Kong Alternatives 2026: Top Options Compared
Find the right api management solution for your team
Kong pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $0 to $500 per month in 2026. Your actual cost depends on the tier you choose, contract length, and negotiated discounts.
Use the interactive pricing calculator to estimate your exact cost based on team size and requirements.
- Free tier: No free tier available
- Billing: Monthly and annual (save 15-20%)
- Hidden costs: Add ~35% for implementation, support, and training
Finding Kong Alternatives
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We're currently building our database of Kong alternatives. In the meantime, explore other api management options in our category.
Browse API Management Software →When to Stay with Kong
Kong stands out as both an open-source solution and enterprise platform, making it ideal for organizations that want flexibility in deployment options. The platform excels in cloud-native environments and Kubernetes deployments, with strong performance characteristics handling millions of requests per second. Kong Konnect Plus offers usage-based pricing starting at $105 per service per month and $34.25 per million requests, while Kong Enterprise provides custom pricing for organizations requiring dedicated support and advanced features.
- You've invested heavily in customizations and integrations
- Your team is highly trained and productive on Kong
- You need features that alternatives don't offer
- Migration costs would exceed multi-year savings
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What are the best Kong alternatives?
Popular Kong alternatives in the API Management space include various options depending on your team size, budget, and specific feature requirements. Consider what aspects of Kong work well for you and what you'd like to improve.
02 Is it hard to switch from Kong to an alternative?
Migration difficulty varies by alternative. Most modern alternatives offer import tools and migration assistance. The complexity depends on how customized your current setup is and how much historical data you need to transfer.
03 How much can I save by switching from Kong?
Depending on the alternative you choose, you could save anywhere from 20% to 70% on per-user costs. Kong's typical price of $75/month is on the higher end of the market. Factor in migration costs and productivity dip during transition.
04 Should I stay with Kong or switch?
Kong stands out as both an open-source solution and enterprise platform, making it ideal for organizations that want flexibility in deployment options. The platform excels in cloud-native environments and Kubernetes deployments, with strong performance characteristics handling millions of requests per second. Kong Konnect Plus offers usage-based pricing starting at $105 per service per month and $34.25 per million requests, while Kong Enterprise provides custom pricing for organizations requiring dedicated support and advanced features. However, if your needs have evolved or you're not using Kong's advanced features, exploring alternatives could save you money and complexity.
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