AWS API Gateway vs Kong: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between AWS API 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 March 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS API Gateway
API management by AWS
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Fully managed API gateway supporting REST, HTTP, and WebSocket APIs
- • Scales automatically with pay-per-request pricing
Kong
API gateway and platform
Best for you if:
- 0
- • 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 |  AWS API Gateway |  Kong |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | AWS API Gateway | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 138 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How AWS API Gateway and Kong Compare
AWS API Gateway
API management by AWS
Free tier available
Kong
API gateway and platform
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AWS API Gateway
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS API Gateway
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS API Gateway
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
AWS API Gateway
- 0
- More community upvotes (138)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kong
The Bottom Line
AWS API Gateway is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS API Gateway or Kong better?
AWS API Gateway is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are AWS API Gateway and Kong used for?
AWS API Gateway: API management by AWS. Kong: API gateway and platform.
What does AWS API Gateway cost vs Kong?
AWS API Gateway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.