Gemini CLI vs Windsurf Editor
Gemini CLI and Windsurf Editor 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 Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Windsurf | |
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.4 |
| 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 agentic AI, Multi-file coordinated edits, Codebase understanding |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, USA | Mountain View, USA |
| Founded | 2025 | 2024 |
| Open source | Yes | No |
Key differences
- Gemini CLI and Windsurf Editor share the same user rating (4.4★).
- Both Gemini CLI and Windsurf Editor use a Freemium model.
- Gemini CLI is open source (its code is public), while Windsurf Editor is proprietary.
- Gemini CLI runs on CLI, Self-hosted; Windsurf Editor runs on Desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gemini CLI or Windsurf Editor better?
Gemini CLI and Windsurf Editor are rated equally (4.4★) by users, so the better choice depends on your needs — see the feature and platform comparison above.
Which is cheaper, Gemini CLI or Windsurf Editor?
Both Gemini CLI and Windsurf Editor use a Freemium pricing model.
Are Gemini CLI and Windsurf Editor open source?
Gemini CLI is open source, while Windsurf Editor is proprietary.