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Gemini CLI vs Claude Code: catalog facts
Gemini CLI	Claude Code
Freemium Free to use within Google's free tier limits; higher usage requires a paid Gemini plan.	Paid Requires a paid Claude subscription or API credits.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Open source client under the Apache license Includes a usable free tier without requiring a paid plan	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
Requires Google authentication and depends on Gemini's cloud models Free tier request limits may be restrictive for heavy use	Requires a paid Claude plan or API credits It runs commands in your environment, so it needs supervision and permissions
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: Apache-2.0	License not stated
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.