Apigee vs Kong: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Apigee and Kong

Apigee and Kong are two popular API management platforms, but there are key differences between them that set them apart. Here are six specific differences between Apigee and Kong:

1. Scalability: One of the key differences between Apigee and Kong is their scalability. Apigee is a cloud-based platform that offers high scalability, allowing businesses to easily handle large amounts of traffic and scale their APIs as needed. Kong, on the other hand, is a lightweight, open-source platform that can also handle high loads but may require additional configuration and optimization to achieve the same level of scalability as Apigee.

2. Deployment Options: Another difference between Apigee and Kong is their deployment options. Apigee is a fully managed platform that runs in the cloud, making it easy to deploy and manage APIs without worrying about infrastructure. Kong, on the other hand, can be deployed in various environments, including on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment, giving businesses more flexibility in terms of where they choose to run their APIs.

3. Pricing Model: Apigee and Kong also differ in their pricing models. Apigee follows a consumption-based pricing model, where businesses pay based on the amount of API traffic processed. Kong, on the other hand, offers both open-source and enterprise versions, with the open-source version being free to use and the enterprise version offering additional features and support at a cost. This difference in pricing models allows businesses to choose the option that best fits their budget and requirements.

4. Developer Experience: When it comes to developer experience, Apigee and Kong offer different approaches. Apigee provides a comprehensive and user-friendly developer portal, making it easy for developers to discover, test, and consume APIs. Kong, on the other hand, offers a more lightweight developer portal, focusing more on the API gateway capabilities and allowing developers to customize and extend it as needed. This difference in developer experience can be a determining factor for businesses depending on their specific developer needs.

5. Integration Capabilities: Apigee and Kong also differ in their integration capabilities. Apigee provides a wide range of out-of-the-box integrations with other systems, making it easier for businesses to connect their APIs with existing infrastructure and services. Kong, on the other hand, offers a plugin architecture that allows businesses to extend its functionality and integrate with different systems, giving them more flexibility and control over the integration process.

6. Support and Community: Finally, the support and community around Apigee and Kong vary. Apigee is a well-established platform with a large and active community, providing businesses with access to a wealth of resources, documentation, and community support. Kong, being an open-source platform, also has a strong community and offers support options through its enterprise version. However, the level of support and resources may differ compared to Apigee's offerings.

In summary, Apigee and Kong differ in terms of scalability, deployment options, pricing model, developer experience, integration capabilities, and support and community. These differences make each platform suitable for different use cases and business needs.