Kilo Code vs Windsurf: Open-Source vs Agentic AI Coding Assistants (2025)

As AI continues to transform software development, developers now have access to a wide range of AI coding assistants with different approaches. This comparison examines two distinct solutions: Kilo Code, the open-source VS Code extension, and Windsurf, the agentic AI coding assistant.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences, strengths, and ideal use cases for each tool as we progress through 2025.

Understanding the AI Coding Assistant Spectrum

Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand the fundamental differences in approach between these tools. While both aim to enhance developer productivity through AI, they represent different philosophies in the development tooling ecosystem.

Kilo Code follows the traditional AI assistant model within VS Code, while Windsurf represents the next generation of agentic AI that can take more autonomous actions to assist with development tasks.

Origin and Philosophy

Kilo Code: The Open-Source VS Code Companion

Kilo Code has established itself as a versatile open-source AI coding assistant, gaining popularity among developers who value transparency and customization in their development environment.

Kilo Code's core philosophy centers around:

• Complete open-source transparency with no vendor lock-in
• Multiple agent modes for different coding tasks
• Support for major LLM providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google)
• Local model support for enhanced privacy
• $20 free credits to get started
• No commission on token usage

Windsurf: The Agentic AI Assistant

Windsurf represents the next evolution in AI coding assistance, moving beyond traditional autocomplete to provide more autonomous, agentic capabilities that can understand and execute complex development tasks.

Windsurf's philosophy includes:

• Agentic approach to development tasks
• Autonomous problem-solving capabilities
• Deep integration with development workflows
• Ability to understand and execute multi-step tasks
• Focus on reducing developer cognitive load
• Continuous learning and adaptation

Core Feature Comparison

Code Generation and Understanding

Kilo Code:

• Multiple agent modes (Orchestrator, Architect, Code, Debug)
• Context-aware code generation
• Support for multiple LLM providers
• Local model support for privacy
• Customizable AI behavior

Windsurf:

• Agentic task execution
• Autonomous problem-solving
• Multi-step task understanding
• Contextual awareness across files
• Self-improving capabilities

Key Difference: Windsurf offers more autonomous, agentic capabilities, while Kilo Code provides more control and transparency in the coding process.

Integration and Workflow

Kilo Code:

• VS Code extension
• Supports multiple LLM providers
• Local model support
• Open API for custom integrations
• Community-driven extensions

Windsurf:

• Deep IDE integration
• Autonomous task execution
• Cross-file understanding
• Continuous learning from interactions
• Advanced debugging capabilities

Key Difference: Windsurf offers deeper, more autonomous integration with the development workflow, while Kilo Code provides more flexibility in model selection and customization.

Security and Privacy

Kilo Code:

• Open-source with full transparency
• Option to use local models for complete privacy
• No requirement to send code to third parties
• Community-driven security audits

Windsurf:

• Enterprise-grade security features
• Data handling policies vary by deployment
• May require sending code to cloud services
• Professional security audits

Key Difference: Kilo Code offers more control over data privacy, while Windsurf may provide more robust security features in enterprise deployments.

User Experience

Kilo Code

• Flexible, developer-controlled interface
• Multiple agent modes for different tasks
• Requires some setup and configuration
• Active community support
• More control over AI behavior

Windsurf

• More autonomous, agentic interface
• Can take initiative on development tasks
• More integrated workflow
• May require less manual intervention
• Focus on reducing developer cognitive load

Performance and Capabilities

Kilo Code:

• Performance depends on chosen LLM provider
• Efficient with local models
• More predictable behavior
• Better for developers who want precise control

Windsurf:

• More autonomous operation
• Can handle complex, multi-step tasks
• May require more system resources
• Better for developers who want more automation

Pricing and Accessibility

Kilo Code:

• Completely free and open-source
• Pay only for LLM tokens at provider rates
• $20 free credits to start
• No hidden fees or commissions

Windsurf:

• Various pricing tiers
• Free tier with limitations
• Team and enterprise plans
• May require subscription for full features

When to Choose Kilo Code

Kilo Code is likely the better choice if:

• You prefer open-source solutions
• You need local model support for privacy
• You want complete control over the AI's actions
• You're comfortable with more manual task management
• You value transparency and customization

When to Choose Windsurf

Windsurf is likely the better choice if:

• You want more autonomous AI assistance
• You work on complex, multi-step development tasks
• You prefer an agent that can take initiative
• You want to reduce cognitive load
• You're comfortable with cloud-based AI services

Conclusion

Both Kilo Code and Windsurf offer powerful AI-assisted coding experiences, but they cater to different preferences and workflows. Kilo Code is ideal for developers who value open-source transparency, customization, and control, while Windsurf is better suited for those who want more autonomous, agentic assistance with their development tasks.

For developers who prefer to maintain full control over their development environment and AI assistance, Kilo Code provides a flexible, transparent solution. For those looking to offload more cognitive load to an AI agent that can understand and execute complex tasks, Windsurf represents the cutting edge of agentic AI assistance.

Ultimately, the choice between Kilo Code and Windsurf depends on your development style, privacy requirements, and how much autonomy you want to grant to your AI assistant. Both tools showcase the exciting possibilities of AI in software development as we move through 2025.