# Kilo Code vs Kiro

> Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models
> Kiro: Spec-driven agentic IDE from AWS that turns prompts into designs, tasks and code

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

## Verdict

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

### 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.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Kilo Code | Kiro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-Environment Agent | Yes | Not listed |
| 500+ Models | Yes | Not listed |
| Auto Model | Yes | Not listed |
| Specialised Modes | Yes | Not listed |
| MCP Support | Yes | Not listed |
| Cloud Agents and Code Review | Yes | Not listed |
| Parallel Agent Management | Yes | Not listed |
| Mobile Companion App | Yes | Not listed |
| Open Source and Transparent | 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 | Kilo Code | Kiro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | No | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | Yes | No |
| JetBrains Plugin | Yes | No |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| Slack App | Yes | No |

## 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.

## 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 Kilo Code better than Kiro?**

It depends on your workflow. 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. 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 Kilo Code and Kiro?**

Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models. Kiro: Spec-driven agentic IDE from AWS that turns prompts into designs, tasks and code.

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

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

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

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