How does Gemini CLI compare with the alternatives?
Claude Code suits most teams, since it runs in IDEs, desktop, and web apps as well as the terminal, and Google Cloud customers can bill it through Agent Platform. Gemini CLI fits teams that hold a Code Assist subscription or bill Gemini through Vertex AI. Both edit code and run commands and MCP tools.
Codex suits most teams, since ChatGPT plans include it and it adds an IDE extension, apps, and cloud tasks to the terminal. Gemini CLI fits teams that hold a Code Assist subscription, which Google stopped selling new on October 9, 2026, or bill Gemini through Vertex AI or a paid Gemini API key. Both are open-source terminal agents with MCP support.
GitHub Copilot CLI also runs a terminal agent with MCP servers and a choice of models. Gemini CLI answers to Google Cloud billing and a system settings file. For leaders, the deciding question is whether developer accounts and policy live in Google Cloud or in GitHub.
Antigravity CLI took over Gemini CLI's free, Google AI Pro, and Ultra users on June 18, 2026, and Gemini Enterprise seats include Antigravity. Gemini CLI stays for existing Code Assist subscribers and paid API users. The decision is when each team moves, and on which billing route.
