Cline vs Kilo Code
Two open-source, bring-your-own-key coding agents from the same lineage, compared on models, modes, and pricing.
Updated August 28, 2026 · Independent comparison — Cline, Kilo Code are separate products.
Cline
Open-source, bring-your-own-key coding agent
Cline is an open-source (Apache-2.0) AI coding agent for VS Code and JetBrains, with a preview CLI. It is model-agnostic and bring-your-own-key, and centers on a Plan/Act workflow, MCP support with a built-in MCP Marketplace, checkpoints, and browser automation. Cline also offers ClinePass, a $9.99/month flat-rate subscription for generous access to open-weight coding models. It is one of the most widely used open-source coding agents and is developed as an independent project.
Kilo Code
Open-source agentic platform with 500+ models
Kilo Code is an open-source (MIT) agentic coding platform that runs in VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, a CLI, cloud agents, and Slack. It began as a fork in the Cline and Roo Code lineage and, in April 2026, rebuilt its extension on the OpenCode server so a single engine powers its editor, CLI, and cloud agents. It offers 500+ models through the Kilo Gateway at pass-through rates (or BYOK and local Ollama/LM Studio models), a free tier with sign-up credits, Auto model routing, MCP, and specialized modes — Code, Architect, Debug, Orchestrator, and custom. Kilo Code was acquired by Anaconda around July 2026 and remains open source.
Bottom line
Two open-source, bring-your-own-key coding agents from the same lineage, compared on models, modes, and pricing. Choose Cline if you want the widely-adopted Plan/Act workflow with a built-in MCP Marketplace; choose Kilo Code if you want the widest model choice — 500+ models at zero inference markup.
Pricing & Plans
| Feature | Cline | Kilo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Client license | Open source (Apache-2.0) | Open source (MIT) |
| Free to start | Free (BYOK) | Free tier + sign-up credits |
| Managed inference | ClinePass $9.99/mo (open models) | Kilo Gateway (500+ models, pass-through) |
| Team plan | BYOK (no seat fee) | ~$15/user/mo (third-party) |
| Bring your own provider | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local models | ✓ | ✓ |
Models & Providers
| Feature | Cline | Kilo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Model choice | Any model via BYOK | 500+ models |
| Multi-vendor models | ✓ | ✓ |
| Managed model marketplace | ClinePass (open-weight) | Kilo Gateway (pass-through) |
| Auto model routing | ✗ | ✓ |
| In-session model switching | ✓ | ✓ |
Agent Experience
| Feature | Cline | Kilo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Plan / design mode | Plan / Act modes | Architect mode |
| Specialized modes | Plan / Act (two modes) | Code, Architect, Debug, Orchestrator, custom |
| Multi-agent orchestration | Via tasks / MCP | Orchestrator (delegates subtasks) |
| MCP support | Yes (+ MCP Marketplace) | ✓ |
| Checkpoints / undo | Built-in checkpoints | Not stated |
| Browser automation | Built-in | Not stated |
Developer Workflow
| Feature | Cline | Kilo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in | VS Code, JetBrains, CLI | VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, cloud, Slack |
| Cloud agents | ✗ | ✓ |
| Slack integration | ✗ | ✓ |
| Inline autocomplete | ✗ | Yes (FIM completion) |
| Custom instructions | .clinerules | Custom modes + rules |
Platforms & Openness
| Feature | Cline | Kilo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Local OS support | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Linux, Windows |
| Source availability | Open source (Apache-2.0) | Open source (MIT) |
| Standout feature | Plan/Act + MCP Marketplace + ClinePass | 500+ models zero markup + Orchestrator |
| Ownership | Independent (Cline Bot) | Acquired by Anaconda (~July 2026) |
| Model pricing | BYOK or ClinePass | Provider rate, zero markup |
The Verdict
Choose Cline if...
- ✓You want the widely-adopted Plan/Act workflow with a built-in MCP Marketplace.
- ✓You rely on checkpoints and built-in browser automation.
- ✓You want optional ClinePass flat-rate access to open-weight models.
- ✓You prefer an independent, Apache-2.0 project focused on the core agent loop.
- ✓You mainly work in VS Code or JetBrains with a preview CLI.
Choose Kilo Code if...
- ✓You want the widest model choice — 500+ models at zero inference markup.
- ✓You want specialized modes (Architect, Debug, Orchestrator) and subagent delegation.
- ✓You want one engine across VS Code, JetBrains, a CLI, cloud agents, and Slack.
- ✓You want a free tier with sign-up credits, Auto routing, and inline autocomplete.
- ✓You prefer the MIT license and don't mind Anaconda ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Cline and Kilo Code?
Cline is an open-source (Apache-2.0) AI coding agent for VS Code and JetBrains, with a preview CLI. Kilo Code is an open-source (MIT) agentic coding platform that runs in VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, a CLI, cloud agents, and Slack.
How much do Cline and Kilo Code cost?
Cline: Open source (Apache-2.0). Kilo Code: Open source (MIT). See the pricing table above for full plan details.
Should I choose Cline or Kilo Code?
Choose Cline if you want the widely-adopted Plan/Act workflow with a built-in MCP Marketplace. Choose Kilo Code if you want the widest model choice — 500+ models at zero inference markup.
1DevToolRun both — and more
Torn between Cline and Kilo Code? 1DevTool is a multi-agent workspace that runs Cline, OpenCode, Claude Code, Codex CLI, and other CLI agents side by side in persistent terminals — bring your own keys or subscriptions, no lock-in. It adds a built-in HTTP client, 13-engine database client, and embedded browser, all wired into Send-to-AI. One-time $29, no subscription.