Gemini CLI and Cline are both open-source coding agents released under the Apache 2.0 licence. Both read your project, edit files and run commands from plain-English requests. The main differences are where you use them and which AI models sit behind them.
The short version
| Gemini CLI | Cline | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Cline Bot Inc. | |
| Where you work | Terminal (with a VS Code companion extension) | VS Code and other editors, plus a CLI and desktop app |
| AI models | Gemini models | Your choice of provider |
| Cost | Free access unclear in the README. API keys are usage-based (see below) | Tool is free for individuals. You pay for model usage |
| MCP servers | Yes | Yes |
| Project instructions | GEMINI.md (AGENTS.md if you configure it) | .clinerules (also reads AGENTS.md) |
| Install | npm install -g @google/gemini-cli, Homebrew or npx | VS Code Marketplace, or npm i -g cline for the CLI |
Prices change. Check cline.bot/pricing and Google's Gemini CLI docs.
A note on cost
Gemini CLI's README says free individual access and Google AI Pro / Ultra plans moved to Google's Antigravity CLI on 18 June 2026, which Google's Developers Blog confirms. See our Antigravity CLI getting started guide. Gemini CLI now covers Gemini API keys (usage-based billing), Vertex AI and Gemini Code Assist Standard / Enterprise licences. Cline's tool is free for individuals, but you pay for the AI models you use, with your own API keys or Cline credits. Cline sometimes runs free model promotions with limited quotas. Both can end up costing similar amounts depending on how much you use them.
Key differences
Where you work. Cline sits in a panel in your editor and shows what it wants to do before it does it. Gemini CLI is terminal-first, though it has a companion extension for VS Code.
Model choice. Cline lists Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, OpenRouter, local models and more. That includes Google's Gemini models, so you could use Gemini inside Cline. Gemini CLI is built around Gemini.
Safety checks. Cline asks for approval on every file edit and command by default, and has checkpoints to undo changes. Auto-approve removes that check, so use it with care.
Who should pick what
- You like the terminal and Google's models: Gemini CLI.
- You prefer working in VS Code and want model choice: Cline.
- You want to run local models: Cline.
Our verdict
If you're already in Google's world, Gemini CLI is a natural fit. If you want flexibility and a visual editor workflow, Cline is the better start. For more on terminal agents, see Gemini CLI vs Claude Code.