CruxCLI vs Gemini CLI
CruxCLI and Gemini CLI both run in the terminal, but serve different philosophies. CruxCLI is provider-agnostic with 75+ providers, 24 task-specific modes with model tier mapping, per-mode token budgets, workspace checkpoints, and a convergence engine. Gemini CLI is Google's terminal agent locked to Gemini models, offering a generous free tier, 1M context window, Google Search grounding for real-time information, and Plan Mode. Gemini CLI has grown to 98,907 stars in under two months.
Feature comparison
| Feature | CruxCLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Open source | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Provider-agnostic | 75+ providers | Google only |
| Mode → model tier mapping | 24 modes | ✗ |
| Token budget system | ✓ | ✗ |
| Convergence engine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Workspace checkpoints | ✓ | ✗ |
| Client/server architecture | ✓ | ✗ |
| LSP integration | 30+ servers | ✗ |
| Plugin API | ✓ | ✗ |
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| VS Code extension | ✓ | ✗ |
| Plan mode | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free model tier | ✗ | ✓ |
| 1M context window | ✗ | ✓ |
| Google Search grounding | ✗ | ✓ |
| GitHub stars | New | 99k |
Where CruxCLI wins
24 task-specific modes
CruxCLI has 24 modes with automatic model tier mapping. Gemini CLI has Plan Mode (added March 2026), but no deep mode system with tier-based model selection. Each CruxCLI mode is optimized for its task type with distinct prompts and tool configurations.
Convergence engine
CruxDev integration drives autonomous audit-fix-re-audit loops until two consecutive clean passes verify completion. Gemini CLI has no convergence methodology — the user decides when code is done.
Provider flexibility
CruxCLI supports 75+ providers. If Google raises prices or you prefer a different model for a specific task, switch providers with one environment variable. Gemini CLI is locked to Google models.
LSP and plugins
LSP integration with 30+ language servers and a plugin API for custom tools. Gemini CLI has MCP support but no built-in LSP or plugin system.
Where Gemini CLI wins
Free tier
Gemini CLI offers a free tier with capable Gemini models. This is a genuine advantage for developers who want to try a terminal AI agent without an API key. CruxCLI requires API keys from your chosen provider, though you can use free local models via Ollama.
Google Search grounding
Gemini CLI can ground responses in real-time Google Search results. CruxCLI can integrate web search via MCP servers, but does not have native search grounding built in.
Community adoption
98,907 stars in under two months, backed by Google. CruxCLI is new with no established community. Gemini CLI benefits from Google's developer ecosystem and marketing reach.
1M context window
Gemini 3 offers a 1M token context window natively. CruxCLI's context depends on the provider and model selected, though many supported models also offer large context windows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CruxCLI and Gemini CLI?
CruxCLI is provider-agnostic with 75+ providers, 24 task-specific modes, token budgets, and a convergence engine. Gemini CLI is locked to Google models but offers a generous free tier, 1M context window, and Google Search grounding for real-time information.
Can CruxCLI use Gemini models?
Yes. CruxCLI supports Google as a provider. Set your GOOGLE_API_KEY or use Vertex AI credentials. CruxCLI can use Gemini 3, Gemini Flash, and other Google models alongside models from any other provider.
Is Gemini CLI free to use?
Gemini CLI offers a free tier with capable Gemini models. CruxCLI requires users to bring their own API keys, but supports any provider including free options via Ollama for local models.
Try CruxCLI
Use Gemini, Claude, GPT, or any model. One agent, any provider.