Updated September 30, 2026 · DeployCue Editorial Team
Apache APISIX AI Gateway vs WaveSpeedAI
Apache APISIX AI Gateway vs WaveSpeedAI: the differences
| Fact | Apache APISIX AI Gateway | WaveSpeedAI |
|---|---|---|
| Fee model | Free (Apache 2.0 open source, self-hosted) | pay-per-use |
| Providers routed | 9 | 1,000Higher |
| Bring your own key | YesHas it | No |
Same on both: OpenAI-compatible API (Yes), Free tier (Yes).
Key differences
- Apache APISIX AI Gateway scores higher overall: 9.20 vs 8.80.
- Providers routed is higher at WaveSpeedAI: 1,000 vs 9.
- Bring your own key: only Apache APISIX AI Gateway.
- Support channels: only Apache APISIX AI Gateway offers Chat.
- Founded is lower at Apache APISIX AI Gateway: 1999 vs 2025.
Score breakdown
| Area | Apache APISIX AI Gateway | WaveSpeedAI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.20Higher | 9.10Billing through pay-per-use with $1 free credits keeps trial spend low |
| Offer | 8.80The fee model is listed as Free (Apache 2.0 open source, self-hosted) for a gateway routing 9 providers, with no paid tier. | 8.90HigherRouting across 1,000 widens model choice for varied tasks |
| Trust | 10.00Higher | 8.00Support paths of email and community shape help for WaveSpeedAI PTE. LTD. |
Availability and regulation
| Country | Apache APISIX AI Gateway | WaveSpeedAI |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States | Singapore |
Choosing between them
Pick Apache APISIX AI Gateway if bring your own key matter most.
Pick WaveSpeedAI if providers routed matter most.
Winner by area
Apache APISIX AI Gateway
- Cost9.2
- Offer8.8
WaveSpeedAI
- Cost9.1
- Offer8.9
- Apache APISIX AI Gateway and WaveSpeedAI tie on cost at 9.2.
- Offer is level, 8.8 each.
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Apache APISIX AI Gateway | WaveSpeedAI |
|---|---|---|
| Legal entity | The Apache Software Foundation | WaveSpeedAI PTE. LTD. |
| Headquarters | United States | Singapore |
| Founded | 1999Lower | 2025 |
| Support channels | Email, Chat, CommunityCovers more | Email, Community |
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