Kilo Code — Cursor alternative

Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding assistant designed for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs. It operates as an autonomous agent that can plan, build, and fix code across entire projects. The tool supports 400+ hosted models, free models, and local models with no vendor lock-in. Solo developers benefit from its transparent pricing model and complete source code access without restrictions.

Strengths

• Complete open-source extension with full GitHub access and no vendor lock-in
• Supports 400+ AI models including local models and bring-your-own-API-keys options
• Zero commission pricing - pay exactly what providers charge with no markup
• $20 in free credits to start, no credit card required
• System notifications alert users when tasks complete for smooth workflow
• No data training on user code and community Discord support

Weaknesses

• Limited to VS Code and JetBrains IDEs only
• Token-based usage system requires monitoring consumption
• Newer project with smaller community compared to established Cursor alternatives
• Enterprise features require separate contact and custom pricing

Best for

Solo developers and small teams seeking full control over their AI coding assistant with transparent costs.

Pricing plans

• Open Source — Free — Complete VS Code extension, no restrictions
• API Access — Pay-per-use — Provider rates only, no markup, $20 free credits
• Enterprise — Custom pricing — Audit logs, team management, priority support

Tech details

• Type: Autonomous AI coding agent
• IDEs: VS Code, JetBrains
• Key features: Multi-mode planning with Architect, code generation, task automation
• Privacy / hosting: No code training, open source, self-hostable, local model support
• Models / context window: Claude 4 Sonnet & Opus, GPT-5, Gemini 2.5 Pro, context windows vary by model

When to choose this over Cursor

• Need complete source code access and customization capabilities
• Prefer transparent pricing with zero commission fees
• Want to use local models or bring your own API keys

When Cursor may be a better fit

• Prefer integrated IDE experience over extension-based approach
• Need established ecosystem with extensive documentation
• Want built-in collaboration features for larger teams

Conclusion

Kilo Code offers a compelling open-source alternative for developers prioritizing transparency and control. Its zero-commission pricing model and full source access make it attractive for cost-conscious solo developers. The tool successfully combines features from established projects while maintaining its own development vision. However, its newer status means less community support compared to more established Cursor alternatives.

Sources

• Official site: https://kilocode.ai/install
• Docs: https://github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode
• Pricing: https://kilocode.ai/pricing