Overview
Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that runs inside VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, a CLI, cloud agents, and Slack. It grew out of the Cline and Roo Code lineage, combining Cline’s bring-your-own-key (BYOK) billing with Roo’s multi-mode architecture into a single MIT-licensed extension with 1.5M+ users as of 2026. The pitch is simple: AI coding tools should work for you, not against you - so Kilo exposes the prompt, context window, and model decisions instead of hiding them behind a black box. You can inspect every request, fork the source, and self-host the gateway.
What sets Kilo apart is how it separates the three cost layers. The extension itself is free; you pay only for AI inference (free models, local Ollama/LM Studio, your own provider keys, or Kilo’s zero-markup Gateway) and optional cloud compute. An Auto Model router picks Efficient, Frontier, or Free tiers based on the task, so a quick rename stays cheap while a hard refactor reaches a frontier model. For teams, a $15/user/mo plan adds shared workspaces and admin controls, while Enterprise adds SSO, audit logs, and SLA.
Key Features
- Multi-mode agent system: Ask, Code, Architect, Debug, Orchestrator, and Custom modes
- 500+ models across 60+ providers with BYOK and zero inference markup
- Runs in VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, Slack, and cloud agents (KiloClaw)
- Full prompt and context transparency; MIT-licensed and self-hostable
- Auto Model router matches model tier to task cost and capability
Pricing
| Plan | Price | For |
|---|---|---|
| Free & Open Source | $0 | Individuals using BYOK, local, or free models |
| Kilo Pass Starter | $19/mo | Regular users wanting bonus credits |
| Kilo Pass Pro | $49/mo | Higher bonus credits for daily use |
| Kilo Pass Expert | $199/mo | Maximum bonus credits |
| Teams | $15/user/mo | Shared workspaces and admin controls |
| Enterprise | Custom | SSO, audit logs, SLA |
Comparison
Compared to Cline, Kilo Code adds Orchestrator mode, JetBrains and CLI support, and a built-in cloud agent while keeping the same BYOK pricing. Compared to Roo Code, Kilo is the actively funded fork with a broader feature set and a migration path that preserves your modes. Against Cursor, Kilo wins on model freedom and cost transparency but loses the polished, opinionated IDE experience.