Kilo Code

Open SourceMITSelf-hostable

The open-source AI coding agent for VS Code with 500+ models, bring-your-own-key and specialized modes — merging the best of Cline and Roo Code. A Claude Code and Cursor alternative.

Replaces

Claude Code

Cursor

Visit Kilo Code View source

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Stars

★ 26.5k

+7k this year

Forks

+700 this year

Commit

Active now

just now

Age

1 yrs

License

MIT

Hosted

Yes

one command

Health score

Excellent

Top 3% of OSS projects

About Kilo Code

Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent for VS Code that pulls together the strengths of Cline and Roo Code — the projects it descends from — into one tool. It offers agentic, multi-file editing with specialized modes and access to 500+ models, so you can match the engine to the job.

You bring your own key or use its model routing, and you keep the transparent, approve-before-act workflow that makes open agents trustworthy. It's aimed at developers who want a batteries-included open agent without giving up control.

It's Apache-2.0 licensed with a fast-moving community and frequent updates. For a flexible, model-rich open alternative to Claude Code and Cursor inside VS Code, Kilo Code is a strong, up-and-coming choice.

Filed underDeveloper Tools

What makes it different

500+ models

Access a huge range of models and bring your own key, matching the engine to each task.

Specialized modes

Mode-based agents for planning, coding and debugging, inherited from Roo Code.

Agentic multi-file edits

Plans and applies changes across files and runs commands inside VS Code.

Transparent workflow

Approve edits and commands before they run — you stay in control.

Project pulse

★ 26.5k+7k this year

Health score92 / 100

Forks3k

Last commitjust now

LicenseMIT

Topics

#claude-code-alternative#cursor-alternative#ai-coding#vscode#agent#byo-key#open-source

Under the hood

TypeScript

VS Code

Node.js

The honest read

What we like

Combines the strengths of Cline and Roo Code
Access to 500+ models with bring-your-own-key
Mode-based, agentic multi-file editing
Apache-2.0 licensed with rapid updates
Transparent, approve-before-act workflow

Worth knowing

Newer, with a smaller community than its parents
You pay for your own model usage
Tied to the VS Code ecosystem
Feature set still stabilising

Quick answers

Is Kilo Code free to use?

Yes — Kilo Code is free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license. You only pay for the models you use.

How is Kilo Code different from Cline and Roo Code?

Kilo Code descends from both and merges their strengths — agentic editing, modes and broad model access — into a single tool.

How many models does Kilo Code support?

It offers access to 500+ models and supports bringing your own API key.

Does Kilo Code do multi-file, agentic edits?

Yes — it plans and applies changes across files and runs commands, with your approval at each step.

Which editor does Kilo Code run in?

Kilo Code is a VS Code extension, so it runs in VS Code and compatible editors.

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