Gemini CLI is a terminal agent from Google. GitHub Copilot works inside editors such as VS Code and JetBrains, and also offers a coding agent and a command-line tool.
The short version
| Gemini CLI | GitHub Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Terminal agent | Assistant inside your editor |
| Where you work | Terminal (with a VS Code companion extension) | VS Code, JetBrains and other editors |
| Open source | Yes (Apache 2.0) | No |
| Free plan | Free access unclear (see below) | Yes: 2,000 completions a month and limited chat and agent use |
| MCP servers | Yes | Yes |
Check github.com/features/copilot/plans and Google's Gemini CLI docs for current prices.
A note on Gemini CLI's cost
Its 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 itself now covers Gemini API keys (usage-based billing), Vertex AI and Gemini Code Assist Standard / Enterprise licences. Google's quota page still lists some free-tier limits, so free use is unconfirmed.
Key differences
Where it lives. Copilot fits into your existing editor, so there's nothing new to learn. Gemini CLI is a separate terminal tool you open in your project folder.
GitHub ties. Copilot connects with GitHub issues and pull requests. Gemini CLI doesn't have that as a headline feature.
Scripting. Gemini CLI can run one prompt non-interactively with gemini -p, which suits automation.
Openness. Gemini CLI is open source. Copilot isn't.
Who should pick what
- You want help inside your current editor: Copilot.
- You want a free plan to try: Copilot.
- You like the terminal or want scripting: Gemini CLI.
Our verdict
Copilot is the easy start. Gemini CLI is for terminal fans who want Google's models in an open-source tool. To see Copilot's agent in action, try Copilot agent mode in VS Code.