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Gemini CLI vs Antigravity CLI: What Changed, Install and Free Limits

By , trainer LinkedIn Published: Last updated: 3 min read

As of 25 October 2026, Google’s Gemini CLI docs say that for unpaid and Google One (AI Pro/Ultra consumer) sign-ins, Gemini CLI was replaced by Antigravity CLI on 18 June 2026. Gemini CLI still works with a Gemini API key, Vertex AI, or Gemini Code Assist licences. Install it with npm install -g @google/gemini-cli (Node.js 20+). The quota page lists, for example, 250 requests/day on an unpaid API key (Flash models), 1,000 for Gemini Code Assist Individual and 1,500 for AI Pro. For Antigravity CLI, follow the install steps on Google’s official Antigravity page.

Suppose Harsh, a student in Jaipur, used Gemini CLI with his personal Google login and it stopped in June; Mia in Auckland uses an API key from AI Studio. Harsh moves to Antigravity CLI; Mia keeps Gemini CLI with her key and watches the daily quota.

Related pages

See also Codex vs Claude Code, and Google AI Studio Build Mode.

What you will learn in this guide

  • What changed in June 2026
  • Which CLI fits you
  • Install on Windows
  • Daily quotas
  • A safe first task

1. Why: old tutorials now confuse people

Many videos still say “log in with Google and get free Gemini CLI”. That path changed for personal accounts, so beginners get stuck. Knowing which login you have decides which tool to use.

2. What: which one fits

Your login Use
Personal Google account, free Antigravity CLI
Google One AI Pro/Ultra Antigravity CLI
Gemini API key (AI Studio) Gemini CLI
Vertex AI / Code Assist licence Gemini CLI
Quotas Check the official quota page; they change
Gemini CLI with an API key in five steps Steps from top to bottom: 1 Install Node 20 or newer, nodejs.org; 2 npm install the CLI, @google/gemini-cli; 3 Set GEMINI_API_KEY, From AI Studio; 4 Run gemini in a project, Practice folder; 5 Watch the quota, /stats. 1Install Node 20 or newernodejs.org 2npm install the CLI@google/gemini-cli 3Set GEMINI_API_KEYFrom AI Studio 4Run gemini in a projectPractice folder 5Watch the quota/stats

Figure 1. Gemini CLI with an API key in five steps: install Node, install the CLI, set the key, run it in a project, watch the quota.

3. How: install Gemini CLI on Windows

  1. Install Node.js LTS (20 or newer) from nodejs.org.
  2. Open PowerShell and run npm install -g @google/gemini-cli.
  3. Create an API key in Google AI Studio.
  4. Set it as GEMINI_API_KEY (command below).
  5. Open a practice project folder and run gemini.

4. Sources (25 Oct 2026)

  • geminicli.com docs: change for unpaid and Google One users on 18 June 2026; Antigravity CLI replaces Gemini CLI for them.
  • geminicli.com quota page for daily request limits.
  • Never commit your API key to git.

5. Worked example 1: check Node (start here)

In PowerShell:

node -v
npm -v

Expected output (yours will be similar, not the same):

v22.11.0
10.9.0

Any Node version 20 or higher is fine.

6. Worked example 2: install and set the key

In PowerShell (replace the dummy key):

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
$env:GEMINI_API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
gemini --version

Expected output (yours will be similar, not the same):

added 400+ packages in 30s
0.x.x

This sets the key only for this window. Use System Properties → Environment Variables to keep it.

7. Worked example 3: first safe task

In a practice folder, run gemini and type:

Read the files in this folder and explain what this project does
in 5 bullet points. Do not change any files.

Expected output (yours will be similar, not the same):

A 5-bullet explanation, with no file edits.

Names, amounts and companies in the examples are made up for practice.

8. Common mistakes

Mistake Risk Fix
Following old “login with Google” videos Stuck at sign-in Check which login you have
Pasting the key in code Leak Use env var
Node 18 or older Install errors Node 20+
Running in C:\ root Wrong files Use a project folder
Ignoring quota Sudden stops Check /stats

9. Try at home

Try at home

  1. Run node -v.
  2. Install Gemini CLI.
  3. Ask it to explain a folder without editing.

Recap

In short

  1. From 18 Jun 2026, free and Google One sign-ins use Antigravity CLI.
  2. Gemini CLI works with API key, Vertex or Code Assist.
  3. Install: npm install -g @google/gemini-cli (Node 20+).
  4. Quotas: see the official page.
  5. Keep keys out of code.

Know your login, then pick your CLI.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gemini CLI still free?

With an unpaid Gemini API key it has a daily quota (250 requests/day on Flash per the quota page). Personal Google sign-in moved to Antigravity CLI.

How do I install Antigravity CLI?

Use the official instructions on Google’s Antigravity site. We do not copy them here because they may change.

Does it work on Windows?

Yes, with Node.js 20+ in PowerShell or Windows Terminal.

Where do I see my usage?

Type /stats inside Gemini CLI, and check AI Studio for API key usage.

Related: Google Antigravity for Beginners: Agent-First Coding (Simple)