Apache APISIX vs Solo.io Gloo: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Apache APISIX and Solo.io Gloo side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Apache APISIX leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Apache APISIX
Cloud-native API Gateway and AI Gateway for managing APIs and AI workloads.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Solo.io Gloo requires payment)
Solo.io Gloo
Reimagining infrastructure for cloud and AI with advanced API management and service mesh solutions.
Best for you if:
- • You want a tool that unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types
| At a Glance | Apache APISIX | Solo.io Gloo |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Not published |
Category | API Tools Cloud & Infrastructure | API Tools Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.8/5 G2 4.8 5 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Apache APISIX or Solo.io Gloo?
Choose Apache APISIX if
- You want a fully free tool (Solo.io Gloo requires payment)
Choose Solo.io Gloo if
- You want a tool that unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types
- You want a tool that simplifies complex service mesh deployments with enterprise support for Istio and Ambient Mesh
In-Depth Analysis
Apache APISIX
Cloud-native API Gateway and AI Gateway for managing APIs and AI workloads.
Strengths
- Pro: Ultimate performance with low latency (0.2 ms)
- Pro: Robust security features for identity authentication and API verification
- Pro: High scalability and availability with customizability
- Pro: Fully dynamic with hot updates and hot-loading plugins, saving development time
- Pro: Platform and protocol agnostic, avoiding vendor lock-in
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires familiarity with NGINX and etcd for advanced configurations
- Con: Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features and plugins
Key features
Solo.io Gloo
Reimagining infrastructure for cloud and AI with advanced API management and service mesh solutions.
Strengths
- Pro: Unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types.
- Pro: Simplifies complex service mesh deployments with enterprise support for Istio and Ambient Mesh.
- Pro: Leverages open-source foundations (Envoy, kGateway) for flexibility and innovation.
- Pro: Enhances security with zero-trust principles applied to all API traffic.
- Pro: Reduces operational overhead and improves developer experience in cloud-native settings.
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires expertise in cloud-native technologies like Kubernetes, Envoy, and Istio.
- Con: Enterprise-focused, which may be complex for smaller organizations or simpler use cases.
Key features
Key Takeaways
Apache APISIX
- Has a free plan
Solo.io Gloo
- Worth considering for API tools
What the data shows
On the data below, Apache APISIX leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only Apache APISIX has a published user rating (4.8/5 from 5 reviews); Solo.io Gloo has none we can show.
- Only Apache APISIX has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Apache APISIX and Solo.io Gloo compare in 2026?
On the data below, Apache APISIX leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only Apache APISIX has a published user rating (4.8/5 from 5 reviews); Solo.io Gloo has none we can show. Only Apache APISIX has a free plan.
What are Apache APISIX and Solo.io Gloo used for?
Apache APISIX: Cloud-native API Gateway and AI Gateway for managing APIs and AI workloads. Solo.io Gloo: Reimagining infrastructure for cloud and AI with advanced API management and service mesh solutions.
What does Apache APISIX cost vs Solo.io Gloo?
Apache APISIX is free. Solo.io Gloo has no public paid-plan price on file.
What's the main difference between Apache APISIX and Solo.io Gloo?
Apache APISIX's main strength: ultimate performance with low latency (0.2 ms). Solo.io Gloo's main strength: unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types.
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