Gemini CLI Overview
Gemini CLI is a standalone tool developed by Google, designed to function seamlessly across various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports local inference with full terminal access, making it highly versatile for developers who require robust and flexible editing capabilities. With support for Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2, it offers a vast context window of 1 million tokens, enabling comprehensive data handling and processing. Predictive edits and agentic editing are also supported, enhancing the user experience by providing intelligent suggestions and multi-file editing features. Its privacy adheres to a standard policy, and it is certified with SOC2 Type II, ensuring enterprise-level security. The tool offers a free tier, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
Pros
- ✓ Standalone architecture with multi-OS support
- ✓ Local inference with full terminal access
- ✓ Large context window of 1 million tokens
- ✓ Predictive edits and agentic editing capabilities
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certification
- ✓ Free tier available
Cons
- ✕ Limited to Gemini-supported LLMs
- ✕ No custom model support
Manus Overview
Manus is a cloud-based tool offered by Manus AI, specifically tailored for Linux users. It integrates with a variety of leading LLMs, including Claude 3.7, Claude 3.5, and GPT-4, in addition to Gemini. While it does not support local inference, it provides full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing, making it a suitable choice for complex editing tasks. The context window is capped at 200k tokens, which is less than some competitors but still substantial for many applications. Manus does not offer predictive edits but maintains strong privacy standards and SOC2 Type II certification. The pricing model requires contacting sales, indicating a more custom and potentially scalable pricing structure.
Pros
- ✓ Cloud-based with support for multiple LLMs
- ✓ Full terminal access with multi-file editing
- ✓ Strong privacy and security certifications
Cons
- ✕ Limited to Linux OS
- ✕ No local inference
- ✕ No free tier available
- ✕ Predictive edits not supported
Comparison Table
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Manus |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | cloud |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Linux |
| Developer | Manus AI | |
| Supported Llms | Gemini 2.5 Pro, Gemini 2 | Claude 3.7, Claude 3.5, Qwen, GPT-4, Gemini |
| Context Window | 1M tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | Contact Sales |
| Config File | GEMINI.md | .manusrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both Gemini CLI and Manus offer robust features tailored to different user needs. Gemini CLI excels in local inference and broad OS support, making it ideal for users who prefer standalone tools. Manus, on the other hand, offers a cloud-based solution with strong LLM support, suitable for users seeking comprehensive cloud integration. The choice between the two will largely depend on specific user requirements such as operating system preference, need for local inference, and budget considerations.