Gemini CLI vs Claude Code

Pricing: Link to heading

Use a Gemini API key: The Gemini API provides a free tier with 100 requests per day using Gemini 2.5 Pro, control over which model you use, and access to higher rate limits (with a paid plan).

Gemini CLI offers the industry’s largest usage allowance at 60 model requests per minute and 1,000 model requests per day at no charge

No ability to see costs (just token usage)

Gemini CLI is open source: https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli

Claude Code:

“Free” with a plan (rate limited) and limited model based on tier.

/cost shows the cost (if no plan) otherwise use https://github.com/ryoppippi/ccusage

Currently Mac Only

Experience Link to heading

Usefulness Link to heading