Kong vs Apigee: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kong and Apigee 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:
Kong
API gateway and platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Kong is an API gateway and platform for managing, securing, and monitoring APIs
- • It provides rate limiting, authentication, and traffic control for microservices
Apigee
Google Cloud API management
Best for you if:
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Google Cloud API management platform
- • API design, security, and analytics
| At a Glance |  Kong |  Apigee |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Web Analytics |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Kong | Apigee |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 59 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | Web AnalyticsAPI Tools |
How Kong and Apigee Compare
Kong
API gateway and platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Apigee
Google Cloud API management
Paid · 82/100 score
Kong is a api tools tool. Apigee is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Kong has a free tier. Apigee is paid only.
Go with: Kong
Want the highest-rated option?
Kong: 84/100. Apigee: 82/100.
Go with: Kong
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Kong
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Kong is freemium. Apigee is paid. Kong lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Kong is a api tools tool. Apigee is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Kong scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Kong
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Apigee
- More community upvotes (59)
- Better fit for web analytics
The Bottom Line
Kong (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kong or Apigee better?
Kong scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Kong is freemium and Apigee is paid.
What are Kong and Apigee used for?
Kong: API gateway and platform. Apigee: Google Cloud API management.
What does Kong cost vs Apigee?
Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apigee is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.