# GPT-Load vs Kong Gateway

> Two self-hosted [API Gateway projects](https://selfhost.directory/api-gateway), 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 | 7 177 | 44 317 ✓ |
| Stars, last 30 days | — | +131 |
| 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 (+131 stars in 30 days).

## Details

- [GPT-Load](https://selfhost.directory/project/gpt-load) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/gpt-load.md)
- [Kong Gateway](https://selfhost.directory/project/kong-gateway) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/kong-gateway.md)

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Source: https://selfhost.directory/compare/gpt-load-vs-kong-gateway