Compare software

Claude Code vs Gemini CLI: catalog facts
Claude Code	Gemini CLI
Paid Requires a paid Claude subscription or API credits.	Freemium Free to use within Google's free tier limits; higher usage requires a paid Gemini plan.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Works directly in a real repository, running commands and tests rather than only suggesting text Available in the terminal, IDEs, desktop and web from one subscription	Open source client under the Apache license Includes a usable free tier without requiring a paid plan
Requires a paid Claude plan or API credits It runs commands in your environment, so it needs supervision and permissions	Requires Google authentication and depends on Gemini's cloud models Free tier request limits may be restrictive for heavy use
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License: Apache-2.0
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.