Gemini CLI vs Z Code: Side-by-Side Comparison 2026

Gemini CLI vs Z Code comparison 2026. Side-by-side features, pricing & capabilities.

Gemini CLI is a CLI-based coding agent from Google — open-source ai agent for your terminal. Z Code is an AI IDE from Z.ai (Zhipu AI) — ai-powered code editor from zhipu ai (z.ai).

Gemini CLI

Open-source AI agent that runs in your terminal. Uses a ReAct loop with built-in tools for file operations, shell commands, web search, and MCP server support. Free with generous daily limits.

  • ✓ ReAct agentic loop
  • ✓ File operations and shell commands
  • ✓ Web search grounding
  • ✓ MCP server support
  • ✓ 1M token context window

Free / $19.99/mo · 4 plans

Z Code

Desktop code editor from Z.ai (Zhipu AI) powered by GLM models. Integrates multiple AI agents within one interface with codebase understanding, automated code review, and support for external models. Also available as a VS Code extension.

  • ✓ GLM-5 flagship model (77.8% SWE-bench)
  • ✓ 200K token context window
  • ✓ OpenAI-compatible API
  • ✓ Free GLM-4.7-Flash model
  • ✓ Vision capabilities (Pro/Max)

$10/mo · 3 plans

Feature Gemini CLI Z Code
Category CLIAI IDE
Starting Price Free $10/mo
Model Family GeminiGLM
Documentation — ✓
Open Source Yes (Apache 2.0)Models are open-weight (MIT for GLM-4.6)

Pricing verified Mar 20, 2026. Gemini CLI pricing | Z Code pricing

Share

Key Differences

  • Category: Gemini CLI is a CLI-based coding agent; Z Code is an AI IDE.
  • Free tier: Gemini CLI has a free tier; Z Code does not.
  • Starting price: Gemini CLI starts at $19.99/mo; Z Code starts at $10/mo.
  • Model family: Gemini CLI uses Gemini; Z Code uses GLM.
  • Open source: Gemini CLI: Yes (Apache 2.0). Z Code: Models are open-weight (MIT for GLM-4.6).
  • Platforms: Gemini CLI runs on Linux, Windows, macOS; Z Code runs on Windows, macOS.
  • Provider: Gemini CLI is built by Google; Z Code is built by Z.ai (Zhipu AI).

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Gemini CLI if you want AI pair programming directly in your terminal. Choose Z Code if you want competitive coding AI starting at $10/mo with free model access. Read our full reviews to see which fits your workflow.

Share