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Gemini CLI

Google's open-source terminal agent for Gemini models, now aimed at API-key and business users.

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About Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI is an open-source AI agent from Google that runs in your terminal. It can read and edit files across a project, run shell commands, search the web, plan tasks and work in headless mode for scripts, and it supports MCP servers, extensions, hooks, subagents and project instructions in a GEMINI.md file. It became popular in 2025 for a generous free tier tied to a Google account. That changed on 18 June 2026: Google replaced Gemini CLI with its closed-source Antigravity CLI for unpaid and Google One users. Gemini CLI still works with a Gemini API key, Vertex AI, and Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise licences, and the code remains on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 licence, so it can be forked. Google has said it is not tuned for its newest models, which go to Antigravity first. It suits teams already paying for Gemini through Google Cloud or the API. It needs Node.js and runs on macOS, Windows and Linux.

Best for: Teams paying for Gemini via API or Code Assist who want an open-source terminal agent.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Open source and forkable
  • Large context window for working across big codebases
  • Extensions, hooks, subagents and MCP support

Why people leave

  • Free Google-account access was withdrawn in June 2026
  • Not optimised for Google's newest models
  • Long-term direction is uncertain beside Antigravity CLI

Top Gemini CLI alternatives

See all 6
  1. 1Claude Code logo
    Claude Code

    A polished commercial terminal agent with strong results on long tasks.

    77.6
  2. 2Qwen Code logo
    Qwen Code

    An open-source CLI forked from Gemini CLI, built around Alibaba's Qwen models.

    66.5
  3. 3OpenAI Codex logo
    OpenAI Codex

    OpenAI's open-source CLI, included with ChatGPT plans including a free tier.

    59.6
  4. 4OpenCode logo
    OpenCode

    Open-source terminal agent that works with Gemini and most other providers.

    57.2
  5. 5goose logo
    goose

    Open-source local agent with a desktop app as well as a CLI.

    55.3

Why people left Gemini CLI

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Gemini CLI: common questions

Is Gemini CLI free?

Yes. Gemini CLI is free, open-source software.

Is Gemini CLI open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at google-gemini/gemini-cli.

What platforms does Gemini CLI run on?

Gemini CLI is available for macOS, Windows and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to Gemini CLI?

The highest-ranked Gemini CLI alternatives right now are Claude Code, Qwen Code and OpenAI Codex. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 Gemini CLI alternatives