Say Goodbye to NGINX Complexity: Embrace API7 Enterprise
The open-source solution that outperforms proprietary gateways with better scalability and lower operational costs
Start For FreeAPI Gateway Solution Comparison
Compare the leading cloud-native API management solutions to find the best fit for your enterprise needs
Cloud-Native API Gateway for the Modern Enterprises
Built on Apache APISIX, an Apache top-level project
Built on Apache APISIX, API7 Enterprise delivers enterprise-grade API management with unmatched flexibility. Our solution maximizes API value through comprehensive security, governance, and analytics features while maintaining cloud-native simplicity. Perfect for organizations seeking scalable, future-ready API infrastructure.
Explore API7 EnterpriseHigh-performance API gateway
Lightning-fast proxy powering one-third of the web
NGINX is the world's most popular Web Server, high-performance Load Balancer, Reverse Proxy, API Gateway, and Content Cache. NGINX is free and open source software, distributed under the terms of a simplified 2-clause BSD-like license. Enterprise distributions, commercial support, and training are available from F5, Inc.
nginx.org
API Gateway Feature Comparison
See how API7 Gateway outperforms NGINX App Protect across key capabilities that matter for enterprise API management
| Feature | API7 Gateway | NGINX |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source Foundation | ||
| Multi-Cloud Support | Native hybrid and multi-cloud deployment support | Manual setup per environment; no native sync |
| AI/LLM Integration | ||
| Security Features | Comprehensive WAF, API security, and Zero Trust architecture | Basic TLS; relies on third-party modules |
| API Management | Full lifecycle API management with built-in API portal | Basic API gateway features |
| Kubernetes Native | ||
| Centralized Management | Unified dashboard for all deployments | Instance-based management |
| Custom Plugin Support | Lua, Go, Java, Python, Wasm; 100+ plugins | Lua/C only; complex development |
| Performance Monitoring | Real-time analytics and advanced monitoring | Basic monitoring capabilities |
| Deployment Flexibility | Support for bare metal, VM, and container deployments | Primarily VM/K8s; less hybrid-cloud optimized |
Revolutionize Your API Management with Future-Ready Solutions
Get comprehensive API gateway capabilities that seamlessly integrate AI, cloud, and security features for modern enterprise architectures.
Enterprise-Grade Security & Compliance
Deploy robust security with built-in WAF protection, real-time vulnerability management, and automated compliance monitoring across your entire API ecosystem.
Seamless Multi-Cloud Integration
Break free from vendor lock-in with flexible deployment options spanning cloud, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments while maintaining consistent performance.
Advanced AI-Powered Operations
Leverage AI-driven insights for intelligent traffic management, automated scaling, and proactive threat detection to optimize your API infrastructure.
Unified Management Console
Streamline operations with centralized visibility and control, enabling teams to collaborate efficiently while maintaining security and performance standards.
Why Choose Our Modern API Gateway Solution?
Our solution stands out by offering comprehensive features while maintaining simplicity and scalability.
Dynamic Configuration & Zero Downtime
Dynamic configuration updates apply in under 1ms via real-time etcd synchronization, ensuring zero service disruption. Our solution maintains continuous availability during deployments, eliminating downtime for policy or routing changes.
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Enterprise-Grade Security
Built-in security features protect your APIs from day one with advanced threat detection and real-time monitoring. Our solution integrates seamlessly with existing security tools while providing comprehensive protection against modern API threats and vulnerabilities.
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Cloud-Native Agility
Cloud-native design enables seamless Kubernetes Gateway API integration and auto-scaling for dynamic environments. Our solution supports instant service discovery and routing updates, eliminating operational complexity while maintaining continuous availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about API7 and how it compares to NGINX.
Yes. API7 supports direct import of NGINX configs and extends them with dynamic routing, plugins, and Kubernetes CRDs.
Learn MoreAPI7 Enterprise enforces TLS 1.3/mTLS automatically and scans for threats in real time. NGINX requires manual certificate rotations.
Learn MoreYes. API7 natively integrates with Kubernetes Gateway API, while NGINX relies on third-party Ingress controllers.
Learn MoreNo. API7 uses etcd for state management and offers NGINX-compatible syntax. Critical step: Replace proxy_pass with API7 Routes.
See Use CaseAPI7 Enterprise processes 58k QPS/core vs. NGINX’s 37k, with 93% lower latency (0.2ms vs. 13ms).
Discover ComparisonAPI7 Enterprise audited for SOC 2 and GDPR, etc.
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