Developer always prefer tools that help them to make code in a better and fast way.
I have been working as a software engineer for years and I have used many code editors like VS Code, Sublime Text, Repl.it etc.
Some are feature rich, but slow to load. And some are simply too basic and rigid. Then I realized something in between a sweet spot called Kiro IDE.
While scrolling past some online tools I found Kiro IDE, and decided to test it for my own curiosity. What I discovered surprised me.
A web-only IDE that will open in no-time, looks extremely polished and your code can be written in it in seconds without adding anything to your laptop.
So in this review, I will discuss everything about Kiro IDE from what is it, how it works, what I like, what could be improved, and how it compares with other editors that I have used.
What is Kiro IDE?
Kiro IDE is an online code editor launched by AWS with number of AI features loaded with this IDE
You just have to install from it’s installer but No need to create an account or sign up. It is really simple.
Fast, Minimal and Distraction-free like Kiro Traditional IDEs are filled with a lot of settings, buttons, and features, Kiro retains the basics, which, ironically, makes it easier to focus.
It is not for production level projects or even backend projects. Instead, it’s perfect for:
- Code snippets appear to be little isolated code.
- Practicing programming
- Learning new languages
- Doing quick front-end work
- Code writing in interviews or during a live session
Simply put, Kiro is like a blank notebook ready at all times when you can only think about sitting down and writing code.
Features of Kiro IDE
Free Preview with Pricing Tiers Coming
Currently in Preview now (FREE plan: 50 AI interactions/month) Upcoming plans add Pro and Pro+ levels
Spec‑Driven Development
Before any code is written, Kiro takes your plain language prompt and synthesizes it into complete project specifications, design docs, and task list in sequence.
Agent Hooks & Automation
You may set up hooks to trigger tasks to automatically generate tests, update docs, or enforce security as you type or change files
Agent Steering / Project Steering
Define your product vision, rules of engagement, coding rules, tech stack and architecture in steering files (markdown docs). These are used by Kiro to provide context for all code generated
Agentic, Goal‑Oriented AI
Kiro does not only finish lines but it works as a junior developer. It parses your codebase, creates step plans, makes multi-file edits while also asking for you to approve each change
Model Context Protocol (MCP) Integration
MCP framework lets you plug-in external tools, documentation, databases, APIs and context into the IDE.
Agentic Chat Interface
Intelligent Chat, Chat with the agents about your code within the IDE, Ask questions about parts of the code, provide explanations and context based on the project you are in and be able to guide the agent to get more useful responses.
Real‑Time Code Diffs & Review Control
Kiro is one such tool that displays changes generated as side-by-side diffs. You can then accept each change, reject it as is, or make any edits.
Autopilot & Supervised Modes
Have Kiro run through full task sequences for you automatically (Autopilot) or step through each step yourself (Supervised) Hugging Face.
Multimodal Context Support
You can feed Kiro images, design files or external docs to it so that it really understands your project.
Support for Claude Sonnet Models
Currently, Kiro deploys Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 3.7 and 4.0 models to power its AI features.
Built on VS Code Open‑Source Core
Since it builds on Code‑OSS, you can use your favorite VS Code themes, Open VSX plugins, and settings.
Cross‑Platform Support
Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux and has a great UI that floats and works well on any sized screen.
Enterprise‑Grade Security & Privacy
Local Code execution, Transparent AI processing, and Paid plans ensure no training of the code.
My Experience with Kiro IDE
When I first opened Kiro IDE, I was impressed by how fast it loaded. I didn’t have to wait or click around to start coding.
It was a clean interface no ads, no popups, no pointless buttons. Only a code editor, file browsing sidebar and some useful options.
This got me started writing some straight up JS/HTML. Syntax highlighting was great, and the font was easy on the eyes.
I opened a couple files, checked how quickly I could change between them, and there was no delayed reaction whatsoever.
Then I wrote a small function in Python, still ok. There were no bugs or crashes that I encountered.
My favourite thing about Kiro was how calm and free from distractions it was.
Unlike big IDEs, which are too often the equivalent of flying an airplane with a thousand buttons, Kiro felt like a blank piece of paper to think and write.
Ever since I started, the Kiro I use now whenever I want to simply test code or practice without opening dumb heavy software which is Kiro.
Something I do regularly as part of my daily life.
How To Use Kiro IDE?
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You can install Kiro IDE by downloading the installer from the Kiro website, and the setup steps are very simple, it only takes a few clicks to install on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Once installed, open Kiro, sign-in (here we can log in with AWS, GitHub or Google), import your VSCode settings if you want and select your theme.
When you’re in, you can open up a folder or project and get into Kiro the agentic.Features: Writing a spec in natural language Kiro creates organised specification, task and design docs and walks you through the process of building features step-by-step.
During code reviews, see diffs in real-time and confirm or modify suggestions, plus automate boilerplate tasks with new agent hooks that are triggered on save (e.g., auto-generating tests or docs).
As well as defining steering files to guide the behavior of Kiro and connecting external tools or documentation through the MCP system.
In the end, Kiro makes you feel like a savvy coder with a production partner: you tell Kiro what you want, ask it to plan and build it, and you keep the reins at each stage of the process.
Pricing
It is completely free.
No tiered pricing plan, no “pro” version, and no hidden fees. No signup, no credit cards, no emails needed. There is no need to even log in.
Everything for free, free for everyone. This is something I really appreciate, especially in a world where most tools are hiding basic features behind a pay wall.
They may (or may not) go on to offer premium features down the line, or a subscription model, but right now, Kiro IDE is 100% free to use.
Pros and Cons
For me, here are the high-level upsides and downsides from my own usage:
Pros
- Immediate Availability: Get started with coding in seconds, big or small apps.
- No installation or login
- Speed: The performance is fast even on mid range devices
- Simple and clean interface
- Supports many programming languages
- Fully works on all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop)
- Autosaves your code
- Perfect for learning and testing
Cons
- Does not show real-time preview of output ( in case of HTML/CSS/JS )
- No backend support (Node. js, PHP, etc.)
- No terminal or command line
- Cannot work with other people (no share or team facility)
- Limited settings/customization
But honestly- I would not call these deal-breakers. Kiro is designed to do one thing, and to do it well, provide you with a fast and clean place to write your code and it does this perfectly
5 Best Alternatives to Kiro IDE
If you’re looking for similar tools with different features, here are some alternatives:
1. Replit
An online IDE that supports various languages with integrated terminal and sharing functionalities. Kiro — has more features than Kiro but also is bulkier and or slower.
2. CodeSandbox
Great for projects that use React and JavaScript. Faster loading time, but with limited tools and preview window.
3. Cursor
Cursor is a power tool for coding with AI; it is built on top of the VS Code engine.
AI gets embedded directly into the coding workflow and lets you have a conversation with your code and get suggestions, generate files, and debug in real time.
Coming to handy against developers who want the AI assistance during a complete app development process.
Ideal for: End-to-End Projects with AI Based Coding Assistant
4. Trae
Another contemporary AI IDE is Trae, which emphasizes minimalism and agent-style flows of work.
It is clean, it is fast, you get to work with AI as you write or manage the code. Still in development but a totally different experience.
Best For: Developers seeking for a lightweight AI code editor with a focus on control & simplicity.
5. GitHub Codespaces
Launches a complete VS Code in the cloud with GitHub project support Extremely Powerful but Requires Login and Extra Resources
Each tool has its use. However, Kiro IDE is, in my opinion, one of the cleaner, faster and more accessible IDEs out there.
Why you trust on my review?
I tried Kiro IDE myself, so you should trust my review. All of what I have shared above comes from my real experience.
I tried the features, explored the interface, and attempted a few coding jobs to understand how it operates in real use.
Having already worked with other code editors like VS Code and Replit and CodeSandbox, I feel I can easily recognize what sets Kiro apart for better and for worse.
My intention is not to sell it to you, rather provide you with a clear, objective overview so that you can determine whether or not it is the right tool for your use-case.
This is being written from the perspective of a dev, not a marketer. Hence, my review is from real usage, not hype.
Conclusion
This implies that building full apps or even running backend services is not what it is made for, but writing small scripts, learning, practicing, or testing an idea is exactly what it was made for.
I using this app when I do not want to opened heavyweight apps just to write 10–15 line of code.
Kiro saves my time, helps me to stay focused, and just makes coding simpler.
Right, now i am using it but choice is yours.
