Our verdict: Kiro is the most structured of the AI editors: it writes requirements, a design and a task list before an agent touches your code. The free tier gives 50 credits a month, which is enough to judge the workflow but not for daily work. Pro starts at $20 per month.
About Kiro
Kiro is built and operated by Amazon Web Services. In spec mode it turns a prompt into requirements, an architectural design and sequenced tasks, checks the requirements for contradictions and verifies behaviour with property-based tests. Agent hooks run tasks automatically on events such as saving a file, and steering files give the agent project rules. The IDE supports Open VSX extensions and can import VS Code settings.
The free tier includes 50 credits per month with open-weight models and Claude Sonnet 4.5, subject to rate limits. Pro costs $20 per user per month for 1,000 credits, with Pro+ at $40, Pro Max at $100 and Power at $200; extra credits cost $0.04 each. Prompts and code context are processed on AWS, and for free and individual users content may be used for service improvement unless you opt out.
What it does well
- Spec-driven development. Turns a prompt into requirements, a design document and a task list before coding.
- Property-based tests. Checks generated code against rules that must hold for all inputs.
- Agent hooks. Runs agent tasks automatically on events such as saving a file.
- Model choice. Uses Auto or a chosen Claude, GPT or open-weight model, each with its own credit cost.
- Open standards. Supports MCP, AGENTS.md, Agent Skills, ACP and Open VSX extensions.
Who it is for
Good fit
Developers who want planned, reviewable AI changes instead of free-form chat edits.
Look elsewhere
Users who need much free AI use, local models or an editor that works without sign-in.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear spec, design and task workflow
- Wide choice of Claude, GPT and open-weight models
- Imports VS Code settings and supports Open VSX extensions
Cons
- Free tier has only 50 credits per month
- Credits run out faster with premium models
- Content may be used for service improvement unless you opt out
How to install Kiro
The download button gets the 64-bit Windows installer. On first launch sign in with Google, GitHub, AWS Builder ID or your organisation, then optionally import VS Code settings and extensions. Free and individual users can opt out of content use for service improvement in the settings.
Questions about Kiro
Is Kiro free?
Yes, the Kiro Free tier is permanent and includes 50 credits per month with open-weight models and Claude Sonnet 4.5. Paid plans cost $20, $40, $100 or $200 per user per month.
Who makes Kiro?
Kiro is built and operated by Amazon Web Services and runs on Amazon Bedrock.
Can Kiro use VS Code extensions?
Kiro supports extensions from Open VSX and can import your VS Code settings and extensions on first run.
