Not all relay services are the same. Here's exactly how MyRelay stacks up against every alternative.
| MyRelay | Human Relay (711) | TTY / TDD | Video Relay (VRS) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection time | <1 second | 5–20 minutes | Instant | 1–5 minutes |
| Privacy | No one else on the call | Operator hears everything | Private | Interpreter sees everything |
| Announced as relay | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Special equipment | None — any browser | None | TTY device required | Webcam required |
| Mood detection | — | — | — | |
| Sound detection | — | — | — | |
| AI Agent mode | — | — | — | |
| Voice options | 6 natural voices | 1 operator | Text only | 1 interpreter |
| Transcript download | — | — | — | |
| Available 24/7 | Yes | Yes | Limited hours | |
| Requires ASL | No | No | No | Yes |
| Works for speech disabilities | STS only | — | — |
Instant connection. Tap Call. Phone rings. Under 1 second.
Completely private. No human operator hears your conversation. Ever.
No announcement. The other person doesn't know it's a relay call.
6 voice choices. Pick a voice that fits you — not a random operator's voice.
AI Agent mode. Let Claude handle the entire call autonomously.
5–20 minute wait before your call even starts.
Operator hears everything — your medical info, your finances, your personal life.
"This is a relay call" — announced to the other person every time.
One operator you didn't choose, who may mispronounce things.
No AI features. No mood detection, no sound detection, no transcripts.
No equipment. Works on any phone, tablet, or computer you already own.
Call any number. Regular phones, cell phones, business lines — not just other TTY devices.
Natural voice output. The other person hears a human-sounding voice, not typed characters.
Modern interface. Chat-style UI, not a 1960s text terminal.
Requires a TTY device — specialized hardware that's bulky and outdated.
Both parties need TTY. Can't call a regular phone without going through relay anyway.
Text-only output. The other person reads typed text — impersonal and slow.
Nearly obsolete. Most people under 40 have never seen one.
No ASL required. Type in English. Works for anyone — not just ASL users.
No video needed. Use it anywhere — no webcam, no showing your face, no quiet room needed.
Fully private. No interpreter sees your expressions or reads your signs.
Speech disabilities welcome. VRS is for ASL users only. MyRelay works for everyone.
Requires ASL fluency. Not an option for late-deafened adults or speech-disabled users.
Needs webcam and good lighting. Can't use it discreetly in public or at work.
Interpreter sees everything. Your face, your environment, your emotional state.
Limited availability. Not all providers offer 24/7 VRS service.
The number one reason. People are tired of a stranger hearing their doctor explain test results, their bank read out account numbers, or their lawyer discuss a case.
Life doesn't wait for a relay queue. When you need to call back a missed call, reschedule an appointment, or catch someone before they leave — 15 minutes of waiting isn't an option.
No more "this is a relay call." No more the other person's tone changing when they realize. Just a normal phone call where you're treated like everyone else.
Make a call with MyRelay. Then make the same call through 711. You'll never go back.
Try MyRelay Free →