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Amazon API Gateway vs Kong: What are the differences?
In this article, we will explore the key differences between Amazon API Gateway and Kong. Both are popular choices for managing APIs, but they have some distinct features that set them apart.
- Scalability: Amazon API Gateway is a fully managed service provided by AWS, offering automatic scaling to handle high traffic loads. Kong, on the other hand, requires manual configuration and scaling for high traffic situations.
- Customization: Kong provides extensive customization options through various plugins, allowing users to add functionalities such as authentication, rate limiting, and transformations. Amazon API Gateway also offers some customization options, but they are more limited compared to Kong.
- Deployment Options: Amazon API Gateway is a cloud-based service provided by AWS, which means it can only be deployed on AWS infrastructure. Kong, on the other hand, is an open-source solution that can be deployed on any infrastructure, including on-premises servers and multiple cloud providers.
- Pricing Model: Amazon API Gateway follows a consumption-based pricing model, where users are charged based on the number of API requests and data transfer. Kong, being open-source, is free to use, but users need to manage their own infrastructure costs.
- Ecosystem and Support: Amazon API Gateway is backed by AWS, providing a robust ecosystem with extensive documentation, support, and integration with other AWS services. Kong has a vibrant community and offers community support, but it may not have the same level of integration and support as AWS.
- API Management Features: Amazon API Gateway offers a wide range of API management features, including request/response transformation, caching, monitoring, and developer portal. Kong also provides similar features, but it may require additional configuration and customization.
In summary, Amazon API Gateway is a fully managed service with excellent scalability and integration within the AWS ecosystem. Kong, on the other hand, offers more customization options and deployment flexibility, making it suitable for users who require extensive control over their API management solution.
Istio based on powerful Envoy whereas Kong based on Nginx. Istio is K8S native as well it's actively developed when k8s was successfully accepted with production-ready apps whereas Kong slowly migrated to start leveraging K8s. Istio has an inbuilt turn-keyIstio based on powerful Envoy whereas Kong based on Nginx. Istio is K8S native as well it's actively developed when k8s was successfully accepted with production-ready apps whereas Kong slowly migrated to start leveraging K8s. Istio has an inbuilt turn key solution with Rancher whereas Kong completely lacks here. Traffic distribution in Istio can be done via canary, a/b, shadowing, HTTP headers, ACL, whitelist whereas in Kong it's limited to canary, ACL, blue-green, proxy caching. Istio has amazing community support which is visible via Github stars or releases when comparing both.
Pros of Amazon API Gateway
- AWS Integration37
- Websockets7
- Serverless1
Pros of Kong
- Easy to maintain37
- Easy to install32
- Flexible26
- Great performance21
- Api blueprint7
- Custom Plugins4
- Kubernetes-native3
- Security2
- Has a good plugin infrastructure2
- Agnostic2
- Load balancing1
- Documentation is clear1
- Very customizable1
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Cons of Amazon API Gateway
- No websocket broadcast2
- Less expensive1
Cons of Kong
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What is Amazon API Gateway?
What is Kong?
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