Gray vs Gemini CLI: which should you use?

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Short answer

Choose Gemini CLI if you want Google's open-source terminal agent with its free tier for personal Google accounts and deep Gemini integration. Choose Gray if you want a smaller, provider-agnostic MIT harness that runs on any model — including local ones — and stays alive 24/7.

GrayGemini CLI
What it isMinimal, always-on AI harness: one Rust binary, open source (MIT)Google's open-source (Apache-2.0) terminal agent built around Gemini models
RequiresOne static binary; no runtime dependenciesNode.js (npm package) or Homebrew
ModelsAny OpenAI-compatible provider with your own API key; local models through Ollama; Claude Pro/Max and ChatGPT plans through official pluginsGemini models through Google AI Studio or Vertex AI
Free tierFree software; pair it with a free provider tier or a local model for $0 totalPersonal Google accounts get a free usage tier; paid use goes through an API key or Vertex AI
Runs 24/7Yes — the gateway runs Gray as a user service, with cron and app connectionsInteractive sessions; headless mode covers scripts
Extends withPlugins and skills; MCP servers through the official pluginMCP servers, extensions and GEMINI.md context files
PriceFree (MIT); you pay your model provider. Hosted Voyager plan $77/month, not yet openFree (Apache-2.0); paid model use through Google billing

Is Gemini CLI free?

The software is free and open source (Apache-2.0), and personal Google accounts get a no-cost usage tier. Gray is free too, but you bring your own model access — a provider key, a plan you already pay for, or a free local model through Ollama.

Does Gemini CLI work with non-Google models?

Gemini CLI is built for Google's Gemini models through AI Studio or Vertex AI. Gray is provider-agnostic: any OpenAI-compatible endpoint works, plus Claude Pro/Max and ChatGPT plans through official plugins; see Providers & models.

When should you choose Gemini CLI instead?

Choose Gemini CLI if you want a zero-cost start on a personal Google account, large-context Gemini workflows, or you're already in Google's ecosystem.

Sources

Competitor details are taken from the sources above as of the date at the top of this page. Products change quickly — if something here is out of date, open an issue on GitHub.