WSO2 API Manager vs Kong Comparison
WSO2 API Manager
Starting at $2,000
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
WSO2 API Manager is an open source API management platform that enables enterprises to expose their APIs for business-to-consumer and business-to-business services, via a well-designed user interface. A well-designed pro…
Kong
Starting at $250 /Month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Kong is API management software, that allows Web and Mobile applications to access data, content and functions published by 3rd party providers. Kong works with any Public or Private API as well as any type of data sourc…
Kong leads on user satisfaction with a 4.2-star rating across 102 reviews.
SpotSaaS Analysis
WSO2 API ManagerKong
The core difference between WSO2 API Manager and Kong lies in their focus: WSO2 emphasizes deep customization and security for large enterprises, while Kong offers a flexible, extensible API management solution with a strong emphasis on developer usability. Ideal buyers for WSO2 are large enterprises seeking robust security and customization, whereas Kong is suited for medium to large businesses with a developer-centric approach.
- Best for large enterprises needing customizable API management - Offers robust, native security features like OAuth and JWT - Ideal for organizations requiring flexible API lifecycle management - Suitable for companies with 51-500 or 500+ employees - Price point at $2,000 - Focused on deep customization capabilities
- Best for enterprises needing flexible, extensible API management - Strong developer focus with a plugin-oriented architecture - Ideal for teams consisting of API developers, DevOps, or technical product managers - Suitable for medium businesses and large enterprises - Price point at $250 - Emphasizes customization and extensibility in API gateway solutions
WSO2 API Manager vs Kong — at a glance
| Feature | WSO2 API Manager | Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Reviews | 126 | 102 |
| Starting price | $2,000 | $250 /Month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | API Management Software | API Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android | SaaS/Web/Cloud |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep) | Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | Global | Global |
Key differences between WSO2 API Manager and Kong
- Pricing: WSO2 API Manager starts at $2,000, while Kong starts at $250 /Month.
- User satisfaction: Kong scores higher with a 4.2-star average.
- Deployment: WSO2 API Manager supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android; Kong supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
WSO2 API Manager vs Kong — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most API Management Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for large enterprises needing highly customizable, secure API management.
- You require deep customization and flexible API lifecycle management.
- Your organization needs robust, native security features like OAuth and JWT.
- You have dedicated technical teams to handle complex setup and configuration.
- You are a small team or startup seeking simple, out-of-the-box API management.
- Your organization lacks technical resources for initial complex configuration and ongoing maintenance.
Best for enterprises needing flexible, extensible API management with strong developer focus.
- You require a highly customizable API gateway with plugin-oriented architecture.
- Your team consists of API developers, DevOps, or technical product managers.
- You operate a medium to large enterprise with complex microservices architectures.
- Your team includes non-technical users needing an intuitive, user-friendly UI.
- You are a small business lacking dedicated API development resources.
WSO2 API Manager: Best for large enterprises needing highly customizable, secure API management. Kong: Best for enterprises needing flexible, extensible API management with strong developer focus.
Description | WSO2 API Manager is an open source API management platform that enables enterprises to expose their APIs for business-to-consumer and business-to-business services, via a well-designed user ... Read More about WSO2 API Manager | Kong is API management software, that allows Web and Mobile applications to access data, content and functions published by 3rd party providers. Kong works with any Public or Private API as ... Read More about Kong |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 51-500 employees500+ employees | Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do WSO2 API Manager and Kong Compare on Features?
Total Features | 10 Features | 10 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare WSO2 API Manager and Kong on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Other Details
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | — | ✓ Yes |
|---|---|---|
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | — | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | — | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🌐 Global |
WSO2 API Manager User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlighting flexibility, security, and comprehensive features, tempered by concerns about setup complexity and documentation. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights Kong's flexibility, strong community support, and extensibility, tempered by concerns over usability and interface performance. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
List of Customers
Customers |  American Express  ebay  Motorola |  Expedia  Verifone  WeWork |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  4 Screenshots |  2 Screenshots |
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Videos |  3 Videos |  1 Videos |
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Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, WSO2 API Manager or Kong?
- Kong edges out the other on user ratings (4.2 vs 4.1). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do WSO2 API Manager and Kong offer a free trial?
- Yes, both WSO2 API Manager and Kong offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of WSO2 API Manager vs Kong?
- WSO2 API Manager starts at $2,000. Kong starts at $250 /Month.
- What are the top alternatives to WSO2 API Manager?
- Top alternatives to WSO2 API Manager include 3scale, Dell Boomi API Management, Apigee Edge, IBM API Connect, Kong.
- What are the top alternatives to Kong?
- Top alternatives to Kong include Akana Platform, 3scale, Apigee Edge, WSO2 API Manager, Tyk API Management Platform.