DOAClaude Code vs Gemini CLI: which one to choose?
We compare Claude Code and Gemini CLI on price, devices, difficulty and who each one suits, using the data on their DOA pages.
Claude Code
Anthropic agent that reads the repo, edits files and can open a PR. Works in the terminal, the IDE and the web. Not just autocomplete.
Gemini CLI
Google's coding agent for the terminal: it reads your project, edits files and runs commands. The cheapest way to try a Claude Code-style agent.
DOA verdict for coding
Gemini CLI wins
81.4 Gemini CLI · 73.5 Claude Code / 100
Developers who want an agent for free. Genuinely free.
Why
- DOA score in coding · Claude Code: 93/100 vs 84/100
- Free version · Gemini CLI: 95/100 vs 20/100
- Ease of use: tie
- Devices · Claude Code: 4 vs 3
Pick Claude Code if…
Teams already on Claude. Strong on whole repos.
How we decide: this verdict uses a formula of its own for comparisons, different from the DOA score: DOA score in coding (60%), free version (20%), ease of use (10%) and devices (10%). Data from each tool page, reviewed on 15 October 2026. How we calculate the DOA score and the verdict
| Claude Code | Gemini CLI | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid Included with Claude Pro, Max and team plans. Not on free chat. | Free Free with a personal Google account: 60 requests a minute and 1,000 a day, with Gemini 3 models. Open source. |
| Devices | Windows · Mac · Linux · Browser | Windows · Mac · Linux |
| Level | Some practice needed | Some practice needed |
| What it is for | Coding | Coding |
| DOA score | 81/100 | 78/100 |
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On the overall DOA score, Claude Code gets 81/100 and Gemini CLI 78/100. It is an indicative rating: try both on a real task before you pay.
Claude Code is a better fit for
- Teams already on Claude
Gemini CLI is a better fit for
- Developers who want an agent for free