Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Windsurf (Cognition AI)
FreemiumGemini CLI
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) vs Gemini CLI: Full Comparison (2026)
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is ai-first ide with agentic cascade engine - rebranded from codeium. Gemini CLI is google's open-source agentic ai coding assistant for your terminal. Use the breakdown below to find the right fit for your needs.
This page presents factual information sourced from publicly available vendor documentation and product pages. AIHub does not endorse either product. The right tool depends on your specific use case, team, and requirements — we recommend evaluating both tools directly before making a decision.
Side-by-Side Overview
Pricing Model
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
FreemiumGemini CLI
FreemiumAPI Access
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Not availableGemini CLI
AvailablePlatforms
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
WebGemini CLI
macOS, Linux, Windows, Terminal, VS Code (via Gemini Code Assist)Integrations
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
—Gemini CLI
6 integrationsVendor
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Windsurf (Cognition AI)Gemini CLI
GoogleCategory
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Code AssistanceGemini CLI
Code AssistanceLaunch
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
—Gemini CLI
Jun 25, 2025| Feature | Windsurf (formerly Codeium) | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| API Access | Not available | Available |
| Platforms | Web | macOS, Linux, Windows, Terminal, VS Code (via Gemini Code Assist) |
| Integrations | — | 6 integrations |
| Vendor | Windsurf (Cognition AI) | |
| Category | Code Assistance | Code Assistance |
| Launch | — | Jun 25, 2025 |
About Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Codeium rebranded to Windsurf in late 2024, launching an AI-first IDE (fork of VS Code) with Cascade - an agentic engine that can autonomously plan and execute multi-step coding tasks. Acquired by Cognition AI (makers of Devin) in May 2025 for $3B.
Designed For
- Code completion
- Agentic coding
- Refactoring
- Multi-file edits
About Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI is Google's open-source command-line AI agent that brings Gemini models directly into the terminal. It can understand codebases, edit files, run shell commands, generate apps, and automate workflows using a ReAct-style agent loop. It ships with a generous free tier via a personal Google account and integrates with MCP servers and Google Search grounding.
Designed For
- Codebase-wide edits
- Terminal task automation
- App scaffolding
- Debugging
Strengths & Limitations
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Strengths
- Cascade agentic engine
- Free tier available
- 70+ languages
- VS Code compatible
Limitations
- New product, less mature than Cursor
- Cognition acquisition uncertainty
Gemini CLI
Strengths
- Open-source (Apache 2.0)
- Very generous free tier (Gemini via Google login)
- 1M token context
- Google Search grounding built-in
- MCP support
- Non-interactive/scriptable mode
Limitations
- Newer than Claude Code/Cursor
- Gemini-only models
- Terminal-first UX
- Occasional agent loop errors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Windsurf (formerly Codeium) and Gemini CLI?
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is ai-first ide with agentic cascade engine - rebranded from codeium, while Gemini CLI is google's open-source agentic ai coding assistant for your terminal. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is designed for Code Assistance; Gemini CLI is designed for Developers in Google ecosystem, Cost-conscious devs (free tier). The right fit depends on your specific requirements.
How do the pricing models compare?
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is available under a Freemium model. Gemini CLI is available under a Freemium model. Gemini CLI's entry tier starts at $0. Always verify pricing on each vendor's official website as it may change.
What integrations does each tool support?
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) integrates with various tools. Gemini CLI integrates with GitHub, Google Search, MCP servers, Gemini Code Assist. Check each vendor's documentation for the full and current list.
How do I choose between Windsurf (formerly Codeium) and Gemini CLI?
Consider your team's technical requirements, budget, existing tooling, and use case before deciding. We recommend signing up for free trials or demos of both tools where available, and consulting each vendor's documentation. AIHub provides this comparison for informational purposes only.
Feature Snapshot
Explore Further
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) full detailsGemini CLI full detailsWindsurf (formerly Codeium) official siteGemini CLI official siteRelated Comparisons
Related Tags
Data sourced from public vendor documentation. Pricing, features, and availability may change. Always verify on official vendor websites before making purchasing decisions. AIHub is not affiliated with any of the listed vendors.