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Kilo Code
Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains & CLI with 500+ models.
Best for
Kilo Code is a powerful open-source AI coding agent under MIT License with 17.1k GitHub stars and 1.5M+ users. Supports VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, and 500+ AI models with BYOK flexibility.
Pros
- Open Source Power: MIT License with 17.1k GitHub stars and 1.5M+ active users.
- Broad IDE Compatibility: Works across VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, CLI, Cloud Agents, and Slack.
- Massive Model Selection: Access 500+ AI models including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and local models.
- Advanced Agentic Tools: Memory Bank, Orchestrator Mode, Tab Autocomplete, and MCP support built in.
- Flexible Pricing: Free BYOK tier plus credit passes with 50% bonus credits.
- Proven Scale: 25T+ tokens processed, #1 coding agent on OpenRouter.
Cons
- BYOK Setup Required: Free tier requires bringing your own API keys from providers.
- Credit System Complexity: Multiple pricing tiers and credit bonuses can be confusing to navigate.
- Learning Curve: Orchestrator Mode and custom modes require configuration time.
- Enterprise Requires Sales: Teams and Enterprise plans need sales contact for custom pricing.
Our Verdict
Kilo Code is the top open-source AI coding agent for developers who want model flexibility and no vendor lock-in. Solo devs benefit from the free BYOK tier and tab autocomplete, while teams gain custom modes, Memory Bank for shared context, and Slack integration. With 500+ models and 1.5M+ users, it has proven scale.
Best for developers comfortable managing their own API keys who want maximum control over model selection and cost. Teams and enterprises gain centralized billing, usage analytics, and data privacy controls. If you prefer a fully hosted, zero-config solution, Cursor or GitHub Copilot may suit better.
The Kilo Pass credit bonuses (up to 50% extra) make it cost-effective for heavy users, and the MIT License means you can inspect and customize every aspect of the tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pricing for Kilo Code?
Kilo Code offers a free tier with BYOK (bring your own keys) or pay-as-you-go credits. Kilo Pass subscriptions provide bonus credits: Starter at $19/mo ($28.50 in credits), Pro at $49/mo ($73.50 in credits), and Expert at $199/mo ($298.50 in credits). Teams cost $15/user/month. Enterprise pricing requires contacting sales.
What are good alternatives to Kilo Code?
Top alternatives include Cursor (AI-native IDE), GitHub Copilot (GitHub-integrated coding assistant), Aider (CLI-focused open-source agent), Continue.dev (open-source VS Code extension), and Claude Code (Anthropic CLI agent). Kilo Code differentiates with 500+ model support and full open-source transparency.
What IDEs does Kilo Code support?
Kilo Code supports VS Code, JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm), a standalone CLI, Cloud Agents, an App Builder, Slack integration, Code Reviewer, and Gateway for unified API access to all models.
Is Kilo Code open source?
Yes, Kilo Code is fully open source under the MIT License with 17.1k GitHub stars. You can inspect, modify, and distribute the code freely, including for commercial use.
What AI models does Kilo Code support?
Kilo Code supports 500+ AI models including OpenAI GPT-4, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, DeepSeek, Mistral, and local models via Ollama. You can switch models freely and use BYOK for any provider.
How do I install Kilo Code?
Install via the VS Code or JetBrains extension marketplace, or use the CLI with npm install -g @kilocode/cli. You can also run it instantly with npx @kilocode/cli without installation.
What is Kilo Code?
Kilo Code is Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains & CLI with 500+ models.. Kilo Code is a powerful open-source AI coding agent under MIT License with 17.1k GitHub stars and 1.5M+ users. Supports VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, and 500+ AI models with BYOK flexibility.
Is Kilo Code free?
Yes, Kilo Code offers a free version. Paid plans start at $15/month.
Who should use Kilo Code?
Kilo Code is designed for Entry-Level Vibe Builders, Pro Vibe Builders, Solo Founders, Open Source Contributors. Common use cases include Code generation, Code review, Debugging, Refactoring, Team collaboration.
What are the best alternatives to Kilo Code?
Popular alternatives to Kilo Code include other tools in the coding assistants category. Browse our coding assistants directory to compare options.
Kilo Code
Free tier available