API7 Gateway vs Kong: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between API7 Gateway 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:
API7 Gateway
Elevate your API management with an open-source infrastructure for efficient, reliable, and secure connections.
Best for you if:
- • Enterprise-grade API gateway built on Apache APISIX for managing, securing, and scaling APIs.
- • Supports multi-protocol traffic management (L4/L7) with extensive plugins and integrations.
Kong
API gateway and platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |  API7 Gateway |  Kong |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | API7 Gateway | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How API7 Gateway and Kong Compare
API7 Gateway
Elevate your API management with an open-source infrastructure for efficient, reliable, and secure connections.
Paid
Kong
API gateway and platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Kong has a free tier. API7 Gateway is paid only.
Go with: Kong
Want the highest-rated option?
Kong scores 84/100. API7 Gateway is unrated.
Go with: Kong
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Kong
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
API7 Gateway is paid. Kong is freemium. Kong lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Kong
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
API7 Gateway
The Bottom Line
Kong (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is API7 Gateway or Kong better?
Kong scores 84/100 in our evaluation. API7 Gateway is paid and Kong is freemium.
What are API7 Gateway and Kong used for?
API7 Gateway: Elevate your API management with an open-source infrastructure for efficient, reliable, and secure connections.. Kong: API gateway and platform.
What does API7 Gateway cost vs Kong?
API7 Gateway is a paid tool. Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.