Gemini CLI vs Claude Code: What Changed and Which to Use

The comparison changed in 2026. On June 18, Google stopped serving Gemini CLI requests for free users and for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, and moved them to its new Antigravity CLI. For an individual, the real choice now is Claude Code from $20 a month, Antigravity CLI from $0, or Gemini CLI paid per token with a Gemini API key.

What happened to Gemini CLI

Most "Gemini CLI vs Claude Code" articles were written before the switch, so here is the short version:

Google explains the move in its transition announcement. Organizations on Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise keep Gemini CLI, and so does anyone with a paid Gemini API key.

The project on GitHub still ships releases. Its README now says Gemini CLI is not optimized for Gemini 4 Argon and points people to Antigravity.

Claude Code vs Gemini CLI vs Antigravity CLI

The free tier question

This is why most people search the comparison, so here is the honest version for each tool.

Claude Code has no free plan

Claude's Free plan covers chat only. Claude Code starts with Pro at $20 a month, or $200 a year, and usage runs on a rolling five-hour window plus weekly limits, explained in our guide to Claude Code usage limits.

Antigravity CLI has a real free tier

Free accounts get Gemini 3.8 Flash, plus Claude Sonnet 4.6, Claude Opus 4.6 and GPT-OSS-120b until November 2, 2026, according to Google's Antigravity model list. Paid Google plans unlock more:

Prices come from Google's AI plans page. AI Pro and Ultra also bring higher limits in the Gemini app, Gemini in Gmail and Docs, and 5 TB or more of storage.

Gemini CLI is now pay-as-you-go for most people

With a paid key you pay per token, at these list prices:

Setup compared

Claude Code

On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and run:

$ curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
$ 

On Windows, open PowerShell and run:

PS> irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
PS> 

Then go to your project folder, type claude and log in through the browser. Our step-by-step install guide covers the errors people hit most.

Gemini CLI

Install Node.js 20 or later first. Homebrew users can run brew install gemini-cli instead of the npm line. On Mac or Linux, with your paid key in place of YOUR_KEY:

$ npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
$ export GEMINI_API_KEY="YOUR_KEY"
$ gemini
$ 

On Windows, in PowerShell:

PS> npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
PS> $env:GEMINI_API_KEY="YOUR_KEY"
PS> gemini
PS> 

When Gemini CLI starts, choose Use Gemini API key. The key set this way lasts for the current window only, so add it to your shell profile if you use it daily.

Antigravity CLI

On Mac or Linux:

$ curl -fsSL https://antigravity.google/cli/install.sh | bash
$ 

On Windows, in PowerShell:

PS> irm https://antigravity.google/cli/install.ps1 | iex
PS> 

Check it worked with agy --version, then run agy in your project folder. The first launch walks you through a short setup:

If no saved session is found, your browser opens so you can sign in with your Google account.

Where each one is stronger

Claude Code is stronger when

• You want Opus 5.5 every day. It is the default model, with a 1 million token context window.
• You want precise control. Manual, plan and auto modes, plus checkpoints you can rewind without Git.
• You plan to grow a setup. Skills, hooks, subagents and MCP servers work across the terminal, desktop app and editor extensions.
• You want one subscription. The same plan covers Claude chat and Claude Code.

Google's tools are stronger when

• You want to start at $0. Antigravity's free tier is the only true free option of the three.
• You already pay Google. The same $19.99 AI Pro plan covers Gemini, storage and Antigravity.
• You want both model families. Paid Antigravity plans include Claude Opus 5.5 and Sonnet 5.5 next to Gemini.
• Your company runs on Google Cloud. Gemini CLI comes pre-installed in Cloud Shell, and Code Assist licenses keep it working.

Who should use which

What to do next

If money decides it, install Antigravity CLI and use the free tier on one small project this week. If you want the most capable setup for real business projects, start Claude Code on Pro and give it the same project.

After a few days, the one you trust with your files is your answer. Our Claude Code course covers the full path from install to finished projects if Claude Code wins.