BerriAI vs Kong: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BerriAI 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.
Bottom line: Kong wins this matchup. Our overall API Tools pick is ElevenLabs. Our free API Tools pick is Steampipe. Pick BerriAI if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
BerriAI
AI Gateway for unified LLM access, cost tracking, and fallbacks across 100+ models.
Best for you if:
- • You want simplifies access to a wide range of LLMs with a single API
- • You want provides robust cost tracking and management features
Kong
Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform
Best for you if:
- • You want high performance
- • You want extensible plugins
| At a Glance | BerriAI | Kong |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | - | 4.2/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose BerriAI or Kong?
Choose BerriAI if
AI Gateway for unified LLM access, cost tracking, and fallbacks across 100+ models.
- You want simplifies access to a wide range of LLMs with a single API
- You want provides robust cost tracking and management features
Choose Kong if
Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform
- You want high performance
- You want extensible plugins
| Feature | BerriAI | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.2/5 349 reviews |
| Categories | API ToolsAI Model Deployment | API ToolsDevOps |
In-Depth Analysis
BerriAI
AI Gateway for unified LLM access, cost tracking, and fallbacks across 100+ models.
BerriAI's pricing is extremely generous, offering a fully-featured Open Source tier for $0.
Watch out
No clear overage fees mentioned
Strengths
- +Simplifies access to a wide range of LLMs with a single API.
- +Provides robust cost tracking and management features.
- +Enables quick adoption of new LLM models.
- +Reduces operational complexity for platform teams.
- +Offers both cloud and self-hosted deployment options.
Key features
Kong
Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform
Kong's pricing is very generous, offering a fully functional open-source 'Free' tier.
Strengths
- +High performance
- +Extensible plugins
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Complex setup
- -Enterprise features paid
Key features
Pricing: BerriAI vs Kong
| Plan | BerriAI | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Open Source | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | Contact us Enterprise | Free Plus |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on BerriAI pricing and Kong pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: BerriAI
Want the highest-rated option?
Kong is rated 4.2/5. BerriAI has no ratings yet.
Go with: Kong
Value user reviews?
BerriAI: no ratings yet. Kong: 349 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: Kong
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?
Kong is rated 4.2/5; BerriAI has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Kong
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
BerriAI
- Choose if you want aI Gateway for unified LLM access, cost tracking, and fallbacks across 100+ models
The Bottom Line
Kong wins this matchup. Our overall API Tools pick is ElevenLabs. Our free API Tools pick is Steampipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BerriAI or Kong better?
Kong is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are BerriAI and Kong used for?
BerriAI: AI Gateway for unified LLM access, cost tracking, and fallbacks across 100+ models.. Kong: Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform.
What does BerriAI cost vs Kong?
BerriAI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.