Last updated: March 22, 2026
TL;DR — TEN
TEN is the world's first truly real-time multimodal agent framework for building next-generation conversational AI. Open-source and backed by Agora, TEN enables developers to create AI agents that can see, hear, and speak in real time with ultra-low latency. It supports voice, video, data streams, images, and text, integrating with models from OpenAI, Google, DeepSeek, and more — all through a plug-and-play extension system and visual Graph Designer.
Table of Contents
What is TEN?
TEN is the world's first truly real-time multimodal agent framework for building next-generation conversational AI. Open-source and backed by Agora, TEN enables developers to create AI agents that can see, hear, and speak in real time with ultra-low latency. It supports voice, video, data streams, images, and text, integrating with models from OpenAI, Google, DeepSeek, and more — all through a plug-and-play extension system and visual Graph Designer.
Screenshot of TEN homepage — captured March 21, 2026 by PopularAiTools.ai
Key Features of TEN
Real-Time Multimodal AI
Build agents that process voice, video, images, text, and data streams simultaneously with ultra-low latency.
Plug-and-Play Extensions
Choose from pre-built extensions for LLMs (OpenAI, Gemini, DeepSeek, Llama), STT, TTS, image generation, AI avatars, and more.
Visual Graph Designer
Drag-and-drop interface for designing agent workflows. Connect extensions, configure data flows, and visualize your agent's architecture.
Multi-Language Support
Build extensions in Golang, C++, and Python with Node.js support coming. Choose the language that fits your team.
Voice Activity Detection
Built-in VAD and turn detection ensure natural conversational flow without interruptions or awkward silences.
Agent Examples
Ready-to-deploy agent templates for voice chatbots, meeting minutes, language tutors, translators, and virtual companions.
TEN Manager
Manage data flow, dependencies, and deployment configurations through a centralized management tool.
Edge & Cloud Deployment
Deploy agents on cloud infrastructure, edge devices, or hybrid architectures depending on latency and privacy requirements.
How to Use TEN
1
Clone the Repository
Clone the TEN framework from GitHub (github.com/TEN-framework/ten-framework) and follow the setup guide.
2
Choose Extensions
Select pre-built extensions for your use case — LLM provider, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and any additional capabilities.
3
Design Your Agent
Use the Graph Designer to visually connect extensions and configure data flow between components.
4
Test Locally
Run your agent locally with the built-in development server. Test voice interactions, video processing, and multimodal capabilities.
5
Deploy to Production
Deploy your agent to cloud infrastructure, use Agora's real-time network for voice/video, or run on edge devices.
TEN Pricing
Open-source (free) | Cloud hosting via Agora
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- ✓Fully open-source — no licensing costs for the core framework
- ✓True real-time multimodal support (voice + video + text + images)
- ✓Visual Graph Designer makes complex agent design accessible
- ✓Multi-language extension support (Go, C++, Python) for flexible development
- ✓Pre-built agent templates accelerate development significantly
- ✓Backed by Agora with enterprise-grade real-time communication infrastructure
✗ Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve for developers without real-time systems experience
- ✗Self-hosting requires significant infrastructure for production workloads
- ✗Still maturing — documentation can be sparse in some areas
- ✗Node.js extension support not yet available
- ✗Cloud deployment costs can scale with heavy real-time usage
TEN Alternatives
LiveKit Agents
Similar real-time AI agent framework with strong WebRTC foundation
Retell AI
Managed voice AI platform — easier to deploy but less customizable
VAPI
Voice AI API with simpler integration but less multimodal capability
Pipecat
Open-source voice AI framework with simpler architecture but fewer features
Our Verdict
4.4/5
TEN is the most ambitious open-source framework for real-time conversational AI. The ability to build agents that simultaneously process voice, video, text, and images with ultra-low latency is genuinely cutting-edge. The visual Graph Designer democratizes what would otherwise require deep real-time systems expertise. The plug-and-play extension model means you can swap LLM providers, TTS engines, and other components without rewriting your agent. Being open-source and backed by Agora gives it both flexibility and enterprise credibility. The main challenge is complexity — this is a developer framework, not a no-code tool, and production deployment requires real infrastructure. For developers building real-time AI applications, TEN is the most capable open-source option available. Rating: 4.4/5
Try TEN Today →
Visit the official TEN website to get started
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TEN free to use?
Yes, TEN is fully open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. The framework is free to use, modify, and deploy. Cloud hosting through Agora is pay-as-you-go.
What can I build with TEN?
TEN supports voice chatbots, AI meeting assistants, language tutors, simultaneous translators, virtual companions, counseling agents, and any application requiring real-time multimodal AI.
What programming languages does TEN support?
TEN supports Golang, C++, and Python for building extensions. Node.js support is coming soon. The Graph Designer provides a visual interface for non-coding workflows.
How does TEN achieve real-time performance?
TEN is built from the ground up for low-latency processing. It uses optimized data pipelines, built-in Voice Activity Detection, and turn detection to maintain natural conversational flow.
What LLM providers work with TEN?
TEN integrates with OpenAI (GPT-4, Realtime API), Google (Gemini), DeepSeek, Llama, and any LLM that exposes a compatible API through its extension system.
Who is behind TEN?
TEN is supported by Agora, a publicly-traded real-time communication company, and maintained by an active open-source community.
Can I deploy TEN on edge devices?
Yes, TEN supports edge deployment for low-latency applications where cloud round-trips are unacceptable. You can also use hybrid architectures combining edge and cloud.
How does TEN compare to LiveKit Agents?
Both are excellent for real-time AI agents. TEN offers broader multimodal support and a visual designer. LiveKit has stronger WebRTC infrastructure and simpler initial setup. Choose TEN for complex multimodal agents; LiveKit for voice-first applications.
Last updated: March 21, 2026 | Review by PopularAiTools.ai
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