Kimi Code vs Refraction
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Kimi Code starts at See pricing page and Refraction starts at $8/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Terminal coding agent
- Desktop app
- VS Code extension
- Runs tests and builds
- 1M-token context
- Bug detection
- Language conversion
- Function generation
- Inline documentation
- Mermaid diagrams
- VS Code extension
| Feature | Kimi Code | Refraction |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moonshot AI's coding agent for the terminal, desktop and IDE | AI code helper for bug checks, language conversion and docs |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $8/mo |
| Free plan | No | No, trial available |
| Made by | Moonshot AI | Refraction |
| Based in | China | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: VS Code extension.
Pricing compared
Kimi Code starts at See pricing page and Refraction starts at $8/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Hobby
Free
- One user
- 10 code generations in total
Pro
$8/mo
- Unlimited code generations
- Unlimited history
- Editor extensions
Team
$14/mo
- Per user
- Shared code history
- Team management
Enterprise
Contact sales
- SSO and SCIM
- Audit logs
- Dedicated support
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Kimi Code
- Very long context for large codebases
- One subscription across desktop, CLI and IDE
- Membership includes other Kimi tools
- Requires a paid Kimi membership
- Desktop app download listed for macOS only
- Plan prices not shown on the product page
Refraction
- Low monthly price for unlimited use
- Many small utilities in one tool
- Works inside VS Code
- Free use stops after 10 generations
- Task-based actions, not a full coding agent
- No student or nonprofit discount yet
Which one should you choose?
Choose Kimi Code if you want:
- Very long context for large codebases
- One subscription across desktop, CLI and IDE
- Membership includes other Kimi tools
Watch out: requires a paid kimi membership.
Choose Refraction if you want:
- Low monthly price for unlimited use
- Many small utilities in one tool
- Works inside VS Code
Watch out: free use stops after 10 generations.
Kimi Code vs Refraction FAQ
What is the difference between Kimi Code and Refraction?
Kimi Code: Moonshot AI's coding agent for the terminal, desktop and IDE. Refraction: AI code helper for bug checks, language conversion and docs. Both are coding tools.
Is Kimi Code or Refraction cheaper?
Kimi Code starts at See pricing page and Refraction starts at $8/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Kimi Code and Refraction have free plans?
Kimi Code: No. Refraction: No, trial available.
Who makes Kimi Code?
Kimi Code is made by Moonshot AI, based in China.
Who makes Refraction?
Refraction is made by Refraction.
Which should I choose, Kimi Code or Refraction?
Choose Kimi Code if you value very long context for large codebases and one subscription across desktop, cli and ide. Choose Refraction if you value low monthly price for unlimited use and many small utilities in one tool.