Kilo Code vs Thinking Machines Lab
Which Developer Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
Kilo Code
Structured AI coding modes for VS Code — architect, code, and review separately
Thinking Machines Lab
Frontier AI research lab building customizable, multimodal models
Side-by-side
Thinking Machines Lab leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($2B) and a lower entry price than Kilo Code.
| Metric | Kilo Code | Thinking Machines Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Structured AI coding modes for VS Code — architect, code, and review separately | Frontier AI research lab building customizable, multimodal models |
| Foundedi | 2024🏆 | 2025 |
| HQi | Remote, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 51 | 90🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $8M | $2B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Dec 2025 | Seed · Jul 2025 |
| Valuationi | — | $12B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | GLM Coding Plan · $3/mo | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | MiniMax Coding Plan · $10/mo | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 4 published plans | Usage |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Kilo Code and Thinking Machines Lab.
| Capability | Kilo Code | Thinking Machines Lab |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 1 (python) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Kilo Code
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Thinking Machines Lab
- Has raised more capital ($2B vs $8M)
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 51)
- Newer company (2025)
Which should you choose?
Choose Thinking Machines Lab if price matters most — it starts at Usage, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Tools tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Thinking Machines Lab if you want the most established option — it has raised $2B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Kilo Code vs Thinking Machines Lab — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Kilo Code is the leaner option; Thinking Machines Lab is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Kilo Code cheaper than Thinking Machines Lab?
No — Thinking Machines Lab's cheapest paid plan is Usage, while Kilo Code's is GLM Coding Plan · $3/mo.
Do Kilo Code and Thinking Machines Lab offer free plans?
Kilo Code: Yes, has a free plan. Thinking Machines Lab: Paid only.
Explore more AI Developer Tools tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.