Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Kong · 🛠️ dev tools
Kong vs 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. Here is how Apache APISIX ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Kong ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Apache APISIX is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Kong. Switching from Kong ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Kong.
Apache APISIX
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Kong vs Apache APISIX Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Kong (Paid) | Apache APISIX (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 17.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Kong to Apache APISIX
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Kong.
How to deploy Apache APISIX
Clone https://github.com/apache/apisix or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
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.
Why fork Apache APISIX instead of vibe-coding a Kong clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Kong or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 6 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Apache APISIX.
Kong vs Apache APISIX FAQ
Is Apache APISIX a good free alternative to Kong?+
Yes. Apache APISIX is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Kong. 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 is the catch when switching from Kong to Apache APISIX?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Kong.
How much do you save switching from Kong to Apache APISIX?+
Kong costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Apache APISIX is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Apache APISIX instead of Kong?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/apache/apisix or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
