Apollo Studio vs Kong: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apollo Studio 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:
Apollo Studio
GraphQL developer platform for building APIs
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Apollo Studio is a cloud platform for GraphQL API management and observability
- • It provides schema tracking, operation analytics, and performance monitoring
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 |  Apollo Studio |  Kong |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Apollo Studio | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Apollo Studio and Kong Compare
Apollo Studio
GraphQL developer platform for building APIs
Free tier available · 86/100 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: Apollo Studio
Want the highest-rated option?
Apollo Studio: 86/100. Kong: 84/100.
Go with: Apollo Studio
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apollo Studio
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?
Apollo Studio scores higher: 86/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Apollo Studio
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kong
The Bottom Line
Apollo Studio (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apollo Studio or Kong better?
Apollo Studio scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Apollo Studio and Kong used for?
Apollo Studio: GraphQL developer platform for building APIs. Kong: API gateway and platform.
What does Apollo Studio cost vs Kong?
Apollo Studio is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.