# gemini-cli vs Windsurf
_Coding Agents · independent comparison_

> gemini-cli and Windsurf take different routes to the same job: one is a commercial product, the other open-source and self-hostable. Choose based on whether you want a managed experience or full control.

## Side by side

**gemini-cli**
- Open source · Agent · 107k★ · TypeScript · Apache-2.0 · active 3 days ago
- Best for: Terminal-native coding assistance with direct access to Google's Gemini models.
- Avoid if: You want an editor-integrated or GUI assistant rather than a CLI.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/gemini-cli) · [official](https://geminicli.com)

**Windsurf**
- Freemium · Agent
- Best for: Developers who want an agentic IDE with strong codebase-context flows at a competitive price.
- Avoid if: You prefer terminal workflows or need open source.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/windsurf) · [official](https://windsurf.com)

## Key differences

- Windsurf is a commercial product; gemini-cli is open-source and self-hostable.
- Pricing model differs — gemini-cli is open source, Windsurf is freemium.

## Which to choose

**Choose gemini-cli if:** Terminal-native coding assistance with direct access to Google's Gemini models.

**Choose Windsurf if:** Developers who want an agentic IDE with strong codebase-context flows at a competitive price.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between gemini-cli and Windsurf?**
Windsurf is a commercial product; gemini-cli is open-source and self-hostable.

**Is gemini-cli or Windsurf better?**
Neither is universally better. gemini-cli is the stronger fit for Terminal-native coding assistance with direct access to Google's Gemini models; Windsurf for Developers who want an agentic IDE with strong codebase-context flows at a competitive price. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is gemini-cli or Windsurf free?**
gemini-cli is free to run and self-host; Windsurf is free to start (freemium), with paid tiers.

**Which is more popular, gemini-cli or Windsurf?**
We rank open-source projects by GitHub adoption, but at least one of these is a commercial product and stars don't measure commercial adoption — so compare them on capabilities and pricing instead.

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Source: [Agent Search Engine](https://agentsearchengine.app) — https://agentsearchengine.app/compare/gemini-cli-vs-windsurf