kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs Kilo Code
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Kilo Code is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI agents that plan and code
- Model selection
- MCP support
- Extension marketplace
- Integrated terminal and debugger
- Web version
- Orchestrator mode
- 500+ models via gateway
- JetBrains plugin
- Kilo CLI
- Team usage analytics
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | Kilo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | Open-source coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and the CLI |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $15/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Kilo Code |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Kilo Code is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free & Open Source
Free
- BYOK, local or free models
- Pay exact provider rates via Gateway
- 500+ models, no markup
Teams
$15/mo
- Per user
- Usage analytics and reporting
- Shared custom agents and BYOK
- Centralized billing
Enterprise
Custom
- Enterprise governance
- 14-day trial
- Custom contracts
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Visual Studio Code
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
- Heavier than lightweight editors
- AI features may need separate model access
- Extensions vary in quality
Kilo Code
- No markup on model prices
- Free and local models supported
- Same agent in IDE and terminal
- Many settings to learn
- Costs depend on the models you pick
Which one should you choose?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you want:
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
Watch out: heavier than lightweight editors.
Choose Kilo Code if you want:
- No markup on model prices
- Free and local models supported
- Same agent in IDE and terminal
Watch out: many settings to learn.
Visual Studio Code vs Kilo Code FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and Kilo Code?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. Kilo Code: Open-source coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and the CLI. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or Kilo Code cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Kilo Code is freemium.
Do Visual Studio Code and Kilo Code have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. Kilo Code: Yes.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Kilo Code?
Kilo Code is made by Kilo Code.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or Kilo Code?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose Kilo Code if you value no markup on model prices and free and local models supported.