Kilo Code
Kilo Code helps developers ship quality code, not just more code.
Our take on Kilo Code
Open-source AI coding agent with 500+ models, zero markup, and deep IDE integration across VS Code, JetBrains, and CLI. Flexible pricing — free with BYOK or local models, or subscription via Kilo Pass.
Good for
- Developers wanting a multi-model AI coding agent that works across VS Code, JetBrains, and CLI
- Teams that want to bring their own API keys without vendor lock-in or markup
- Cost-conscious developers who prefer pay-as-you-go or local model inference
Consider first
- Developers who prefer a single bundled subscription with all models included at a flat rate
- Users who need a browser-based IDE rather than an extension or CLI
Strengths
- Fully open source under MIT license — inspect, modify, or self-host
- Zero markup on model tokens — pay only the provider's list price
- Broadest model access in its category: 500+ models from 60+ providers
- Works across VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, and cloud — one agent everywhere
Trade-offs
- Costs can escalate with heavy use of premium frontier models
- Kilo Pass credit system adds complexity versus straightforward per-provider billing
- Newer project relative to established competitors — smaller ecosystem of community extensions
Details
Frequently asked questions
What does Kilo Code do?
Kilo Code is an AI coding assistant for VS Code with autocomplete, refactoring, and debugging. Freemium. Best for developers wanting AI help in their editor.
Is Kilo Code free?
Yes, Kilo Code offers a free tier.
What category is Kilo Code?
Kilo Code is an AI tool in the Code category.
Is Kilo Code free to use?
The extension and CLI are free and open source under MIT. AI inference costs depend on your setup: use local models for free, bring your own API keys at provider rates, or pay through the Kilo Gateway with zero markup.
What models does Kilo Code support?
Over 500 models from 60+ providers including Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, Mistral, and open-weight models. You can switch models mid-task.
Can I use Kilo Code offline?
Yes. Connect Ollama, LM Studio, or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint to run models locally on your own hardware with no internet required.
What is Kilo Pass?
Kilo Pass is a monthly or annual subscription ($19–$199/mo) that converts your payment into credits usable across all Kilo products. Bonus credits (up to 50%) are added automatically after paid credits are consumed.
Does Kilo Code work with JetBrains?
Yes. Kilo Code has a JetBrains plugin available for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and other JetBrains IDEs via the JetBrains Marketplace.