A agentindex
Comparison

Gemini CLI vs Windsurf

A like-for-like, spec-level comparison. Both entries are verified against their docs and repo.

Gemini CLI

Google's open-source terminal agent for Gemini.

  • + Open source and free to start
  • + Tight Gemini grounding (search, docs)
  • − Gemini models only
  • − Newer than incumbents

Windsurf

Codeium's AI-native IDE (Cascade agent).

  • + Strong agentic flow in-editor
  • + Generous free tier from Codeium
  • − Closed source
  • − Competes directly with Cursor on a narrow wedge
Spec Gemini CLI Windsurf
Category coding-agent coding-agent
License Apache-2.0 Proprietary
Open source Yes No
Self-hostable No No
MCP support Yes Yes
Pricing freemium freemium
Starting price Free tier with Gemini API $15/mo
Models gemini claude, gpt, gemini, custom
Languages typescript multi
GitHub stars 105.5k —
Last activity 2026-06-25 —