# Cursor vs Kilo Code

> Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents
> Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models

- Cursor profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/cursor
- Kilo Code profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/kilo-code
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/cursor-vs-kilo-code
- Last reviewed: November 2026

## Verdict

Cursor and Kilo Code are both Coding AI tools. Cursor scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.0 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Kilo Code is available on Android, VS Code Extension and JetBrains Plugin.

### Choose Cursor if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests.
- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support.
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Cursor | Kilo Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Agents | Yes | Not listed |
| Cloud agents | Yes | Not listed |
| Tab and inline edits | Yes | Not listed |
| Codebase indexing | Yes | Not listed |
| Model choice | Yes | Not listed |
| Bugbot code review | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI | Yes | Limited |
| Slack app and iOS app | Yes | Not listed |
| Marketplace and rules | Yes | Not listed |
| Privacy mode | 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 | Cursor | Kilo Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | No | Yes |
| API | No | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |
| Slack App | No | Yes |

## Cursor strengths

- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks
- Choice of models from several providers, including Cursor's own
- Covers editor, CLI, web, Slack, iOS and PR review in one product
- Privacy mode and SOC 2 and ISO certifications for team use

## Cursor limitations

- Third-party model usage is billed separately from the plan at API list price
- Pricing is bundled with Grok and uses weekly usage pools, which makes costs harder to predict
- No Android app, and the iOS app only controls local agents
- Indexing can be heavy on very large repositories

## 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 Cursor better than Kilo Code?**

It depends on your workflow. Cursor is built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests. 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 Cursor and Kilo Code?**

Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents. Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models. Cursor is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

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

**Which is cheaper, Cursor 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.