What is the difference between Ingress Controller and API Gateway?

Ingress Controllers handle HTTP routing inside Kubernetes. API Gateways secure, monitor, and manage APIs across environments.

Do I need both an Ingress Controller and an API Gateway?

Yes, many teams use both. Ingress handles routing; API Gateway adds features like auth, rate limits, and analytics.

No, API Gateways offer broader API management but don’t replace Kubernetes-native traffic routing handled by Ingress Controllers.

For internal traffic routing, use an Ingress Controller. For public-facing APIs or partner platforms, add an API Gateway.

Most API Gateways offer Helm charts or CRDs for Kubernetes deployment and can run alongside Ingress Controllers.

Jun 14, 2025

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