kitio.aiGemini CLI vs Helicon
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Helicon is completely free, while Gemini CLI is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Terminal coding agent
- Large codebase editing
- Apps from images or PDFs
- Extensions
- API key or Vertex AI sign-in
- GUI for Muse Code sessions
- Inline diffs
- Approval prompts
- Project and worktree grouping
- Cost tracking
- Windows, macOS, Linux and VS Code
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Helicon |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Google's open-source terminal agent powered by Gemini models | Open-source desktop and web app for Meta's Muse Code agent |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | See pricing page | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Harjot Singh | |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Helicon is completely free, while Gemini CLI is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Gemini CLI
- Open source
- Free daily quota with an API key
- Extension system
- Replaced by Antigravity CLI for free Google accounts
- Not tuned for the newest Gemini 4 models
- Daily request caps on free tiers
Helicon
- Completely free with no paid tier
- Native Windows support without WSL
- Keeps your login and data local
- Requires a Muse Code subscription
- Unofficial, so updates may lag Muse Code
- Only works with one coding agent
Which one should you choose?
Choose Gemini CLI if you want:
- Open source
- Free daily quota with an API key
- Extension system
Watch out: replaced by antigravity cli for free google accounts.
Choose Helicon if you want:
- Completely free with no paid tier
- Native Windows support without WSL
- Keeps your login and data local
Watch out: requires a muse code subscription.
Gemini CLI vs Helicon FAQ
What is the difference between Gemini CLI and Helicon?
Gemini CLI: Google's open-source terminal agent powered by Gemini models. Helicon: Open-source desktop and web app for Meta's Muse Code agent. Both are coding tools.
Is Gemini CLI or Helicon cheaper?
Helicon is completely free, while Gemini CLI is freemium.
Do Gemini CLI and Helicon have free plans?
Gemini CLI: Yes. Helicon: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Gemini CLI?
Gemini CLI is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Helicon?
Helicon is made by Harjot Singh.
Which should I choose, Gemini CLI or Helicon?
Choose Gemini CLI if you value open source and free daily quota with an api key. Choose Helicon if you value completely free with no paid tier and native windows support without wsl.