# Pipecat vs xiaozhi-esp32-server
_Voice Agents · independent comparison_

> Pipecat and xiaozhi-esp32-server are both open-source voice agents you can self-host for free. Pipecat is written primarily in Python; xiaozhi-esp32-server in JavaScript. Neither is universally better — pick by fit.

## Side by side

**Pipecat**
- Open source · Framework · 16k★ · Python · BSD-2-Clause · active today
- Best for: Python developers who want to choose the services and processing stages in a custom voice or multimodal application.
- Avoid if: You need a ready-made call-center product without implementing and operating an application.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/pipecat) · [official](https://pipecat.ai)

**xiaozhi-esp32-server**
- Open source · Infrastructure · 11k★ · JavaScript · MIT · active today
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/xiaozhi-esp32-server) · [official](http://xiaozhi.biz)

## Key differences

- Pipecat is written primarily in Python; xiaozhi-esp32-server in JavaScript.
- Licensing differs: Pipecat is BSD-2-Clause, xiaozhi-esp32-server is MIT.

## Which to choose

**Choose Pipecat if:** Python developers who want to choose the services and processing stages in a custom voice or multimodal application.

**Choose xiaozhi-esp32-server if:** your team works primarily in JavaScript.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between Pipecat and xiaozhi-esp32-server?**
Pipecat is written primarily in Python; xiaozhi-esp32-server in JavaScript.

**Is Pipecat or xiaozhi-esp32-server better?**
Neither is universally better. Pipecat is the stronger fit for Python developers who want to choose the services and processing stages in a custom voice or multimodal application; xiaozhi-esp32-server for teams working primarily in JavaScript. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is Pipecat or xiaozhi-esp32-server free?**
Pipecat is free to run and self-host; xiaozhi-esp32-server is free to run and self-host. Both are free to self-host — you only pay for the infrastructure and any model or API usage.

**Which is more popular, Pipecat or xiaozhi-esp32-server?**
By GitHub stars — a proxy for open-source adoption — Pipecat is ahead (16k vs 11k). Stars measure attention, not necessarily the better fit for you.

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Source: [Agent Search Engine](https://agentsearchengine.app) — https://agentsearchengine.app/compare/pipecat-vs-xiaozhi-esp32-server