GPT-LoadvsKong Gateway
Two self-hosted API Gateway projects, compared on the numbers selfhost.directory tracks live: score, popularity, release cadence and setup effort.
| GPT-Load | Kong Gateway | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 64/100 | 82/100 |
| Rank in category | #7 of 39 in API Gateway | #1 of 39 in API Gateway |
| GitHub stars | 7 176 | 44 316 |
| Stars, last 30 days | — | +130 |
| Stable releases, 12 months | 2 | 3 |
| Latest release | v1.4.14 · 27 Oct 2026 | 3.9.4 · 12 Oct 2026 |
| Setup | Easy | Moderate |
| Official Docker image | Yes | No |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Main language | Go | Lua |
Which one should you pick?
Kong Gateway scores 82/100 against 64/100 for GPT-Load, so it is the safer default.
Kong Gateway ships more often: 3 stable releases in the past year, against 2 for GPT-Load.
If you want the quickest setup, GPT-Load is easier to run; Kong Gateway needs more configuration.
Kong Gateway is growing faster right now (+130 stars in 30 days).
GPT-Load details →Kong Gateway details →All API Gateway projects →