Is Kong worth the price?
Kong's pricing is very generous, offering a fully functional open-source 'Free' tier.
The 'Plus' tier, while custom priced, targets enterprise needs with advanced features and support. This structure is excellent for developers and small teams starting out, scaling effectively for larger organizations.
Pricing Plans
Free TrialFree
Free
Open source
- API gateway
- Plugins
- Community support
Plus
Free
Enterprise
- Enterprise plugins
- Support
- GUI
Hidden Costs & Gotchas
Enterprise support costs can be significant.
Custom pricing for 'Plus' tier lacks transparency.
Potential for high infrastructure costs.
Additional plugins might incur extra fees.
Which Plan Do You Need?
Developers needing open-source API gateway
Enterprises requiring advanced API management
Teams prioritizing flexibility and scalability
How Kong Compares to Competitors
Compared to Apigee, which starts at $500/month for its pay-as-you-go plan, Kong's 'Free' open-source offering is significantly more accessible. While both offer enterprise solutions, Kong's entry point is much lower, making it a strong alternative for budget-conscious users before scaling to custom enterprise solutions like those offered by MuleSoft.
Kong Pricing FAQ
How much does Kong cost?
Kong uses custom pricing. Contact Kong directly for a quote based on your team size and requirements.
Does Kong have a free plan?
Yes. Kong offers a free plan called "Free". It includes: API gateway, Plugins, Community support.
Does Kong offer a free trial?
Yes, Kong offers a free trial. No credit card is typically required to start the trial, though this may vary.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Kong?
Yes. Popular alternatives to Kong include Apigee, AWS API Gateway, Azure API Management, Tyk. Free alternatives include AWS API Gateway. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.
Cheaper alternatives to Kong
1 of 4 direct competitors below offer a free plan. Per-seat pricing varies up to 60% across this set.
