Gemini CLI is Google's terminal agent. Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) is an AI code editor from Cognition. Its docs and pricing now live on Devin's sites, so older tutorials may not match.
The short version
| Gemini CLI | Devin Desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Terminal agent | AI code editor |
| Where you work | Terminal (with a VS Code companion extension) | Its own editor |
| Open source | Yes (Apache 2.0) | No |
| Free plan | Free access unclear (see below) | Yes (unlimited Tab completions and inline edits, light agent quota) |
| MCP servers | Yes | Yes (stdio, Streamable HTTP and SSE) |
| Project instructions | GEMINI.md (AGENTS.md if you configure it) | Reads AGENTS.md and imports older .windsurf/rules files |
Check Devin's pricing and Google's Gemini CLI docs.
Both have moved things around
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. The rename means older Devin Desktop tutorials may not match what you see. In both cases, trust the vendor's current docs over older guides.
Key differences
The interface. Devin Desktop is an editor, so you see files and code with AI built in. Gemini CLI is a conversation in a terminal.
Free use. Devin Desktop's free plan is clear and includes unlimited Tab completions and inline edits. Gemini CLI's free access is unclear (see above).
Openness. Gemini CLI is open source. Devin Desktop is not.
Who should pick what
- You want a free, visual place to try AI coding: Devin Desktop.
- You like the terminal or want an open-source agent: Gemini CLI.
- You dislike product churn: note both have changed in 2026.
Our verdict
Devin Desktop is the easier way in. Gemini CLI suits terminal fans who want Google's models. For a similar comparison, see OpenAI Codex vs Devin Desktop.