps | $10/M+2 more | $50/M+2 more | Read$1/M Write$12.50/M | $10/K | +4 |  | 09/04/2026 | |||||
| 1.1M | 2.4 s | 156 tps | $0.20/M+2 more | $1.20/M+2 more | Read$0.02/M Write$0.25/M | $10/K | +4 |  | 07/09/2026 | |||||
| 1.1M | 2.6 s | 69 tps | $2/M+2 more | $10/M+2 more | Read$0.20/M Write$2.50/M | $10/K | +4 | | 07/09/2026 | |||||
| 1.1M | 2.6 s | 94 tps | $2/M+2 more | $12/M+2 more | Read$0.20/M Write$2.50/M | $10/K | +4 | | 07/09/2026 | |||||
| 1.1M | 3.5 s | 88 tps | $2.50/M+2 more | $15/M+2 more | Read$0.25/M | $10/K | +4 | | 03/05/2026 | |||||
| 400K | 4.4 s | 208 tps | $0.05/M | $0.40/M | Read$0.005/M | $14/K | +3 | | 08/07/2025 |
Copy link to headingAbout GPT-Realtime mini
GPT-Realtime mini launched on October 10, 2025 at OpenAI's DevDay as the cost-efficient entry in the gpt-realtime family. GPT-Realtime mini responds to audio and text inputs in realtime, covering interactive voice use cases that don't need a flagship model on every turn.
The economics are the point. Voice features strain budgets when every session invokes a top-tier model. GPT-Realtime mini exists so in-app assistants, kiosks, and voice helpers can run continuously without the flagship rate, while keeping the low-latency conversational feel that makes voice interfaces usable.
Through AI Gateway, GPT-Realtime mini connects over WebSocket using the AI SDK's realtime hook. Your server mints a short-lived token, the browser handles microphone capture and playback through the hook, and AI Gateway applies the same observability and spend controls as your other models.
Copy link to headingWhat To Consider When Choosing a Provider
- Configuration: Realtime support on AI Gateway is in beta through AI SDK 7, connecting over WebSocket with a short-lived server-minted token. For agents that need heavier reasoning or complex tool chains, step up to
gpt-realtime-1.5orgpt-realtime-2; the mini variant is tuned for cost and speed. - 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 mini
Best for
- High-volume voice features: Per-session cost decides viability and the mini rate keeps features running
- In-app voice assistants: Routine questions and commands handled with realtime responses
- Voice prototypes: Realtime experiments without committing to flagship pricing
- Always-on voice surfaces: Kiosks, devices, and embedded experiences running continuous interaction
Consider alternatives when
- Mission-critical voice agents:
gpt-realtime-1.5brings stronger instruction following and tool calling - Reasoning-heavy conversations:
gpt-realtime-2adds configurable reasoning effort for complex workflows - Single-direction audio jobs:
gpt-4o-mini-transcribeandtts-1handle transcription and speech generation directly
Copy link to headingConclusion
GPT-Realtime mini answers the cost question that stalls most voice features. Use the mini variant for high-volume, routine interactions through AI Gateway, and reserve gpt-realtime-1.5 or gpt-realtime-2 for the conversations that earn a flagship model.
Copy link to headingFrequently Asked Questions
How do I access GPT-Realtime mini 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 inputs does GPT-Realtime mini accept?
GPT-Realtime mini responds to both audio and text inputs in realtime, so a session can mix spoken conversation with typed messages or injected context.
When should I upgrade from GPT-Realtime mini to gpt-realtime-1.5?
Upgrade when reliability on complex instructions and tool calls starts affecting outcomes. GPT-Realtime-1.5 is the flagship for customer support and mission-critical voice agents; the mini variant targets routine, high-volume interactions.
Can GPT-Realtime mini call tools during a conversation?
Yes, realtime models on AI Gateway can invoke your tools mid-conversation. For workflows built around long tool chains and multi-step decisions, the larger gpt-realtime models are more reliable.
How is GPT-Realtime mini 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 mini 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.