Gemini CLI
Google's free open-source AI agent in your terminal
Overview
Gemini CLI brings Google's Gemini models into your terminal as an open-source agentic tool: code, debug, run commands, and automate tasks with a generous free tier (personal Google account) that made it the most accessible coding agent for students and indie developers.
Features
How to Get Started
Run: npm i -g @google/gemini-cli — then 'gemini' and sign in with a personal Google account for the free tier. For higher limits, use a Gemini API key or a Google AI plan.
Pricing
Free (generous personal tier) / paid via Gemini API or Google AI plans
View pricing detailsFAQ
Is Gemini CLI really free?
Yes — signing in with a personal Google account gives a generous free daily allowance. Heavier usage runs on API keys or Google AI subscriptions.
How does it compare to Claude Code and Codex?
It's the most accessible of the three thanks to the free tier and open-source code. For the hardest agentic work many teams still prefer Claude Code or Codex, but the gap narrows every release.
Does it support MCP?
Yes — Gemini CLI supports Model Context Protocol servers, so you can connect the same tools ecosystem used by Claude Code and Cursor.
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