Kilo Code

Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that runs inside VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and the command line. Founded by GitLab co-founder Sid Sijbrandij, Kilo Code differentiates itself with a zero-markup pricing model — developers bring their own API keys and pay actual provider rates with no surcharge, a direct challenge to subscription-based competitors like Cursor and GitHub Copilot.

Version 7, rebuilt on the OpenCode server architecture, introduced parallel tool calls, subagent delegation for complex multi-file tasks, an inline diff reviewer for code review workflows, and multi-model comparison so developers can test the same prompt across different models side by side. Kilo Code supports over 500 models from every major provider.

The tool ships with specialized agent modes: Code Mode for writing and refactoring production code, Architect Mode for planning complex features before implementation, and Debug Mode for tracing errors and suggesting fixes. Each mode is tuned for its specific workflow, reducing context-switching overhead.

Kilo Code also offers KiloClaw, a hosted OpenClaw deployment that gives developers a persistent AI agent running 24/7 without self-hosting complexity. KiloClaw connects via Telegram, Discord, or Slack and can run shell commands, control browsers, and act autonomously.

With 1.5 million users and an $8M seed round led by Cota Capital (with General Catalyst and Quiet Capital participating), Kilo Code represents a growing bet that the future of AI coding tools is open-source, model-agnostic, and transparently priced.