Korden vs. Kilo
Kilo is an open-source, BYO-key agent inside your editor and CLI. Korden is a standalone local-first app that runs a parallel crew and opens pull requests — multiple agents at once, with a review gate.
What is Kilo?
Kilo is an open-source AI coding agent that works across VS Code, JetBrains, the CLI, and the cloud. It offers access to hundreds of models with bring-your-own-key at zero markup and can run local models to keep code private — a single agent you supervise inside your editor.
How Korden compares to Kilo
The core difference: Korden runs a multi-agent crew fully on your machine, with your own model, and delivers every change as a pull request you merge. Here's the side-by-side.
| Korden | Kilo | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs fully on your machine | Yes | Runs in your editor; local models supported |
| Bring your own model | Yes | BYO key, zero markup |
| Multi-agent crew, in parallel | Parallel crew | Single agent |
| Every change is a pull request you merge | Built-in PR + merge | Edits in editor; manual git |
| Surface | Standalone desktop app + terminals | Editor / CLI extension |
When Korden is the better fit
Choose Korden if privacy, model choice, and a real review gate matter to you.
- You want several agents (Scout/Builder/Reviewer/Tester) working at once, not one.
- You want a dedicated app with a terminal canvas and a PR/merge flow.
- You want a review gate before anything merges.
When Kilo might fit better
No tool is right for everyone — Kilo can be the better call in these cases.
- You want a free, open-source agent inside your existing editor.
- You want access to hundreds of models at zero markup.
- You prefer supervising a single agent in place.
Frequently asked questions
Is Korden open source like Kilo?
Can Korden use many models like Kilo?
Ready to try Korden?
Start a 7-day free trial — no credit card. Have a crew opening pull requests on your machine in minutes. You’re always the one who merges.