Zuplo API vs Kong: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Zuplo API 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zuplo API
Monetize, secure, and scale your APIs with a programmable gateway and developer portal.
Best for you if:
- • Programmable API gateway with custom logic in TypeScript.
- • Comprehensive developer portal for self-service onboarding and monetization.
Kong
Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable 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 |  Zuplo API |  Kong |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $100 per additional 100K requests per month/moPro | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Zuplo API or Kong?
Choose Zuplo API if
Monetize, secure, and scale your APIs with a programmable gateway and developer portal.
- Highly customizable gateway logic using TypeScript.
- Comprehensive developer portal with self-service key management and monetization features.
- Specialized support for AI and MCP APIs, including cost control and vendor lock-in avoidance.
Choose Kong if
Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform
- High performance
- Extensible plugins
- Open source
| Feature | Zuplo API | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 41 reviews | ★4.4/5 70 reviews |
| Categories | API ToolsDeveloper Tools | API ToolsDevOps |
In-Depth Analysis
Zuplo API
Monetize, secure, and scale your APIs with a programmable gateway and developer portal.
Strengths
- +Highly customizable gateway logic using TypeScript.
- +Comprehensive developer portal with self-service key management and monetization features.
- +Specialized support for AI and MCP APIs, including cost control and vendor lock-in avoidance.
- +Global edge deployment for low-latency and distributed rate limiting.
- +Significant cost savings and increased engineering focus reported by users.
Weaknesses
- -Requires knowledge of TypeScript for advanced customizations.
- -Specific integrations for monetization are limited to Stripe and Amberflo (as mentioned).
Key features
Kong
Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform
Strengths
- +High performance
- +Extensible plugins
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Complex setup
- -Enterprise features paid
Key features
Pricing: Zuplo API vs Kong
| Plan | Zuplo API | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $100 per additional 100K requests per month Pro | Free Plus |
| Tier 3 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Zuplo API pricing and Kong pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Zuplo API
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Zuplo API
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Kong
- Larger review base (70 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zuplo API
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5
The Bottom Line
Kong is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zuplo API or Kong better?
Kong is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Zuplo API and Kong used for?
Zuplo API: Monetize, secure, and scale your APIs with a programmable gateway and developer portal.. Kong: Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform.
What does Zuplo API cost vs Kong?
Zuplo API is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kong is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.