Kilo Code in short: Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that now does far more than a VS Code extension. It also runs in JetBrains IDEs, in the terminal (CLI), and as a cloud agent, and it reaches more than 500 models through the Kilo Gateway with no markup on provider prices. The extension is free. Hosted AI is paid through credits or the Kilo Pass subscription from $19 a month. Our verdict: very flexible, but your costs depend on the model you pick.
This guide covers what Kilo Code does, what it costs, how to install it, and how it compares with Cline, Cursor, and other tools.
What’s New
More than VS Code: Kilo Code now comes as a JetBrains plugin (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand, PhpStorm, Rider), as a CLI, and as a cloud agent. Earlier reports that JetBrains isn’t supported are out of date (Kilo).
More models: The count grew from 400 to more than 500 models across 60-plus providers.
A new owner: Anaconda has acquired Kilo Code (Vibecoding.app).
License cleared up: Kilo Code is MIT-licensed. Older write-ups, including our earlier version, wrongly said Apache-2.0.
What Is Kilo Code?
Kilo Code is an AI agent for software development. You describe a task in plain language, and the agent plans it, edits files across a project, runs terminal commands and fixes errors. The project started as a fork of Roo Code, which itself descends from Cline, and has since grown its own gateway and cloud infrastructure (Ry Walker). The source is public on GitHub, where it has around 27,000 stars.
“Kilo AI”, “Kilocode” and “Kilo Code” all refer to the same product.
Kilo Code at a Glance
Item | Answer |
Type | Open-source AI coding agent |
License | MIT |
Runs in | VS Code (and forks), JetBrains IDEs, CLI, cloud agents, Slack |
Models | 500+ models from 60-plus providers via the Kilo Gateway |
Cost | Extension free, AI usage by consumption or Kilo Pass |
Own keys | Yes, plus local models via Ollama and LM Studio |
Modes | Code, Architect, Debug, Ask, Review, Orchestrator, custom modes |
Key Features
Multiple modes: plan in Architect, build in Code, hunt bugs in Debug, ask questions in Ask. The Orchestrator splits bigger jobs across modes.
Auto Model: Kilo picks between high-end, efficient and free models depending on the task.
Files, terminal, browser: the agent reads and edits code, runs commands and checks the result.
MCP servers: connect outside tools and data sources.
Custom modes: teams define roles and rules for recurring work.
Kilo Code in JetBrains and the Terminal
The JetBrains plugin is available through the regular JetBrains Marketplace and supports IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand, PhpStorm, Rider and others. It brings the Ask, Plan, Code, and Debug agents plus subagents for larger changes. Kilo itself names inline autocomplete as a weakness compared with Copilot and Tabnine (Kilo).
The Kilo CLI brings the same agent to the terminal, which suits automation and anyone working without an editor. For context on this tool class, see our comparison Gemini CLI vs Claude Code.
Which Models Does Kilo Code Use?
The Kilo Gateway offers more than 500 models from over 60 providers, including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and Mistral. You can also bring your own API key or connect local models through Ollama and LM Studio, which Kilo doesn’t charge for. That makes it easy to try current models such as GLM 5.2 or DeepSeek V4, or the ones in our GPT-5.3 Codex vs Claude Opus 4.6 comparison.
How Much Does Kilo Code Cost?
The extension, the JetBrains plugin, and the CLI are free. You pay for AI usage and cloud compute.
Offer | Price | What you get |
Extension, plugin, CLI | $0 | Open source, MIT license |
Own API key or local model | $0 to Kilo | You pay only the provider or your hardware |
Credits (pay as you go) | Provider prices, no markup | Access to all models in the gateway |
Kilo Pass Starter | $19 per month | Credits with a 50% bonus |
Kilo Pass Pro | $49 per month | more credits |
Kilo Pass Expert | $199 per month | largest credit pool |
Teams | $15 per user per month | central administration |
Enterprise | custom | by agreement |
Kilo charges a 5% processing fee on credit purchases, top-ups, and Kilo Pass. Figures come from Vibecoding.app and Kilo’s own materials. Check Kilo’s pricing page for current numbers, because they change.
How to Install Kilo Code in 4 Steps
Find the extension: search for “Kilo Code” in the VS Code Marketplace and install it. In JetBrains IDEs, find the plugin in the JetBrains Marketplace.
Open the side panel: after installing, Kilo Code appears in the sidebar.
Pick a model: sign in to the Kilo Gateway, add your own API key, or connect a local model.
Give a first task: choose a mode, describe the job, and review the plan before the agent changes files.
Menu names can differ by version, so follow the guide on kilo.ai for the exact steps.
Kilo Code vs Cline, Cursor and More
Particulars | Kilo Code | Cline |
License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
Editors | VS Code, JetBrains | VS Code, JetBrains Enterprise only |
CLI | Yes | Yes |
Models | 500+ | 40+ providers, plus local models |
Paid option | Kilo Pass from $19 | ClinePass from $9.99 |
Origin | Fork of Roo Code | independent |
Source: AI Agent Index. Both tools are free with your own API key, and the paid plans are optional bundles.
Against Cursor, the difference is the model: Cursor is a commercial editor with its own subscription and models; see Cursor Composer 2.5. Kilo Code is open source and lets you choose any model. Claude Code works in the terminal with Claude models, as covered in our piece on agentic software development. If you want a full AI editor, look at Windsurf.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
Free choice of model with no markup on provider prices.
Open source under the MIT license, so the code can be inspected.
Several surfaces: VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, and cloud.
Local models keep code strictly in-house for maximum security.
Limitations
Costs are difficult to predict because they depend on the model and usage
Inline autocomplete in JetBrains is weaker than Copilot, according to the vendor
Agents with terminal access need supervision: review plans before changes run
Figures on users and usage come from the vendor and aren’t independently verified
Data Protection and Business Use
What data the tool sees depends on the model you pick. With hosted models, code and prompts go to that provider. If source code has to stay in-house, a local model through Ollama or LM Studio is the safer route. Before a company rollout, settle data-processing terms, storage location, and internal policies.
Who Should Use Kilo Code?
Developers who want free model choice: Yes, it’s the biggest strength.
Teams with mixed editors (VS Code and JetBrains): Yes, one tool for both.
Anyone who wants tight cost control: Use your own key or a local model; otherwise, it's best for budget limits.
Anyone who wants a polished, guided setup at a fixed price: A commercial editor fits better.
For AI-supported development projects, we offer AI and software development. Which tool fits your team is something our AI consulting can help you decide.
Conclusion
Kilo Code is one of the most flexible open-source agents for software work: free model choice, several surfaces, and transparent pricing without markup. The flip side is that costs depend on the model you choose and that you have to supervise the agent. To start, the free extension with your own key or a local model is enough.
FAQ
What is Kilo Code?
Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and the terminal. It plans tasks, edits code, and runs commands, with 500+ models to choose from.
Is Kilo Code free?
The extension, the JetBrains plugin, and the CLI are free. With your own API key or a local model, you pay Kilo nothing. Hosted AI is billed by usage.
How much does Kilo Pass cost?
Kilo Pass starts at $19 per month (Starter), with Pro at $49 and Expert at $199. Teams pay $15 per user per month.
Does Kilo Code work in JetBrains?
Yes, as a plugin in the JetBrains Marketplace, including IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand, PhpStorm, and Rider.
Which models does Kilo Code support?
More than 500 models from over 60 providers through the Kilo Gateway, plus your own API keys and local models through Ollama or LM Studio.
Is there a Kilo CLI?
Yes. The CLI brings the same agent to the terminal and is free too.
Can I use Kilo Code offline?
Yes, with a local model through Ollama or LM Studio. Hosted models need an internet connection.
What is the difference between Kilo Code, Cline, and Roo Code?
Kilo Code began as a fork of Roo Code, which descends from Cline. Today, it stands out with its own gateway to 500+ models, JetBrains support, cloud agents, and an MIT license.
Is Kilo Code a fork of Roo Code?
Yes, the project began as a fork of Roo Code and has developed independently since.
What license does Kilo Code use?
The MIT license. Older sources wrongly list Apache-2.0.
What is the best AI for coding?
It depends on the task and budget. Kilo Code lets you compare several models. For orientation, see our pieces on GLM 5.2 and the GPT-5.3 Codex vs Claude Opus 4.6 comparison.