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Kiro

AWS's agentic code editor and CLI built around spec-driven development.

Free plan + paidCode editors
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About Kiro

Kiro is an AI coding environment from AWS, available as a desktop IDE, a CLI, a web interface and a mobile app in early access. Its distinguishing idea is spec-driven development: instead of jumping from a prompt straight to code, Kiro turns a request into written requirements, a design and a task list that you review, then implements the tasks with agents and checks the result with tests, including property-based tests. Steering files, hooks that run agents on events like saving a file, MCP servers and custom agents let teams shape how it behaves. The IDE is based on Code OSS, so it accepts VS Code settings and extensions from Open VSX. Pricing is credit-based: a free plan includes a small monthly allowance, and paid tiers per user add more credits and premium models. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. It suits teams that want AI work to leave a reviewable paper trail, though the spec step can feel slow for small fixes.

Best for: Teams who want AI agents to plan from written specs before changing code.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Specs give a reviewable plan before code changes
  • Hooks and steering files for repeatable team rules
  • Accepts VS Code settings and Open VSX extensions

Why people leave

  • Free plan has only a small credit allowance
  • Spec workflow is overkill for quick edits
  • Requires signing in to AWS-run services

Top Kiro alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1Google Antigravity logo
    Google Antigravity

    Google's agent-first IDE, free for individuals.

    77.6
  2. 2Windsurf logo
    Windsurf

    An agent-centred VS Code-based editor with a free plan.

    73.3
  3. 3Visual Studio Code logo
    Visual Studio Code

    Keep a plain editor and add Copilot or other agents as needed.

    68.9
  4. 4Cursor logo
    Cursor

    The leading AI-first editor, quicker for small changes without a spec step.

    67.7
  5. 5Amazon Q Developer logo
    Amazon Q Developer

    AWS's coding assistant that plugs into editors you already use.

    47.8

Why people left Kiro

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Kiro: common questions

Is Kiro free?

Kiro has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: $0/month, 50 credits (checked on Kiro's own site).

Is Kiro open source?

No, Kiro is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Visual Studio Code.

What platforms does Kiro run on?

Kiro is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to Kiro?

The highest-ranked Kiro alternatives right now are Google Antigravity, Windsurf and Visual Studio Code. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 Kiro alternatives