kitio.aiGemini CLI vs Qwen Code
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Qwen Code 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
- Terminal agent
- Long-context support
- OpenAI-compatible providers
- Subagents
- Apache 2.0 license
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Qwen Code |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Google's open-source terminal agent powered by Gemini models | Open-source terminal coding agent tuned for Qwen models |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | See pricing page | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Alibaba Qwen Team | |
| Based in | United States | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Qwen Code is completely free, while Gemini CLI is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 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
Qwen Code
- Free and open source
- Works with cheap open models
- Familiar Gemini CLI workflow
- No longer has a free hosted tier
- Best results need Qwen models
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 Qwen Code if you want:
- Free and open source
- Works with cheap open models
- Familiar Gemini CLI workflow
Watch out: no longer has a free hosted tier.
Gemini CLI vs Qwen Code FAQ
What is the difference between Gemini CLI and Qwen Code?
Gemini CLI: Google's open-source terminal agent powered by Gemini models. Qwen Code: Open-source terminal coding agent tuned for Qwen models. Both are coding tools.
Is Gemini CLI or Qwen Code cheaper?
Qwen Code is completely free, while Gemini CLI is freemium.
Do Gemini CLI and Qwen Code have free plans?
Gemini CLI: Yes. Qwen Code: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Gemini CLI?
Gemini CLI is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Qwen Code?
Qwen Code is made by Alibaba Qwen Team, based in China.
Which should I choose, Gemini CLI or Qwen Code?
Choose Gemini CLI if you value open source and free daily quota with an api key. Choose Qwen Code if you value free and open source and works with cheap open models.