Key takeaways
- Scale: #1 on OpenRouter, 1.5M+ users, 25T+ tokens processed
- Multi-surface: VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, Slack, mobile — synced sessions
- Open source: Apache-2.0, no hidden context compression
- 500+ models: pay list price, no commission, BYOK supported
FAQ
What is Kilo?
An open source agentic engineering platform for coding with 500+ models, Slack integration, and cross-device session sync.
How much does Kilo cost?
Pay-as-you-go at provider list prices (no markup). Optional Kilo Pass subscription for up to 50% bonus credits.
Who competes with Kilo?
Cursor, Cline, Roo Code, and other AI coding assistants.
Executive Summary
Kilo is an open source agentic engineering platform that's become #1 on OpenRouter with 1.5M+ users. It works across VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, Slack, and mobile — with sessions that sync across devices. Unlike closed competitors, Kilo is fully transparent: Apache-2.0 licensed, no hidden context compression, and you always know exactly which model is running.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode |
| Stars | 15.7K ★ |
| License | Apache-2.0 |
| Users | 1.5M+ |
| Models | 500+ |
| Tokens Processed | 25T+ |
Product Overview
Kilo's thesis: agentic engineering should work everywhere you work, with full transparency and no lock-in. Start a task on mobile, continue in VS Code, finish in Slack — your context follows you.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Surface | VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, Slack, mobile |
| Session Sync | Context persists across devices and environments |
| Orchestrator Mode | Plan, build, and audit simultaneously |
| Memory Bank | Store architectural decisions, auto-onboard team |
| Tab Autocomplete | Intelligent completion for faster PRs |
| 500+ Models | Choose by latency, cost, context, or reasoning |
Modes
- Ask Mode — Technical Q&A without changing codebase
- Orchestrator Mode — Multi-agent planning and execution
- Code Review — AI-powered PR review
Strengths
- Massive scale — #1 on OpenRouter proves real-world adoption
- True open source — Apache-2.0, no hidden compression or cutoff
- Model flexibility — 500+ models at list price, BYOK, local support
- Cross-device sync — Unique session persistence across surfaces
- Team features — Memory Bank, AI Management Dashboard, pooled credits
Cautions
- Crowded market — Competes with Cursor, Cline, Roo Code
- Complexity — Many modes and features to learn
- Slack focus — Team features require Slack integration
- Young platform — Still evolving rapidly
Pricing
| Model | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pay-as-you-go | Provider list prices (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google) |
| Kilo Pass | Subscription with up to 50% bonus credits |
| Teams/Enterprise | Custom pricing |
No commission or hidden fees on model usage.
Competitive Positioning
| Competitor | Differentiation |
|---|---|
| Cursor | Kilo is open source with 500+ models; Cursor is closed |
| Cline | Kilo has Slack + mobile; Cline is IDE-only |
| Roo Code | Kilo has larger model selection and team features |
Bottom Line
Kilo has quietly become the most-used open source coding agent by volume. The combination of 500+ models, cross-device sync, and Slack integration makes it uniquely suited for teams. The Apache-2.0 license and transparent operation set it apart from closed competitors.
Recommended for: Teams wanting open source coding agents with Slack integration and model flexibility
Not recommended for: Users who prefer simpler single-IDE tools or want turnkey managed solutions
Research by Ry Walker Research • methodology