# Amp vs Kilo Code

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- Kilo Code profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/kilo-code
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-kilo-code
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Amp and Kilo Code are both Coding AI tools. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Amp offers an API. Only Kilo Code is available on iOS, Android and VS Code Extension.

### Choose Amp if

- You want a tool built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session.
- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.

### Choose Kilo Code if

- You want a tool built for developers who want to choose their own models and providers, pay provider rates without markup, and keep an auditable open-source agent inside their existing IDE.
- MIT-licensed and open source, with a public GitHub repository of more than 27,000 stars.
- Access to 500+ models across 60+ providers with no stated inference markup.

## Pricing

| | Amp | Kilo Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Amp | Kilo Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbs | Yes | Not listed |
| Portals | Yes | Not listed |
| Event-driven wake-ups | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Not listed |
| Changes tab | Yes | Not listed |
| The Dial | Yes | Not listed |
| Puck | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI and runners | Yes | Not listed |
| amp sync | Yes | Not listed |
| Multi-Environment Agent | Not listed | Yes |
| 500+ Models | Not listed | Yes |
| Auto Model | Not listed | Yes |
| Specialised Modes | Not listed | Yes |
| MCP Support | Not listed | Yes |
| Cloud Agents and Code Review | Not listed | Yes |
| Parallel Agent Management | Not listed | Yes |
| Mobile Companion App | Not listed | Yes |
| Open Source and Transparent | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | Kilo Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | Yes |
| Android | No | Yes |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |
| Slack App | No | Yes |

## Amp strengths

- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.
- Works across web, Mac, terminal and CI runners, with event triggers from Linear, GitHub and schedules.
- Multiplayer orbs let teammates share an agent, terminal and running app.
- Teams plan adds SSO, pooled credits and shared model routing at no extra seat charge.

## Amp limitations

- The Mac app requires macOS 26 or later and the Mac and iOS apps are labelled beta.
- No App Store iOS release yet; mobile access is through TestFlight.
- Orb rates, overage behaviour and Gigawatt pricing are not published on the pricing page.
- Pay-as-you-go orbs on the free tier make costs less predictable than a flat subscription.

## Kilo Code strengths

- MIT-licensed and open source, with a public GitHub repository of more than 27,000 stars.
- Access to 500+ models across 60+ providers with no stated inference markup.
- Works in VS Code, JetBrains and the terminal, plus cloud agents, Slack and mobile.
- Supports bring-your-own-key and local models, which avoids lock-in to one provider.
- Teams plan is $15 per user per month with shared agents and analytics.

## Kilo Code limitations

- Costs are usage-based, so spend is less predictable than a flat subscription.
- A 5% processing fee applies to credit purchases.
- Trustpilot reviewers report billing and refund disputes, including an unexpected renewal charge and a declined refund on purchased credits.
- The desktop app is in beta, and some reviewers cite bugs and rate-limit issues.

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than Kilo Code?**

It depends on your workflow. Amp is built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session. Kilo Code is built for developers who want to choose their own models and providers, pay provider rates without markup, and keep an auditable open-source agent inside their existing IDE.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and Kilo Code?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models.

**Does Amp or Kilo Code have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Amp is freemium and Kilo Code is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Amp or Kilo Code?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.