Kilo Code vs Roo Code
Honest breakdown of Kilo Code (cline + roo merge with extra ux polish. oss, byok, mcp-first.) and Roo Code (cline fork with custom modes, marketplace, and smarter context management.). Last refreshed 2026-04-30.
| Aspect | Kilo Code | Roo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Category | extension | extension |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
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When to pick Kilo Code
- · Devs wanting Cline UX with less friction
- · MCP-heavy workflows
When to pick Roo Code
- · Cline users wanting more flexibility
- · Teams with diverse task types