Kilo Code

Editor Review

You do not have to switch agents when you switch editors. VS Code, JetBrains, and the terminal use the same open-source implementation, and cloud tasks and code review can continue work that started locally. Architect mode plans a complex feature before code is written. Debug mode follows errors and suggests a fix. Auto routing sends a session to an efficient, frontier, or free model, and the frontier path uses paid models. The MIT-licensed source lets you audit the prompt and context. It fits developers who want the agent to follow the repository and who want to choose the model provider themselves.

AI Tools Navigator Editorial TeamUpdated: 2026-10-09

What is Kilo Code

Kilo is an open-source AI coding agent. The same agent can run in VS Code, JetBrains, the command line, and the cloud, can be mentioned in Slack, and can be followed from a phone. It includes code, architect, and debug modes, and it can read a repository, edit files, and run tests. The model gateway is priced at cost with no markup, and you can bring your own keys or use a local model. Auto routing has efficient, frontier, and free paths. The desktop app is still marked beta for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and the source is MIT licensed.

Kilo Code Key Features

One agent on many surfaces

VS Code, JetBrains, the command line, the cloud, and Slack use the same open-source agent, and the phone app can follow progress.

Architect and debug modes

Architect mode plans a complex feature first. Debug mode reads errors, traces the issue, and suggests a fix. A code mode is included too.

At-cost model gateway

The gateway offers models at cost with no markup, supports your own keys and local models, and auto-routes among efficient, frontier, and free paths.

Source you can audit

The MIT-licensed source exposes the prompt, context window, and decisions, and you can modify and self-host it.

Kilo Code Key Advantages

VS Code, JetBrains, the command line, and the cloud use the same open-source agent

Code, architect, and debug modes can be used separately, so planning and bug fixing are not one chat

The model gateway is at cost with no markup, and it supports your own keys and local models

The MIT-licensed source lets you inspect the prompt, context, and decisions, and you can self-host it

Kilo Code Use Cases

Fix a test in the editor

In VS Code or JetBrains, a developer points at a failing test and has the agent read files, edit the code, and run it again.

Plan a feature before coding

Use architect mode to split a cross-file feature, then switch to code mode after the approach is clear.

Follow a task from chat

Mention the agent in Slack to continue a task, or use the phone app to review a cloud agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Do I have to pay for models to use Kilo?

The agent in the editor and terminal is offered as open source, the homepage has an auto-routing entry that does not ask for a credit card, and the cloud can be tried. Frontier routing uses paid models. You can also bring your own keys or use a local model, and the gateway says it adds no markup. Whether model use is paid depends on the route you pick, not on installing the plugin.

▶How do architect mode and debug mode differ?

Architect mode plans a complex feature and gives structured guidance before code is written. Debug mode reads errors, traces the issue, and suggests a fix. Code mode writes, refactors, and ships the implementation. You switch modes inside the same agent instead of installing another coding product.

▶Can I inspect how it calls a model?

Yes. The source is MIT licensed, and the page says you can audit the prompt, context window, and decisions, and modify or self-host it. It also says the model is not switched silently. The gateway supports your own keys and local models, and auto routing chooses among efficient, frontier, and free paths.

Kilo Code

Editor Review

What is Kilo Code

Basic Info

Best For

Kilo Code Key Features

Kilo Code Key Advantages

Kilo Code Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Latest News

User Reviews

TRAE编程

通义灵码

文心快码

豆包AI编程

Cursor

GitHub Copilot

代码小浣熊

Kiro

Kilo Code

Editor Review

What is Kilo Code

Basic Info

Best For

Kilo Code Key Features

Kilo Code Key Advantages

Kilo Code Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Latest News

User Reviews

Related Tools

TRAE编程

通义灵码

文心快码

豆包AI编程

Cursor

GitHub Copilot

代码小浣熊

Kiro