Blog · October 24, 2026 · Agentdex Editorial

Kilo Code Guide (2026): Setup, Agents, Models and Pricing

Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that runs in VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, the terminal and its own desktop app. Its main pitch is choice: you can use hundreds of models, bring your own API keys or run local models, and Kilo says it adds no markup on inference. This guide covers what Kilo Code does, how to install it, how its pricing works and where it fits against other agents. Facts were checked against kilo.ai on October 24, 2026.

Key Takeaways

Kilo Code is open source (MIT) and runs in VS Code (and VS Code-based editors such as Cursor (Agentdex profile)), JetBrains IDEs, a CLI, Kilo Desktop (beta) and the cloud.
It has Code, Plan and Debug agents, so you can plan a change before letting the agent edit files.
Model choice is the big draw: 500+ models across 60+ providers, bring-your-own-key, and local models through Ollama or LM Studio.
The individual platform is free. You pay for model usage, either through Kilo credits (at provider cost, with a 5% fee on credit purchases) or directly with your own keys.
Anaconda acquired Kilo in July 2026 and said existing products and plans would not change.

What Kilo Code is

Kilo Code is an agentic coding assistant. You describe a task in plain English and the agent reads your project, proposes changes, edits files and can run commands, asking for approval along the way. It was founded in March 2025 and is developed in the open on GitHub under the MIT license.

Kilo runs in several places, so you can keep one tool across your workflow:

VS Code extension, which also installs in Cursor, Windsurf-based editors and other editors that use Open VSX.
JetBrains plugin for IntelliJ-based IDEs.
Kilo CLI for the terminal.
Kilo Desktop, a beta app for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Cloud agents, plus Slack, mobile and an automated code reviewer.

Agents: Code, Plan and Debug

Kilo splits work across agents with different jobs. Plan is for thinking through a change, mapping files and agreeing an approach before anything is edited. Code does the implementation. Debug focuses on tracking down and fixing problems. Planning first and coding second is the habit that saves the most money with any agent, because a clear plan means fewer wasted model calls.

Models and providers

Kilo connects to more than 500 models from over 60 providers. You have three ways to pay for them:

Kilo credits: buy credits from Kilo and use any supported model. Kilo says it charges no inference markup; there is a 5% fee on credit purchases.
Bring your own key: connect your own provider accounts, such as OpenRouter or a model vendor, and pay them directly.
Local models: run models on your own machine with Ollama or LM Studio. This costs nothing per request, but quality and speed depend on your hardware and the model.

If you do not want to pick a model for every task, Kilo's Auto Model routes requests for you. It comes in Efficient, Frontier and Free tiers.

How to install Kilo Code

VS Code or Cursor: open the Extensions view, search for "Kilo Code" and install it. Sign in, or add your own API key in the settings.
JetBrains: install the Kilo Code plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace inside your IDE.
CLI: run curl -fsSL https://kilo.ai/cli/install | bash, then start it in your project folder.
Desktop: download Kilo Desktop (beta) from kilo.ai.

Start with a small task in a project under version control, so you can review and roll back any change.

Kilo Code pricing

Plan	Price (Oct 2026)	What you get
Individual	Free platform	All core features; model usage billed separately
Kilo Pass	From $19/month (tiers at $19, $49 and $199)	Monthly credits with up to 50% bonus credits
Teams	$15/user/month	Team management and shared billing
Enterprise	Custom	For larger organizations; Kilo lists a 14-day Enterprise trial

Cloud features are billed by compute time: Kilo lists Code Review at $0.33/hour and Cloud Agent environments at $0.60/hour (Small) or $1.20/hour (Standard). Your real monthly cost depends mostly on which models you use and how much. Frontier models cost far more per task than small or local ones.

Strengths and trade-offs

Strengths:

Open source, so you can inspect the code and avoid lock-in.
Wide model choice and local model support.
One tool across IDE, terminal, desktop and cloud.
No platform fee for individuals.

Trade-offs:

Usage-based costs are harder to predict than a flat subscription. Set budgets and watch your usage.
More choice means more setup. Picking models and providers takes some learning.
Kilo Desktop is still in beta.
The July 2026 acquisition by Anaconda may change the roadmap over time, even though Anaconda said current plans stay the same.

Kilo Code vs Cline, Roo Code and Cursor

Kilo Code belongs to the same family of open-source, bring-your-own-model agents as Cline (Agentdex profile) and Roo Code (Agentdex profile). All three run as editor extensions and let you choose models. Kilo stands out for its CLI, desktop app, cloud agents and its own credit system. Cursor is a different kind of product: a full AI editor with a subscription. Read our Cline guide and Roo Code guide to compare, or browse the Agentdex directory.

Whichever agent you pick, good project rules make it more reliable. The free Vibe Coder Starter Kit includes starter rules files and prompts.

FAQ

Is Kilo Code free?

The Kilo platform is free for individuals and the code is open source under the MIT license. You still pay for AI model usage, unless you use free models or run local models on your own machine.

Which editors does Kilo Code support?

VS Code and VS Code-based editors such as Cursor, editors that use Open VSX, and JetBrains IDEs. It also has a CLI, a desktop app in beta and cloud agents.

Can I use my own API keys with Kilo Code?

Yes. You can bring your own keys for supported providers, use Kilo credits, or connect local models through Ollama or LM Studio.

Who owns Kilo Code?

Anaconda acquired Kilo on July 15, 2026. Kilo was founded in March 2025, and Anaconda said existing products and plans would continue unchanged.

How much does Kilo Code Teams cost?

Teams is $15 per user per month. Model usage is billed on top, and Kilo offers a 14-day trial of its Enterprise features.

Written by Agentdex Editorial. Agentdex is an independent directory reviewing AI coding tools; we are not affiliated with the companies mentioned. Prices and features are as of October 24, 2026, from official sources linked above. Always confirm on the vendor's site.