Editor extension
Kilo
Kilo Code is an open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code. It focuses on clean multi-file planning, transparent edits, and bring-your-own-model flexibility.
Kilo plugins on BuySkills
All comparisons
Kilo vs Roo
A head-to-head look at Kilo and Roo — two popular AI coding agents — and how BuySkills fits into each workflow.
Editor extension
Roo
Roo Code is an open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code with a multi-mode workflow: code, architect, ask, and custom modes tuned for different tasks. It's the upstream of several forks in the space.
Roo plugins on BuySkillsSide-by-side
| Dimension | Kilo | Roo |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Editor extension | Editor extension |
| In a nutshell | Open-source autonomous coding agent, VS Code | Multi-mode autonomous coding agent for VS Code |
| BuySkills install command | npx buyskills install <skill> | npx buyskills install <skill> |
| Cross-agent skill sharing | Yes — via BuySkills | Yes — via BuySkills |
Use both with a single skill catalog
You don't have to pick. BuySkills lets you install a skill once and use it across Kilo, Roo, and every other supported AI coding agent — without repurchasing or reconfiguring.
- One command to install in either agent:
npx buyskills install <skill> - Skills pinned to a version you choose — Kilo or Roo updates won't break your loop
- Explore plugins by category: testing, refactoring, documentation, git workflows, and more
Kilo vs Roo — FAQ
Should I pick Kilo or Roo?
It depends on where you work. Kilo is open-source autonomous coding agent, vs code, while Roo is multi-mode autonomous coding agent for vs code. Many developers use both and share skills across them via BuySkills — so the choice is less binary than it used to be.
Can I use the same plugins in Kilo and Roo?
Yes. BuySkills is designed for cross-agent portability. Install a skill once with the BuySkills CLI and it becomes available in both Kilo and Roo — and every other supported agent — without a second purchase or install.
How is installing BuySkills skills different between Kilo and Roo?
It isn't, from your side. You run `npx buyskills install <skill>`, and the CLI writes the skill to the directory each agent reads from. Kilo and Roo pick up the skill without any extra config.
Does Kilo pick up new skills without restart?
Yes. BuySkills writes to Kilo's skill directory on install, and Kilo re-scans before each agent run. New skills are available immediately without reloading VS Code.
Which Roo modes can invoke BuySkills skills?
All of them. Roo's Code, Architect, Ask, and any custom modes you define can invoke BuySkills skills on demand. The skill catalog is shared across modes — install once, use everywhere.
Still deciding?
Install BuySkills CLI once and the skills you discover today work in whichever agent you pick tomorrow.
Explore the marketplace