Kilo Code is the #1 Cursor alternative
Get a world-class AI assistant directly in your VS Code, with 100% open-source transparency and pay-per-use pricing.
Battle-tested
Used by developers at leading companies
Why pick Kilo Code
over Cursor?
Stay in VS Code, no switching needed
Cursor makes you leave VS Code for their own fork. Kilo Code is just a VS Code extension, so you can keep your workflow as is and still get the benefits of the best AI coding tool out there.
Model-agnostic end-to-end coding, not just autocomplete
Cursor predicts edits and autocompletes, but you still do most of the work when it comes to software architecture, debugging, and understanding the codebase. Kilo Code plans, writes, tests, and fixes features for you using an entire team of AI agents.
Transparent and pay-per-use
Cursor is closed-source, with product decisions happening behind the scenes that sometimes are not so great for users. Kilo Code is 100% open-source, so you always know what it’s doing with your code. And unlike Cursor, there are no limits, subscription fees, or markups. You pay only for what you use.
Active support via Discord
Kilo Code has a loyal Discord community with 100+ messages daily where the engineering team answers user questions and helps everyone get started and succeed. Regardless of what you want to build with AI, here you are well supported.
top notch. after extensive cursor usage, i think i like this better. the results are more consistent so far. I like the transparency re: ai usage, as well as ability to use your own APIs and credentials too.
edit after several weeks: still love it. still my favorite AI coding tool.
Andy Lauppe on Visual Studio Marketplace
Posted on the Kilo Code VS Markeplace listing on 16 July 2025
Never Leave the VS Code You Love
Kilo Code adds all the best features of all the AI coding assistants directly into VS Code.
Native VS Code Extension
Use Kilo Code as an extension inside your existing VS Code. No need to switch editors or learn a new setup.
Read and modify every line of Kilo Code. No vendor lock-in or black boxes. Always know what runs in your VS Code and be confident in the product direction.
Model-agnostic
Use Kilo Code’s built-in provider to use any AI model such as Gemini or Claude, or run AI models entirely on your machine and keep things local. You can also use your own API keys.
Read and modify every line of Kilo Code. No vendor lock-in or black boxes. Always know what runs in your VS Code and be confident in the product direction.
Transparent, pay-per-use pricing
Kilo Code offers transparent pricing with no markup, and you get $5 in free model credits to start, plus $20 on your first top up
Read and modify every line of Kilo Code. No vendor lock-in or black boxes. Always know what runs in your VS Code and be confident in the product direction.
Full-Cycle AI Coding
Plan, write, test, and debug features in one tool, so you spend less time micromanaging AI and more time shipping.
Read and modify every line of Kilo Code. No vendor lock-in or black boxes. Always know what runs in your VS Code and be confident in the product direction.
Open-source and transparent
Read and modify every line of Kilo Code. No vendor lock-in or black boxes. Always know what runs in your VS Code and be confident in the product direction.
Read and modify every line of Kilo Code. No vendor lock-in or black boxes. Always know what runs in your VS Code and be confident in the product direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! Kilo Code is a native VS Code extension, so you don’t need to learn a new code editor or disrupt your workflow. Just install Kilo Code in the VS Code you already love.
Kilo Code runs entirely as an extension inside your current VS Code, while Windsurf requires you to use its own app. With Kilo Code, you get advanced AI coding assistance, including planning, coding, testing, and debugging, without leaving your familiar environment or giving up control.
Absolutely. Many Kilo Code users take advantage of hosted AI models, such as Gemini or Claude, with model providers offering strong privacy guarantees. You can also run AI models locally or use your own API keys, so your code never leaves your laptop unless you explicitly want it to. Plus, Kilo Code is 100% open-source, so you can always check what’s happening under the hood.
No, Kilo Code does much more. It acts as your end-to-end coding partner: it plans, writes, tests, and debugs features for you. It also automatically runs tests and fixes bugs if something breaks, cutting down on tedious manual work.
You only pay for what you use, with no hidden fees or confusing tiers. Kilo Code offers $5 in free credits to get you started, plus $20 more when you make your first top up. Charges are based on actual agent usage. There is no subscription. That means you can scale up or down as you need.
Yes! Kilo Code’s AI agent not only writes and tests your code, but also self-heals bugs when tests fail, reducing back-and-forth and rework. Its Context7 lookup checks real documentation to prevent fake APIs and wasted time, helping you deliver robust features faster.
Looking for a better Windsurf alternative?
Skip the hassle of switching editors. Keep your workflow, but upgrade how you plan, build, and fix code with AI that really does the work for you.
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