Algolia vs Kong: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Algolia 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:
Algolia
Search and discovery API
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Search and discovery API
- • Lightning-fast search
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 |  Algolia |  Kong |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 87/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Algolia | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsAI Coding | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Algolia and Kong Compare
Algolia
Search and discovery API
Free tier available · 87/100 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: Algolia
Want the highest-rated option?
Algolia: 87/100. Kong: 84/100.
Go with: Algolia
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Algolia
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?
Algolia scores higher: 87/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Algolia
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kong
The Bottom Line
Algolia (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Algolia or Kong better?
Algolia scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Algolia and Kong used for?
Algolia: Search and discovery API. Kong: API gateway and platform.
What does Algolia cost vs Kong?
Algolia is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.