Comparison

Kiro vs Roo Code

How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.

KiroRoo Code
MakerAWSRoo Code
LicenseProprietaryApache-2.0
ModelsSee vendor docsSee vendor docs
Runs inIDE, CLIIDE
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.md?AGENTS.md: not yet verifiedAGENTS.md: supported
ACPACP: supported?ACP: not yet verified

Key differences

  • Roo Code is open source (Apache-2.0); Kiro is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
  • Kiro also runs in CLI.
  • Roo Code supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for Kiro.
  • Kiro supports ACP; we have not verified it for Roo Code.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.

In their own words

Kiro

Spec-driven agentic IDE and CLI: turns prompts into requirements, designs and tasks before writing code.

Website

Roo Code

Open-source multi-mode coding agent for VS Code with custom modes, MCP, Skills and AGENTS.md.

Website

FAQ

Is Kiro or Roo Code open source?
Kiro is proprietary. Roo Code is open source under Apache-2.0.
Do Kiro and Roo Code support MCP servers?
Kiro: yes. Roo Code: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between Kiro and Roo Code?
Yes. Both read the open Agent Skills (SKILL.md) format, so the same skill folder works in both.

Set up MCP servers in either one

All official MCP servers

More comparisons

Claude Code vs KiroCodex vs KiroGemini CLI vs KiroCursor vs KiroGitHub Copilot vs KiroOpenCode vs Kirogoose vs KiroHermes Agent vs KiroOpenClaw vs KiroCline vs KiroKiro vs AmpKiro vs Factory Droid

Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.