Side by side
Lago vs Zuplo
Both stand on api monetization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APISelf-hostedWeb
Lago covers multiple billing models and gives developers several connection options, including separate metering for AI token categories. The free plan is self-hosted; Premium pricing and some feature limits require closer review.
Visit Lago
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
Zuplo combines API management with AI and MCP gateway capabilities and a hosted developer portal. Free has a stated request and member limit; Builder costs $25/mo before additional request charges.
Visit ZuploThe facts
| Lago | Zuplo | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Builder: $25 a month |
| Plans published | 4 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | getlago.com | zuplo.com |
| On api monetization software | #2 of 41 | #6 of 41 |
Lago: what it does well
- Supports usage, subscription, prepaid, and hybrid billing
- Meters AI input, output, and cached tokens separately
- Offers REST API, SDKs, and signed webhooks
- Open-source self-hosted plan is free
- Cloud or self-hosted Premium deployment
What to know first
- Premium pricing is provided after contacting Lago
- Some features are add-ons or subject to caps
- 24x7 incident management is an on-demand add-on
Zuplo: what it does well
- API security includes rate limiting and schema validation.
- Hosted developer portal is included on every plan.
- MCP Gateway is included on every plan.
- Free plan includes up to 100K monthly requests.
- Self-hosted or dedicated deployment is available.
What to know first
- Free plan is limited to 2 account members.
- Builder charges $100 per additional 100K requests.
- Enterprise pricing requires contacting Zuplo.