Gemini CLI vs Antigravity
Google's open-source terminal coding agent vs its agent-first desktop IDE — and what changed after Gemini CLI's June 2026 transition.
Updated June 30, 2026 · Independent comparison — Gemini CLI and Antigravity are separate products.
Gemini CLI
Google's open-source terminal coding agent
Gemini CLI is Google's open-source, Apache-2.0 terminal coding agent for running Gemini in scripts, shells, and editors, with MCP, extensions, built-in file/shell/web tools, and large-context workflows. Note: on June 18, 2026 Google moved free, AI Pro, and AI Ultra consumer serving to the new Antigravity CLI (the `agy` command); the legacy Gemini CLI now runs via paid Gemini API keys, Vertex AI, or Gemini Code Assist Enterprise.
Antigravity
Google's agent-first AI coding IDE
Antigravity is Google's agent-first desktop IDE for delegating coding tasks to agents inside an editor, terminal, and browser. It adds a visual Agent Manager, artifacts for review, MCP, skills, plugin integration, and a multi-model roster that includes Gemini, Claude, and gpt-oss-120b under free and Google AI plan limits.
Bottom line
Google's open-source terminal coding agent vs its agent-first desktop IDE — and what changed after Gemini CLI's June 2026 transition. Choose Gemini CLI if you live in the terminal and want an agent that fits existing shell, editor, and CI habits; choose Antigravity if you want a desktop IDE where agents can edit, run, browse, and show artifacts in one workspace.
Pricing
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Antigravity |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer free tier | Moved to Antigravity CLI (Jun 18, 2026) | $0 free preview tier |
| Current access | API key, Vertex AI, or Code Assist Enterprise | Free tier + Google AI Pro/Ultra |
| Pay-as-you-go option | Gemini API or Vertex AI | Plan limits + credit overages |
| Entry paid plan | Usage-based (API) | Google AI Pro ~$20/mo |
| Account required | ✓ | ✓ |
Models
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Antigravity |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model family | Gemini 3/2.5 Pro and Flash | Gemini 3 series |
| Third-party models | ✗ | Claude Sonnet/Opus + gpt-oss-120b |
| Large-context work | Very large Gemini context | Model-dependent |
| Manual model selection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fallback behavior | Gemini tier routing | Plan and quota based |
Agent Experience
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Antigravity |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interface | Terminal CLI | Desktop IDE |
| Agent orchestration | CLI agent and subagents | Visual Agent Manager |
| Browser workflow | Via tools or MCP | Integrated browser |
| Review artifacts | Terminal logs and diffs | Plans, screenshots, artifacts |
| Built-in tool loop | ReAct-style local tools | Editor, terminal, browser agents |
Developer Workflow
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Antigravity |
|---|---|---|
| Scriptable automation | ✓ | IDE-first |
| Non-interactive prompts | ✓ | CLI/SDK available |
| Existing editor fit | Works from any terminal | Built-in editor workspace |
| Code review style | Terminal diffs | Visual review in IDE |
| Browser testing | MCP or shell setup | Built in |
Platforms & Openness
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Antigravity |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source | ✓ | ✗ |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Proprietary app |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| MCP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extension model | CLI extensions + MCP | Plugins, skills, MCP |
The Verdict
Choose Gemini CLI if...
- ✓You live in the terminal and want an agent that fits existing shell, editor, and CI habits
- ✓You prefer an open-source Apache-2.0 tool you can inspect, script, and extend
- ✓You mainly want Google's Gemini models rather than a multi-model IDE
- ✓You need non-interactive prompts, piping, and automation around local commands
- ✓You already manage context with files, MCP servers, and repo-level instructions
Choose Antigravity if...
- ✓You want a desktop IDE where agents can edit, run, browse, and show artifacts in one workspace
- ✓You want multi-model choice across Gemini, Claude, and gpt-oss-120b from the same coding environment
- ✓You benefit from visual multi-agent orchestration through Agent Manager
- ✓You want browser testing, screenshots, plans, and task artifacts built into the workflow
- ✓You are comfortable with a proprietary Google app tied to Google AI plan quotas for higher limits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gemini CLI and Antigravity?
Gemini CLI is Google's open-source, Apache-2.0 terminal coding agent for running Gemini in scripts, shells, and editors, with MCP, extensions, built-in file/shell/web tools, and large-context workflows. Antigravity is Google's agent-first desktop IDE for delegating coding tasks to agents inside an editor, terminal, and browser.
How much do Gemini CLI and Antigravity cost?
Gemini CLI: Usage-based (API). Antigravity: Google AI Pro ~$20/mo. See the pricing table above for full plan details.
Should I choose Gemini CLI or Antigravity?
Choose Gemini CLI if you live in the terminal and want an agent that fits existing shell, editor, and CI habits. Choose Antigravity if you want a desktop IDE where agents can edit, run, browse, and show artifacts in one workspace.
1DevToolKeep agents side by side
Torn between Gemini CLI and Antigravity? 1DevTool gives Gemini CLI a multi-agent workspace alongside Claude Code, Codex CLI, Cline, and OpenCode in persistent terminals — bring your own keys or subscriptions, no lock-in. It adds a built-in HTTP client, 13-engine database client, and embedded browser, all wired into Send-to-AI. One-time $29, no subscription.