Gemini CLI vs Windsurf
Gemini CLI and Windsurf are both Code Generation tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Gemini CLI | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Cognition | |
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | CLI, Self-hosted | Desktop |
| Key features | Free tier: 60 req/min, 1,000/day, 1M-token context window, Built-in Google Search grounding | Cascade AI agent, AI code completion, Code chat |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2025 | 2024 |
| Open source | Yes | No |
Key differences
- Windsurf has a higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.4★).
- Both Gemini CLI and Windsurf use a Freemium model.
- Gemini CLI is open source (its code is public), while Windsurf is proprietary.
- Gemini CLI runs on CLI, Self-hosted; Windsurf runs on Desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gemini CLI or Windsurf better?
By user rating, Windsurf scores higher (4.5★ vs 4.4★). Both are capable Code Generation tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, Gemini CLI or Windsurf?
Both Gemini CLI and Windsurf use a Freemium pricing model.
Are Gemini CLI and Windsurf open source?
Gemini CLI is open source, while Windsurf is proprietary.