Apache APISIX
Apache APISIX is an open-source API gateway built on NGINX and etcd, offering dynamic routing, 100+ plugins, load balancing, authentication, and traffic management for APIs and LLM workloads.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/apache/apisix or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Amazon API Gateway.
Replaces 4 paid apps
up to $100/mo ($1,200/yr) in subscriptions
Apache APISIX FAQ
Common questions
Is Apache APISIX free and open source?+
Apache APISIX is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Apache APISIX is an open-source API gateway built on NGINX and etcd, offering dynamic routing, 100+ plugins, load balancing, authentication, and traffic management for APIs and LLM workloads.
What paid software does Apache APISIX replace?+
Apache APISIX serves as a free replacement for 4 paid SaaS applications: Amazon API Gateway, Apigee, Kong, MuleSoft, saving up to $100/month ($1,200/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Apache APISIX?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/apache/apisix or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with Apache APISIX?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Amazon API Gateway.