Ably vs Kong: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Ably and Kong comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Ably
Realtime messaging infrastructure for chat, notifications, and live updates
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Ably is a real-time messaging infrastructure provider for apps requiring live updates and sync
- • It handles pub/sub messaging, presence detection, and message history at global scale
Kong
API gateway and platform
Best for you if:
- • Kong is an API gateway and platform for managing, securing, and monitoring APIs
- • It provides rate limiting, authentication, and traffic control for microservices
| At a Glance |  Ably |  Kong |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Ably | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsLow-Code Backend | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Ably and Kong Compare
Ably
Realtime messaging infrastructure for chat, notifications, and live updates
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Kong
API gateway and platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Ably
Want the highest-rated option?
Ably: 85/100. Kong: 84/100.
Go with: Ably
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ably
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Ably scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Ably
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kong
The Bottom Line
Ably (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ably or Kong better?
Ably scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Ably and Kong used for?
Ably: Realtime messaging infrastructure for chat, notifications, and live updates. Kong: API gateway and platform.
What does Ably cost vs Kong?
Ably is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.