KrakenD vs Solo.io Gloo: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for KrakenD and Solo.io Gloo side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, KrakenD leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
KrakenD
The fastest open-source API Gateway for microservices, offering high performance and linear scalability.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Solo.io Gloo
Reimagining infrastructure for cloud and AI with advanced API management and service mesh solutions.
Best for you if:
- • You want a tool that unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types
| At a Glance | KrakenD | Solo.io Gloo |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan | Not published |
Category | API Tools Cloud & Infrastructure | API Tools Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.7/5 G2 4.7 58 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose KrakenD or Solo.io Gloo?
Choose KrakenD if
- You want a free tier before you commit
Choose Solo.io Gloo if
- You want a tool that unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types
- You want a tool that simplifies complex service mesh deployments with enterprise support for Istio and Ambient Mesh
In-Depth Analysis
KrakenD
The fastest open-source API Gateway for microservices, offering high performance and linear scalability.
KrakenD's pricing is extremely generous with its robust Open Source tier being completely Free.
Strengths
- Pro: Extremely high performance and throughput (80K+ requests/second)
- Pro: Stateless architecture for linear scalability and consistent performance
- Pro: Simplified management with a single binary and GitOps approach
- Pro: Comprehensive features for API management (aggregation, security, traffic control)
- Pro: Transparent and predictable pricing with unlimited requests/APIs
Weaknesses
- Con: No specific cons mentioned in the provided text.
Key features
Solo.io Gloo
Reimagining infrastructure for cloud and AI with advanced API management and service mesh solutions.
Strengths
- Pro: Unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types.
- Pro: Simplifies complex service mesh deployments with enterprise support for Istio and Ambient Mesh.
- Pro: Leverages open-source foundations (Envoy, kGateway) for flexibility and innovation.
- Pro: Enhances security with zero-trust principles applied to all API traffic.
- Pro: Reduces operational overhead and improves developer experience in cloud-native settings.
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires expertise in cloud-native technologies like Kubernetes, Envoy, and Istio.
- Con: Enterprise-focused, which may be complex for smaller organizations or simpler use cases.
Key features
Plans and prices: KrakenD vs Solo.io Gloo
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| KrakenD |
| krakend.io read Nov 1, 2026 |
| Solo.io Gloo | No plan prices on file | solo.io/pricing |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on KrakenD pricing and Solo.io Gloo pricing.
Key Takeaways
KrakenD
- Has a free plan
Solo.io Gloo
- Worth considering for API tools
What the data shows
On the data below, KrakenD leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only KrakenD has a published user rating (4.7/5 from 58 reviews); Solo.io Gloo has none we can show.
- Only KrakenD has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do KrakenD and Solo.io Gloo compare in 2026?
On the data below, KrakenD leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only KrakenD has a published user rating (4.7/5 from 58 reviews); Solo.io Gloo has none we can show. Only KrakenD has a free plan.
What are KrakenD and Solo.io Gloo used for?
KrakenD: The fastest open-source API Gateway for microservices, offering high performance and linear scalability. Solo.io Gloo: Reimagining infrastructure for cloud and AI with advanced API management and service mesh solutions.
What does KrakenD cost vs Solo.io Gloo?
KrakenD has no public paid-plan price on file. Solo.io Gloo has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between KrakenD and Solo.io Gloo?
KrakenD's main strength: extremely high performance and throughput (80K+ requests/second). Solo.io Gloo's main strength: unifies API management across diverse environments and traffic types.
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