Side-by-side comparison of Kilo Code (Kilo Code) and Roo Code (Roo Code) - pricing, key features, ideal use cases, recent updates, and verdicts.
01Quick answer
Kilo Code (Freemium) is best for experienced developers who require model flexibility, cost transparency, and the ability to use AI agents across multiple IDEs and terminal environments. Roo Code (Free) is best for developers who prioritize open-source transparency, granular control over AI behavior, and the ability to switch between different LLM providers to optimize for cost or performance.
02The two tools
Kilo Code
Kilo Code Free free to use · FreemiumKilo Code is an open-source, agentic engineering platform that integrates into VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and the CLI to automate coding tasks. It allows developers to switch between over 500 AI models, including local, frontier, and budget options, while maintaining consistent context across different development environments.
Roo Code
Roo Code Free free to use · FreeRoo Code was a powerful, open-source AI coding agent for VS Code that featured multi-mode agentic workflows, including Architect, Code, and Debug modes. It allowed developers to maintain full control over their coding environment by supporting bring-your-own-key model integration and local model execution.
03How to choose
Choose Kilo Code if
Experienced developers who require model flexibility, cost transparency, and the ability to use AI agents across multiple IDEs and terminal environments.
Skip if: Users seeking a zero-configuration, turnkey AI-native IDE experience or those who prefer a flat-rate, all-inclusive subscription model.
Choose Roo Code if
Developers who prioritize open-source transparency, granular control over AI behavior, and the ability to switch between different LLM providers to optimize for cost or performance.
Skip if: Users seeking a turnkey, out-of-the-box AI experience, or those who prefer a managed, all-in-one subscription service without the need to manage API keys.
04Detailed comparison
| Kilo Code | Roo Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Kilo Code | Roo Code |
| Category | IDE Extensions & Plugins | IDE Extensions & Plugins |
| Pricing | Freemium The software is free and open-source. Users pay for AI inference via their own API keys (at provider rates), Kilo's gateway (at exact provider rates with no markup), or free routed models. Optional Kilo Pass subscriptions ($19-$199/month) provide bonus credits, and team plans are available for $15 per user per month. | Free The extension is free and open-source (Apache 2.0). Users pay their chosen LLM providers directly for API token usage or use local models at no cost. |
| Key features |
|
|
| Best for | Experienced developers who require model flexibility, cost transparency, and the ability to use AI agents across multiple IDEs and terminal environments. | Developers who prioritize open-source transparency, granular control over AI behavior, and the ability to switch between different LLM providers to optimize for cost or performance. |
| Not ideal for | Users seeking a zero-configuration, turnkey AI-native IDE experience or those who prefer a flat-rate, all-inclusive subscription model. | Users seeking a turnkey, out-of-the-box AI experience, or those who prefer a managed, all-in-one subscription service without the need to manage API keys. |
| Recent updates | The platform has been acquired by Anaconda and recently underwent a major rebuild of its extension core. Key changes include the deprecation of Orchestrator mode in favor of direct subagent delegation, the introduction of a granular per-tool permission system, and the addition of a task timeline for monitoring context usage. | The Roo Code extension was officially shut down on May 15, 2026. The project is now archived, and users are directed to alternatives like Cline or the community-led fork, ZooCode. |
| Verdict | Kilo Code is a powerful, highly configurable tool for developers who prioritize control, open-source transparency, and multi-platform support over the simplicity of a closed, opinionated AI IDE. | While historically a top-tier, highly customizable agentic tool for VS Code, Roo Code is no longer actively maintained. Developers should migrate to Cline or ZooCode for continued support and updates. |
05FAQ
Is Kilo Code or Roo Code free?+
Kilo Code is Freemium; Roo Code is Free. Check each tool's detail page for full pricing breakdowns.
Which should I choose, Kilo Code or Roo Code?+
Kilo Code is best for Experienced developers who require model flexibility, cost transparency, and the ability to use AI agents across multiple IDEs and terminal environments. Roo Code is best for Developers who prioritize open-source transparency, granular control over AI behavior, and the ability to switch between different LLM providers to optimize for cost or performance.
What is the main difference between Kilo Code and Roo Code?+
Kilo Code (Kilo Code) is listed as IDE Extensions & Plugins; Roo Code (Roo Code) is listed as IDE Extensions & Plugins. Kilo Code is an open-source, agentic engineering platform that integrates into VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and the CLI to automate coding tasks. It allows developers to switch betwee… By contrast, Roo Code was a powerful, open-source AI coding agent for VS Code that featured multi-mode agentic workflows, including Architect, Code, and Debug modes. It allowed developers to m…