Gemini CLI vs Claude Code: Google vs Anthropic Terminal Coding Agents
A comprehensive comparison between Google's Gemini CLI and Anthropic's Claude Code. Discover how these two AI giants' terminal-based coding agents compare in features, performance, and pricing.
Gemini CLI vs Claude Code: Google vs Anthropic Terminal Coding Agents
Two AI industry leaders bring their flagship models to the terminal: Gemini CLI from Google, featuring a generous free tier with 1M token context and 78% SWE-bench score, versus Claude Code from Anthropic, offering checkpoint rollback and extended thinking mode. This comprehensive comparison helps you choose between these powerful first-party tools.
Overview
Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI is Google's open-source AI agent that brings the power of Gemini directly into your terminal. With over 1 million developers using it since its June 2025 launch, it offers a generous free tier, multimodal capabilities, and deep integration with Google's ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
- Open source (Apache 2.0 License)
- Gemini 3 Flash with 78% SWE-bench Verified score
- Free tier: 60 requests/min, 1,000 requests/day
- 1M token context window
- Multimodal (images, PDFs, sketches)
- Extensions ecosystem for third-party integrations
- 1+ million developers since June 2025
Claude Code
Claude Code is Anthropic's official agentic coding tool that lives in your terminal, understands your codebase, and helps you code faster through natural language commands. It features checkpoint rollback and native Claude model integration.
Key Highlights:
- Official Anthropic product
- Claude Opus 4.5 with thinking mode by default
- Checkpoint system with instant rewind (Esc Esc)
- Native VS Code and JetBrains extensions
- Subagents for parallel development workflows
- Background tasks for long-running processes
- Claude Code on the web for GitHub-connected sessions
Benchmark Performance
Both tools have strong benchmark results:
| Agent/Model | Benchmark | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini 3 Flash | SWE-bench Verified | 78% |
| Gemini 3 Pro | SWE-bench Verified | ~75% |
| Claude Code (Opus) | Terminal-Bench | 43.2% |
Note: These benchmarks measure different things—SWE-bench tests automated bug fixing while Terminal-Bench measures end-to-end terminal task completion. Direct comparison is difficult, but both represent state-of-the-art performance.
Technical Architecture
| Aspect | Gemini CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Anthropic | |
| Language | TypeScript | TypeScript/Node.js |
| License | Apache 2.0 (open source) | Proprietary |
| Runtime | Node.js | Node.js |
| Platform | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Linux |
| Source Code | Available (GitHub) | Closed |
| GitHub Stars | High engagement | N/A |
Analysis: Gemini CLI is fully open source under Apache 2.0, allowing inspection and modification. Claude Code is proprietary, keeping implementation details private. Both run on Node.js.
AI Model Support
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Model | Gemini 3 Pro/Flash | Claude Opus 4.5 |
| Free Tier Model | Gemini 2.5 Pro | None (subscription required) |
| Context Window | 1M tokens | ~200K tokens |
| Thinking Mode | Via Gemini 3 Pro | Yes (default on Opus 4.5) |
| Model Switching | Yes | Yes (--model flag) |
| Multimodal | Yes (images, PDFs, sketches) | Yes (images) |
| Other Providers | No | No |
Analysis: Gemini CLI's 1M token context window is 5x larger than Claude Code's, enabling work with massive codebases in a single context. Both support multimodal input, though Gemini extends to PDFs and hand-drawn sketches.
Pricing and Access
Gemini CLI
| Tier | Details |
|---|---|
| Free | 60 requests/min, 1,000 requests/day, Gemini 2.5 Pro |
| Gemini Code Assist Standard | Higher limits, Gemini 3 |
| Gemini Code Assist Enterprise | Full enterprise features |
| Google Cloud | Pay-per-token API access |
Claude Code
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Claude Pro | $20/month, includes Claude Code |
| Claude Max | Higher limits for power users |
| API | Pay-per-token via Anthropic API |
| Enterprise | Claude for Work custom plans |
Analysis: Gemini CLI's free tier is exceptionally generous—1,000 requests/day with Gemini 2.5 Pro's 1M context for $0. Claude Code requires a paid subscription or API keys. For budget-conscious developers, Gemini CLI offers substantial free access.
Installation Methods
Gemini CLI
# npm
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/gemini-cli
# Via Google Cloud SDK
gcloud components install gemini-cli
# From source
git clone https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
Claude Code
# npm
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
# Via Claude.ai
# Available in Claude Pro/Max accounts
Analysis: Both support npm installation. Gemini CLI additionally integrates with Google Cloud SDK and can be built from source.
Terminal User Interface
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Custom | Ink (React for CLI) |
| Checkpoint Rewind | No | Yes (Esc Esc) |
| Multimodal Input | Images, PDFs, sketches | Images |
| Agent Loop | ReAct (reason and act) | Tool-based |
| Context Display | Standard | Rich markdown |
Analysis: Claude Code's checkpoint system with instant rewind is a standout for iterative development. Gemini CLI's ReAct loop and broader multimodal support (PDFs, sketches) offer unique input flexibility.
Context Window Comparison
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Max Context | 1,000,000 tokens | ~200,000 tokens |
| Codebase Size | Very large monorepos | Medium-large projects |
| File Handling | Many files in context | Selective context |
| Long Conversations | Extended sessions | Compaction needed |
Analysis: Gemini CLI's 1M token context is a significant advantage for large codebases. You can load entire projects into context without selective pruning. Claude Code requires more careful context management for very large projects.
Checkpoint and State Management
Gemini CLI
- Session-based context
- No automatic checkpoint system
- ReAct loop for iterative reasoning
- Standard git for code versioning
Claude Code
Checkpoint System:
- Automatic checkpoints before each change
- Instant rewind with Esc Esc or /rewind
- Restore code, conversation, or both
- Seamless iterative development
Analysis: Claude Code's checkpoint system is significantly more sophisticated, allowing granular rollback of both code and conversation. This is a major differentiator for iterative workflows.
Multimodal Capabilities
Gemini CLI
Supported Inputs:
- Text prompts
- Images (screenshots, diagrams)
- PDFs (documentation, specs)
- Hand-drawn sketches
- Code snippets
Use Cases:
- Generate code from UI mockups
- Analyze architecture diagrams
- Extract requirements from PDF specs
- Convert sketches to implementations
Claude Code
Supported Inputs:
- Text prompts
- Images (screenshots)
- Code snippets
Analysis: Gemini CLI's multimodal capabilities are broader, particularly with PDF analysis and hand-drawn sketch interpretation. This enables workflows like converting whiteboard drawings directly to code.
Extensions and Integrations
Gemini CLI Extensions
Extension Ecosystem:
- Pre-packaged, easily installable integrations
- Built-in "playbooks" teaching AI how to use tools
- Databases, design platforms, payment services
- Growing third-party ecosystem
Examples:
- Database integrations
- Design tool connections
- Payment service APIs
- Custom enterprise tools
Claude Code Integrations
MCP Support:
- Model Context Protocol for extensions
- Community-driven servers
- Configuration-based setup
- Claude in Chrome for browser control
Analysis: Gemini CLI's Extensions with built-in playbooks provide more guided integrations. Claude Code's MCP support is flexible but requires more manual configuration.
CI/CD Integration
Gemini CLI
GitHub Actions:
# Example GitHub Action
- uses: google/gemini-cli-action@v1
with:
task: review-pr
- Native GitHub Action support
- PR review automation
- Issue summarization
- Commit message drafting
- Git diff analysis
Claude Code
# Headless mode for CI
claude -p "Fix the failing tests"
# With specific agent
claude --agent ci-fixer -p "Fix build errors"
- Headless mode with -p flag
- Custom agent configurations
- JSON output format
Analysis: Gemini CLI has deeper GitHub Actions integration out of the box. Claude Code provides flexible headless mode for general CI/CD pipelines.
Subagents and Parallelization
Gemini CLI
- ReAct loop for reasoning
- Built-in tool orchestration
- Google Search grounding
- Standard single-agent flow
Claude Code
Subagent Features:
- Parallel subagent delegation
- Background tasks for long processes
- Custom agent configurations
- Non-blocking workflows
Analysis: Claude Code's subagent system enables sophisticated parallel workflows. Gemini CLI focuses on single-agent ReAct reasoning with tool chaining.
IDE Integration
| IDE | Gemini CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| VS Code | Gemini Code Assist | Native extension |
| JetBrains | Gemini Code Assist | Native extension |
| Vim/Neovim | Community | Community plugins |
| Web | Via Google Cloud | Claude Code on web |
Analysis: Both have strong IDE presence. Gemini CLI integrates with Google's Gemini Code Assist. Claude Code has native first-party extensions.
Enterprise Features
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| SSO/SAML | Via Google Cloud | Via Claude for Work |
| Data Residency | Google Cloud regions | Anthropic options |
| Audit Logging | Google Cloud Audit | Analytics API |
| Compliance | Google Cloud compliance | Enterprise plans |
| Admin Controls | Google Workspace | Organization settings |
Analysis: Both offer enterprise features through their respective cloud platforms. Google's enterprise integration may be advantageous for organizations already using Google Workspace.
Open Source Community
Gemini CLI
- Apache 2.0 License
- Active GitHub repository
- 1+ million developers
- Google-backed development
- Community extensions
Claude Code
- Proprietary
- Closed source
- Enterprise support
- Anthropic development
Analysis: Gemini CLI's open-source nature enables community contributions and code inspection. Claude Code relies on Anthropic's focused proprietary development.
Unique Features
Gemini CLI Exclusive
- Free Tier - 1,000 requests/day with Gemini 2.5 Pro
- 1M Token Context - 5x larger than Claude Code
- 78% SWE-bench - State-of-the-art with Gemini 3 Flash
- Open Source - Apache 2.0 license
- PDF Analysis - Process documentation directly
- Sketch Input - Convert hand-drawn diagrams to code
- Extensions - Pre-packaged integrations with playbooks
- GitHub Actions - Native CI/CD integration
- Google Search - Built-in search grounding
- Google Cloud - Deep ecosystem integration
Claude Code Exclusive
- Checkpoint System - Instant rewind with Esc Esc
- Thinking Mode - Opus 4.5 extended reasoning
- Subagents - Parallel development workflows
- Background Tasks - Non-blocking long-running processes
- Claude in Chrome - Browser control (beta)
- Claude Code on Web - GitHub-connected sessions
- Analytics API - Organizational usage metrics
- Conversation Rollback - Restore conversation state
Use Case Recommendations
Choose Gemini CLI If You:
- Want a generous free tier (1,000 requests/day)
- Work with large codebases (1M token context)
- Need PDF analysis in workflows
- Want to convert sketches to code
- Prefer open-source tools
- Use Google Cloud/Workspace
- Need native GitHub Actions integration
- Want Extensions with built-in playbooks
- Are budget-conscious
Choose Claude Code If You:
- Need checkpoint-based instant rollback
- Want thinking mode for complex reasoning
- Need parallel development with subagents
- Want background task support
- Need browser automation (Claude in Chrome)
- Want GitHub-connected web sessions
- Are already a Claude Pro/Max subscriber
- Need Analytics API for metrics
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Gemini CLI | 1,000 requests/day free |
| Context Window | Gemini CLI | 1M vs ~200K tokens |
| Open Source | Gemini CLI | Apache 2.0 license |
| Checkpoint/Rollback | Claude Code | Instant rewind |
| Multimodal | Gemini CLI | PDFs, sketches support |
| Subagents | Claude Code | Parallel workflows |
| CI/CD | Gemini CLI | Native GitHub Actions |
| Extended Reasoning | Claude Code | Thinking mode |
| Extensions | Gemini CLI | Playbook-based integrations |
| Web Access | Claude Code | Claude Code on web |
| Enterprise | Tie | Both have enterprise options |
| Cost Value | Gemini CLI | Generous free tier |
Migration Considerations
From Gemini CLI to Claude Code
- Requires Claude subscription ($20/month minimum)
- Context size reduction (1M → ~200K)
- Note: PDF analysis unavailable
- Note: Extensions need MCP conversion
- Benefit: Checkpoint system
- Benefit: Subagent workflows
- Benefit: Thinking mode
From Claude Code to Gemini CLI
- Can start immediately (free tier)
- No checkpoint system available
- Note: Subagents unavailable
- Note: Background tasks unavailable
- Benefit: 5x larger context
- Benefit: PDF/sketch analysis
- Benefit: Free tier access
Conclusion
Gemini CLI and Claude Code represent first-party terminal agents from two AI leaders:
Gemini CLI excels in accessibility and scale. Its generous free tier (1,000 requests/day), 1M token context window, and 78% SWE-bench score make it ideal for developers who want powerful AI assistance without upfront costs. The open-source Apache 2.0 license, multimodal capabilities (including PDFs and sketches), and native GitHub Actions integration add significant value.
Claude Code excels in iterative development and advanced reasoning. The checkpoint system with instant rollback, Opus 4.5's thinking mode, and subagent parallel workflows provide sophisticated development capabilities. Features like Claude in Chrome and web-based GitHub sessions expand utility beyond the terminal.
For developers seeking maximum value with large codebase support, Gemini CLI's free tier and 1M context are compelling. For those prioritizing iterative workflows with checkpoint rollback and advanced reasoning, Claude Code's feature set justifies its subscription cost.
Both represent excellent choices from industry-leading AI labs, each optimized around their models' unique strengths.
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