Kilo Code

Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent from Kilo.ai. It runs inside VS Code, JetBrains, and as a standalone CLI Kilo.ai. It connects to 500+ AI models at exact provider rates: no markup, no lock-in: and routes task execution through Ask, Architect, Code, Debug, Custom, and Orchestrator modes.

What does Kilo Code do?

• •Ask mode query your codebase in plain language without triggering code changes. Understand what a function does, trace a bug, or get context before acting.
• •Architect mode plans the full implementation before writing a line. Useful for scoped feature additions or refactors where you want a review step.
• •Code mode autonomous implementation: Kilo writes files, runs commands, and iterates until the task is complete.
• •Debug mode diagnoses failing tests and error traces. Kilo reads stack traces and applies targeted fixes across the relevant files.
• •Custom mode build user-defined workflows for repetitive tasks or specialized processes.
• •Orchestrator mode spins up multiple Kilo agents in parallel, each handling a separate subtask. Used for large features that can be broken into concurrent workstreams.
• •BYOK (500+ models) bring your own API key for OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, DeepSeek, Mistral, or any of 500+ models on Kilo Gateway. Pay exact provider rates.
• •MCP servers connect Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers to extend Kilo with file systems, databases, or custom tool integrations.
• •Kilo Pass optional credits subscription ($19-199/mo annual) that gives up to 50% bonus credits on top of your AI spend. Pay-as-you-go always available.

What are the limitations of Kilo Code?

• •Code indexing is currently unavailable As of early 2026, Kilo Code's repository indexing feature is disabled in the VS Code extension. Without this, the tool cannot map your full codebase, which reduces accuracy on tasks that span multiple files.
• •Burns through API credits rapidly Kilo Code is described by users as roughly 10x more expensive than GitHub Copilot in daily use. Agentic AI tasks can get stuck in loops consuming tokens without completing the task, resulting in significant unexpected API costs.
• •Weaker on newer or niche frameworks The tool performs well on mainstream languages and popular frameworks but gives less accurate suggestions on specialised domains, newer libraries, or custom architectures. The more unusual your stack, the less reliable the output.
• •Billing UX creates friction Users report that the interface does not allow deletion of credit card details while a subscription is active. This is a barrier for anyone wanting to trial the tool without long-term financial commitment.
• •Limited editor support Kilo Code works primarily in VS Code. Developers using other editors (Zed, JetBrains, Neovim) are not supported, limiting adoption for teams with mixed tooling preferences.

How much does Kilo Code cost?

• •Kilo Code extension Free and open source (MIT).
• •AI usage Billed directly by provider at their rates; Kilo adds no markup.
• •Kilo Pass Starter $19/mo annual ($28.5/mo in AI credits with 50% bonus).
• •Kilo Pass Pro $49/mo ($73.5/mo in AI credits).
• •Kilo Pass Expert $199/mo ($298.5/mo in AI credits).
• •Teams platform $15/user/mo subscription.
• •Self-hosted MIT license allows self-hosting your own instance: no usage reporting or data sharing with Kilo.ai.