Codex CLI vs Gemini CLI
Two open-source terminal coding agents from OpenAI and Google, compared across access, models, workflow, and ecosystem.
Updated June 30, 2026 · Independent comparison — Codex CLI and Gemini CLI are separate products.
Codex CLI
OpenAI's open-source terminal coding agent
Codex CLI is OpenAI's open-source, Rust-based coding agent for local terminal work. It pairs with ChatGPT plans or an OpenAI API key, and it also connects into the wider Codex surfaces for IDE use, cloud tasks, reviews, and automation.
Gemini CLI
Google's open-source terminal coding agent
Gemini CLI is Google's open-source terminal agent for Gemini models, with a strong CLI-first toolset, GEMINI.md context, MCP, extensions, and a very large context window. As of June 18, 2026, Google moved free, Google AI Pro, and AI Ultra consumer serving to Antigravity CLI, while Gemini CLI remains supported for enterprise, Google Cloud, and paid API-key access.
Bottom line
Two open-source terminal coding agents from OpenAI and Google, compared across access, models, workflow, and ecosystem. Choose Codex CLI if you already have ChatGPT access and want the cleanest path into OpenAI's Codex surfaces; choose Gemini CLI if you use Google Cloud, Vertex AI, Gemini Code Assist Standard/Enterprise, or paid Gemini API keys.
Pricing
| Feature | Codex CLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Entry access | ChatGPT Free/Go/Plus or API key | Enterprise, Google Cloud, or API key |
| Lowest listed price | $0/month; Go $8/month | Consumer free tier moved to Antigravity |
| Individual subscription | Plus $20/month; Pro from $100/month | Google AI Pro/Ultra moved to Antigravity |
| Usage-based option | OpenAI API pay-as-you-go | Gemini API or Vertex AI pay-as-you-go |
| Enterprise option | Business, Edu, Enterprise | Code Assist Standard/Enterprise or Google Cloud |
Models
| Feature | Codex CLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model family | GPT-5.5, GPT-5.4, GPT-5.4 mini | Gemini 3 Pro/Flash, Gemini 2.5 Pro/Flash |
| Coding-specific model | GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark preview on Pro | Gemini 3 routing; no separate coding-only SKU |
| Model picker | /model and reasoning controls | /model Auto, Pro, Flash, Manual |
| Large context | Strong repo context; no 1M claim | 1M token context window |
| API model control | ✓ | ✓ |
Agent Experience
| Feature | Codex CLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal TUI | ✓ | ✓ |
| Approval and trust controls | Approval modes and sandboxing | Tool confirmations and trusted folders |
| Planning workflow | Plan/review workflows | Plan mode and model steering |
| Local file edits and shell | ✓ | ✓ |
| Long-running async work | Codex cloud tasks | Antigravity owns the consumer async path |
Developer Workflow
| Feature | Codex CLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Project instructions | AGENTS.md | GEMINI.md |
| MCP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in web search/fetch | ✓ | ✓ |
| IDE companion | Codex IDE extension | Gemini Code Assist IDE extensions |
| Automation mode | codex exec, SDK, GitHub Action | Headless mode, GitHub Action |
Platforms & Openness
| Feature | Codex CLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source license | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Implementation | Rust | TypeScript/Node.js |
| Desktop OS support | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Linux, Windows |
| Open-source repo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vendor ecosystem | OpenAI ChatGPT/Codex | Google Gemini/Cloud/Code Assist |
The Verdict
Choose Codex CLI if...
- ✓You already have ChatGPT access and want the cleanest path into OpenAI's Codex surfaces.
- ✓You want Codex cloud tasks, local reviews, IDE extension, and terminal workflows under one product family.
- ✓You prefer GPT-5.5/GPT-5.4 models or need OpenAI API-based automation.
- ✓You want a Rust CLI with explicit approval modes, sandboxing, AGENTS.md, MCP, and subagents.
- ✓You are choosing for individual use after Google's Gemini CLI consumer transition.
Choose Gemini CLI if...
- ✓You use Google Cloud, Vertex AI, Gemini Code Assist Standard/Enterprise, or paid Gemini API keys.
- ✓You want Gemini 3/2.5 model routing, Flash speed options, and a very large context window.
- ✓You prefer Google's built-in Search grounding, web fetch, and Gemini ecosystem integrations.
- ✓You rely on GEMINI.md, extensions, checkpointing, token caching, or Gemini CLI's headless workflows.
- ✓You need an Apache-2.0 TypeScript agent that remains open source even as consumer access shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Codex CLI and Gemini CLI?
Codex CLI is OpenAI's open-source, Rust-based coding agent for local terminal work. Gemini CLI is Google's open-source terminal agent for Gemini models, with a strong CLI-first toolset, GEMINI.md context, MCP, extensions, and a very large context window.
How much do Codex CLI and Gemini CLI cost?
Codex CLI: ChatGPT Free/Go/Plus or API key. Gemini CLI: Enterprise, Google Cloud, or API key. See the pricing table above for full plan details.
Should I choose Codex CLI or Gemini CLI?
Choose Codex CLI if you already have ChatGPT access and want the cleanest path into OpenAI's Codex surfaces. Choose Gemini CLI if you use Google Cloud, Vertex AI, Gemini Code Assist Standard/Enterprise, or paid Gemini API keys.
1DevToolRun both — and more
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