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.
Bottom line: Kong wins this matchup. ElevenLabs is our overall API Tools pick. ElevenLabs is our free API Tools pick. Pick Zuplo API if you need a free tier to start with.
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:
Zuplo API
Monetize, secure, and scale your APIs with a programmable gateway and developer portal.
Best for you if:
- • You want highly customizable gateway logic using TypeScript
Kong
Route, secure, and observe APIs with a scalable platform
Best for you if:
- • You want high performance
| At a Glance | Zuplo API | Kong |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | API Tools Developer Tools | API Tools DevOps |
Rating | 4.8/5 G2 4.8 41 reviews | 4.2/5 G2 4.4 · Trustpilot 3.4 349 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Enterprise features are mostly add-ons. | n/a |
Choose Zuplo API or Kong?
Choose Zuplo API if
- You want highly customizable gateway logic using TypeScript
- You want comprehensive developer portal with self-service key management and monetization features
Choose Kong if
- You want high performance
- You want extensible plugins
In-Depth Analysis
Zuplo API
Monetize, secure, and scale your APIs with a programmable gateway and developer portal.
Zuplo's pricing model is very generous for small projects with a substantial free tier offering 100K requests/month.
Watch out
Enterprise features are mostly add-ons.
Strengths
- Pro: Highly customizable gateway logic using TypeScript.
- Pro: Comprehensive developer portal with self-service key management and monetization features.
- Pro: Specialized support for AI and MCP APIs, including cost control and vendor lock-in avoidance.
- Pro: Global edge deployment for low-latency and distributed rate limiting.
- Pro: Significant cost savings and increased engineering focus reported by users.
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires knowledge of TypeScript for advanced customizations.
- Con: Specific integrations for monetization are limited to Stripe and Amberflo (as mentioned).
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
- Pro: High performance
- Pro: Extensible plugins
- Pro: Open source
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: 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.
Key Takeaways
Kong
- Larger review base (349 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zuplo API
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.2/5
The Bottom Line
Kong wins this matchup. ElevenLabs is our overall API Tools pick. ElevenLabs is our free API Tools pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zuplo API or Kong better in 2026?
Kong wins this matchup. ElevenLabs is our overall API Tools pick. ElevenLabs is our free API Tools pick. Pick Zuplo API for API tools workflows (main strength: highly customizable gateway logic using TypeScript). Pick Kong for API tools workflows (main strength: high performance).
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's paid plans start at Free (Pro). Kong pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between Zuplo API and Kong?
Zuplo API's main strength: highly customizable gateway logic using TypeScript. Kong's main strength: high performance.