# Amp vs Kiro

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> Kiro: Spec-driven agentic IDE from AWS that turns prompts into designs, tasks and code

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- Kiro profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/kiro
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-kiro
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Amp and Kiro are both Coding AI tools. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Amp offers an API.

### 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 Kiro if

- You want a tool built for turning feature ideas into structured specs and tasks before agents write code in large codebases.
- Spec-driven workflow produces requirements, design and task lists before code is written.
- Based on Code OSS, so VS Code settings, themes and Open VSX extensions carry over.

## Pricing

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

## Features

| Feature | Amp | Kiro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Spec-driven development | Not listed | Yes |
| Agent hooks | Not listed | Yes |
| Steering files | Not listed | Yes |
| Memory | Not listed | Yes |
| Correctness checking | Not listed | Yes |
| Model choice | Not listed | Yes |
| Kiro CLI | Not listed | Yes |
| Kiro Web | Not listed | Yes |
| Local command sandbox | Not listed | Yes |
| Open standards and MCP | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | Kiro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | 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.

## Kiro strengths

- Spec-driven workflow produces requirements, design and task lists before code is written.
- Based on Code OSS, so VS Code settings, themes and Open VSX extensions carry over.
- Same credit pool works across IDE, CLI and Web with no separate cloud compute charge.
- Multiple model families, including open-weight options, with an Auto mode.
- Free tier with 50 credits and downloadable apps on macOS, Windows and Linux.

## Kiro limitations

- Credits can run out quickly on complex spec tasks; costs vary by model and monthly credits do not roll over.
- Free tier excludes premium models and is limited to open-weight models and Claude Sonnet 4.5 under rate limits.
- Mobile app is iOS-only, in preview, and needs iOS 26 or later.
- Cloud sessions are only available in US East (N. Virginia), and Enterprise pricing is not published.

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than Kiro?**

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. Kiro is built for turning feature ideas into structured specs and tasks before agents write code in large codebases.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and Kiro?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. Kiro: Spec-driven agentic IDE from AWS that turns prompts into designs, tasks and code.

**Does Amp or Kiro have a free plan?**

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

**Which is cheaper, Amp or Kiro?**

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