Gemini CLI
Developed by Google, Gemini CLI is a standalone tool that offers robust support for multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is compatible with advanced language models like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2, providing a massive context window of up to 1 million tokens. Gemini CLI allows for local inference, ensuring efficient processing without the need for constant internet connectivity. Its agentic editing capabilities support multi-file modifications, and it offers full terminal access for seamless integration into developer workflows. Certified with SOC2 Type II for enterprise-level security, Gemini CLI provides a privacy-conscious environment. With a free tier available, it is accessible to a broad range of users.
Pros
- ✓ Supports extensive context window of 1 million tokens.
- ✓ Local inference capability reduces dependency on internet.
- ✓ Full terminal access enhances integration with development workflows.
- ✓ Free tier available, making it accessible for different users.
Cons
- ✕ Custom model support is not specified.
- ✕ Privacy mode is limited to standard policies.
GitHub Copilot Workspace
GitHub Copilot Workspace is a plugin-based tool developed by GitHub, designed to enhance coding productivity across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. It supports advanced language models like GPT-5 and Claude Sonnet, with a context window of 200k tokens. Although it doesn’t offer local inference, it provides predictive edits and agentic editing capabilities for multi-file projects. The tool integrates seamlessly with existing workflows but lacks terminal access. While it does not offer a free tier, its pricing ranges from $0 to $20 per month, catering to professional developers seeking advanced capabilities. It also meets enterprise security standards with SOC2 Type II certification.
Pros
- ✓ Supports advanced models like GPT-5 and Claude Sonnet.
- ✓ Predictive edits enhance coding efficiency.
- ✓ Seamless integration with existing workflows.
Cons
- ✕ No local inference capability.
- ✕ Lacks terminal access.
- ✕ No free tier available.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Gemini CLI | GitHub Copilot Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | plugin |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | GitHub | |
| Supported Llms | Gemini 2.5 Pro, Gemini 2 | GPT-5, Claude Sonnet |
| Context Window | 1M tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | No |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | $0 – $20/mo |
| Config File | GEMINI.md | .copilotrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both Gemini CLI and GitHub Copilot Workspace offer powerful features tailored for developers. Gemini CLI excels with its local inference capabilities and extensive context window, making it ideal for those seeking robust offline functionality. Meanwhile, GitHub Copilot Workspace integrates smoothly into existing workflows, offering advanced language model support. The choice between the two will largely depend on the specific needs regarding connectivity and budget constraints.