Head-to-head · API Gateway Software
Kong Gateway vs KrakenD API Gateway
Kong Gateway leads on 0 checks, KrakenD API Gateway on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreKong Gateway · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Kong Gateway
Kong Gateway scores higher on our rubric for api gateway software: 8.4 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #11 and #16.
Kong Gateway is the better fit for flexible hybrid deployments and Kubernetes teams. KrakenD API Gateway is the better fit for developers needing API aggregation and mediation.
- Kong Gateway fits best
Flexible hybrid deployments and Kubernetes teams
- KrakenD API Gateway fits best
Developers needing API aggregation and mediation
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Side by side
| Feature | Kong Gateway 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | KrakenD API Gateway 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #11 in API Gateway Software | #16 in API Gateway Software |
| Best for | Flexible hybrid deployments and Kubernetes teams | Developers needing API aggregation and mediation |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 12 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Kong Gateway 2/2 · KrakenD API Gateway 2/2 | ||
| Rate limiting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Request transformation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Supported protocols | REST, HTTP, Kafka, WebSockets, gRPC, GraphQL, UDP, TCP, TLS | REST, HTTP, WebSockets, SOAP, gRPC, GraphQL, AMQP, Kafka, NATS |
| Authentication methods | Basic Auth, HMAC, JWT, Key Auth, LDAP, mutual TLS, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, SAML, Vault | JWT, client credentials, OAuth2, OpenID Connect, API keys, Basic Authentication, mTLS |
| Monthly request limit | 1e+06 requests/mo | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Kong Gateway is a cloud-native API gateway and reverse proxy for configuring, routing, securing, and observing APIs and microservices. It is aimed at platform teams, developers, and enterprises managing services across Kubernetes,… Read the review → |
KrakenD API Gateway is a stateless API gateway for teams managing microservices and complex API ecosystems. It is designed for developers who need to combine multiple backend responses behind an API, transform requests and responses, apply… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Kong Gateway — where it wins
- Supports REST, Kafka, WebSockets, gRPC, GraphQL, UDP, TCP, and TLS
- Combines routing, authentication, rate limiting, transformations, and load balancing
- Offers open-source, self-managed, hybrid, and managed cloud deployment options
Where it doesn't
- Plus uses metered gateway and request charges rather than one fixed listed price
- The Free trial retains analytics for 30 days
- Dedicated support and customer success are listed for Enterprise
KrakenD API Gateway — where it wins
- Free open-source Community Edition
- Aggregates, transforms, authenticates, and rate-limits API traffic
- Connects REST, gRPC, SOAP, GraphQL, messaging, and cloud services
Where it doesn't
- Enterprise functionality requires a commercial edition
- Advanced enterprise support is tied to SLA-backed plans
- Its wide protocol scope may exceed a simple REST gateway's needs
- Kong Gateway8.4/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A flexible gateway for Kubernetes, hybrid infrastructure, and multi-cloud API operations.
Visit Kong GatewayFull verdict → - KrakenD API Gateway7.9/10 · Free plan
A flexible gateway for composing services, controlling traffic, and connecting mixed protocols.
Visit KrakenDFull verdict →
All API gateway software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update