Overview of Netlify AI Gateway
Netlify AI Gateway is a service that simplifies adding AI features to your web projects, especially those built on Netlify. It acts as a proxy between your application and AI providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Gemini. Instead of managing individual provider accounts, API keys, and billing, you use a single gateway that securely handles credentials and usage. This lets developers focus on building features rather than dealing with infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly with Netlify Functions and Edge Functions, automatically injecting environment variables and using Netlify's credit-based billing. It's designed for developers who are "vibe coding"—experimenting quickly with AI—and want a fast path to production.
Why Look for Alternatives
While Netlify AI Gateway is convenient for Netlify users, it may not suit everyone. Some developers need a turnkey solution with a built-in chat UI, while others prefer to manage their own API keys or run agents locally. The alternatives below offer different approaches, from full agent platforms to local-first tools, each with unique strengths and trade-offs. Consider your specific needs: do you want a complete agent out of the box, or just a gateway? Do you need multi-provider support, or are you comfortable with a single provider? Are you looking for local execution or cloud-based? These questions will guide your choice.
Top Alternatives
1. 21st Agents SDK
21st Agents SDK is a strong alternative if you want a production-ready chat interface without building a frontend. It includes session management and usage billing out of the box, and you can deploy an entire agent with a single command. This is ideal for rapid prototyping or shipping a simple AI assistant quickly. However, it may be more opinionated about the provider or framework, and it's a newer product (backed by YC W26) compared to Netlify's established platform. If you're not already invested in Netlify's ecosystem, this could be a faster path to a live AI feature.
2. 1Code
1Code offers a Cursor-like visual coding agent with diff previews, a built-in git client, and real-time tool execution. It supports multiple AI providers (Claude Code, Codex) with BYOK (bring your own key), giving you flexibility. It runs locally with worktree isolation and background agents, enabling parallel development without cloud dependency. However, it's a coding agent client, not a gateway—you still manage your own API keys and billing. Also, note that 1Code is archived and read-only as of July 2026, which is a significant risk for production use. Choose this if you prefer a local, visual agent and don't mind handling credentials yourself.
3. Skillkit
Skillkit is an open-source, local-first tool that focuses on managing AI agent skills. It supports 46 agent formats and aggregates skills from multiple sources, with features like memory, security scanning, and team workflows. It runs locally with zero telemetry, giving you full control. However, it doesn't manage API keys or billing; you still need your own provider accounts. It's more about organizing skills than simplifying AI calls. If you're a developer who wants to manage skills across multiple coding tools and prefer a local, open-source solution, Skillkit is a great complement, though not a direct replacement for Netlify AI Gateway.
4. AgentSky
AgentSky provides a managed, persistent cloud environment for running AI agents, with a unified API across multiple agent harnesses and models. It includes built-in connectors for Slack, WhatsApp, and other channels, making it useful for production workflows. This is a different abstraction level than Netlify's serverless functions—it's designed for long-running agent sessions, not just simple inference calls. However, it requires adopting a new runtime and session model, and you'll need your own API key and billing. Choose AgentSky if you need to run persistent, multi-channel AI agents in the cloud and want flexibility in switching between models.
How to Choose
When selecting an alternative to Netlify AI Gateway, consider the following:
- Deployment and Integration: If you're already on Netlify, the gateway's seamless integration is a big plus. Alternatives may require more setup or a different hosting environment.
- Level of Abstraction: Do you want a full agent with UI (21st Agents SDK), a coding client (1Code), a skill manager (Skillkit), or a cloud agent runtime (AgentSky)? Each offers a different level of abstraction.
- Provider Flexibility: Netlify AI Gateway supports multiple providers. If you need that, look for alternatives that also support multiple providers (1Code, AgentSky). If you're fine with one provider, 21st Agents SDK might work.
- Control and Privacy: If you prefer local execution and no telemetry, Skillkit or 1Code are better. If you want managed cloud services, AgentSky or 21st Agents SDK are options.
- Long-term Viability: Check the project's status. 1Code is archived, which is risky. Netlify is a large platform, but alternatives like 21st Agents SDK are newer. Choose a solution that's actively maintained.
Ultimately, the best alternative depends on your specific use case. If you need a quick, turnkey agent, go with 21st Agents SDK. If you want local control and skill management, Skillkit is excellent. For persistent cloud agents, AgentSky is powerful. And if you prefer a visual coding agent, 1Code might appeal, but be cautious about its archived status. Evaluate your priorities and test a few options to find the best fit.
