Claude Code vs Gemini CLI (and Antigravity CLI): What Changed in 2026
Gemini CLI was Google's open-source terminal agent and a popular free alternative to Claude Code. In 2026 that changed: according to the Gemini CLI repository, free individual access moved to Google's new Antigravity CLI on June 18, 2026, and Gemini CLI is now aimed at Gemini Code Assist and Google Cloud users.
So comparing Claude Code with "Gemini CLI" now really means comparing it with two Google tools. This page explains who each one is for.
Quick verdict
If you are an individual developer who wants Google's agent, look at Antigravity CLI. If your company uses Gemini Code Assist or Google Cloud, Gemini CLI is still the open-source option. If you want Claude's models and the deepest customisation, choose Claude Code.
Choose Google's tools if…
- You want Gemini models in the terminal
- Antigravity CLI: you want Google's free individual option
- Gemini CLI: your team uses Gemini Code Assist or Google Cloud
- Gemini CLI: you need an open-source (Apache-2.0) agent
Choose Claude Code if…
- You prefer Claude's models for coding
- You want subagents, skills, slash commands and hooks
- You want IDE, desktop and web versions too
- You already have a Claude Pro, Max or Team plan
Side-by-side comparison
| Gemini CLI / Antigravity CLI | Claude Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Anthropic | |
| Who it's for now | Gemini CLI: Code Assist and Google Cloud users. Antigravity CLI: individuals | Anyone with a paid Claude plan or API key |
| Open source | Gemini CLI: yes (Apache-2.0). Antigravity CLI: no | No |
| Free access | Antigravity is listed as available at no charge for developers | Not on Claude's free plan |
| Project instructions | GEMINI.md (Gemini CLI) | CLAUDE.md |
| Extensibility | Gemini CLI: MCP servers and extensions | Subagents, skills, slash commands, hooks, MCP |
| Models | Gemini models | Anthropic's Claude models |
What changed with Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI launched as an Apache-2.0 open-source agent with a generous free tier for anyone with a Google account. Its README now says there is no free tier or Google AI plan access in Gemini CLI, that free individual access moved to Antigravity CLI on June 18, 2026, and that the tool is maintained for enterprise Gemini Code Assist workflows on Google Cloud.
Antigravity CLI is part of Google's Antigravity platform, alongside an app, IDE and SDK. Google describes it as available at no charge for developers. It is not open source, and early coverage reported that it didn't match every Gemini CLI feature at launch.
How Claude Code compares
Claude Code works in a similar way to both: you describe a task in your terminal and it explores your code, edits files and runs commands with your approval. Where it stands out is customisation and reach. Beyond CLAUDE.md you get subagents with their own context and tool limits, skills, custom slash commands, hooks and MCP, plus VS Code and JetBrains extensions, a desktop app and a web version.
The trade-off is cost: Claude Code needs a paid Claude plan — Pro at $20/month ($17 billed annually), Max at $100 or Ultra at $200 — or an API key.
Moving from Gemini CLI to Claude Code
If you are switching, Claude Code's /import gemini command can bring your Gemini CLI configuration on the same machine into Claude Code. Otherwise, start with your GEMINI.md: most of it — stack notes, conventions, commands to run — can move straight into CLAUDE.md. Then turn repeated instructions into skills or subagents so they load only when needed, and re-add your MCP servers.
The bottom line
Google's terminal story is in transition, so check its current documentation before you commit to either Google tool. If you want a stable, deeply customisable agent built around Claude, Claude Code is the safer bet — and claudeagents adds 120+ agents, 54 skills and 54 slash commands on top.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gemini CLI still free?
Not for individuals. The Gemini CLI repository says free individual access moved to Antigravity CLI on June 18, 2026. Gemini CLI now targets Gemini Code Assist and Google Cloud users.
What is Antigravity CLI?
It is Google's terminal interface for its Antigravity agent platform. Google lists it as available at no charge for developers. Unlike Gemini CLI, it is not open source.
What is GEMINI.md?
It is Gemini CLI's project instructions file, the equivalent of CLAUDE.md in Claude Code.
Can I move my GEMINI.md to Claude Code?
Yes. Copy the content into CLAUDE.md and adjust any tool-specific notes. Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md at the start of every session.
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