As AI coding tools multiply in 2026, three stand out: Google's Antigravity IDE, Anthropic's Claude Code, and Google's Gemini CLI. Each takes a different approach to AI-assisted development. The question isn't "which is best" but "which fits your workflow."
Core Approach Differences
Antigravity
Antigravity is a full-stack AI IDE built on VS Code. It integrates Gemini-based agents directly. Inside the editor, you dialogue with AI, handle code editing, run terminals, and debug — all in one place. Multiple agents can run in parallel using the Agent Manager.
Claude Code
Claude Code is a terminal-based AI tool from Anthropic. You use your existing editor (VS Code, JetBrains, Vim) alongside it, calling Claude from the terminal. Latest features include HTTP Hooks for agent monitoring, /loop for recurring execution, voice mode, and 1M-token context windows.
Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI is Google's command-line Gemini interface. Call Gemini directly from your terminal for code generation and file operations. It's the sibling to Antigravity, using the same Gemini models, but focused on CLI instead of IDE.
Model Comparison
Antigravity uses Gemini 3.1 Pro as default. It achieves 77.1% on ARC-AGI-2, has 1M-token context, and 65K-token output capacity.
Claude Code defaults to Claude Opus 4.6, switchable to Sonnet 4.6 or Haiku 4.5. Opus 4.6 leads in agentic coding, tool use, and computer operation benchmarks.
Gemini CLI also uses Gemini 3.1 Pro, the same as Antigravity, but with CLI constraints.
Feature Comparison
Agent Features
Antigravity offers proper multi-agent setups via Agent Manager. Each agent runs independently with visual status tracking.
Claude Code supports sub-agents, background tasks, and agent teams. Terminal-based visibility is less visual, but /agents command enables flexible custom agent definitions.
Gemini CLI has simpler agent support: Plan mode (research/planning only) and normal mode (with execution).
Customization
Antigravity defines project rules in AGENTS.md / GEMINI.md. Integrates with MCP servers and skills.sh.
Claude Code uses CLAUDE.md for project rules, with Hooks (command and HTTP) for lifecycle customization. MCP servers, skills, and plugins offer maximum flexibility.
Gemini CLI supports configuration-based customization, but lacks the advanced hook and plugin systems.
Pricing
Antigravity is free. Latest Gemini 3.1 Pro included at no extra cost. Rate limits depend on your Google account plan.
Claude Code uses Anthropic's API (pay-as-you-go). Claude Max plan ($100-200/month) includes Claude Code usage.
Gemini CLI uses Gemini API but works with Google AI Studio's free tier.
Ecosystem Support
Antigravity integrates tightly with Google ecosystem (Firebase, Cloud Run, Vertex AI, Android Studio). iOS works with Xcode.
Claude Code is platform-agnostic. All languages, frameworks, and cloud providers work. AWS, Cloudflare, Vercel integrations are strong.
Gemini CLI has Google ecosystem affinity but, being CLI-based, integrates into any project.
Which Tool to Choose?
Choose Antigravity If:
You want a GUI IDE with AI support. You're comfortable with VS Code. You use Google services (Firebase, GCP). You want visual multi-agent management. You want powerful AI coding for free.
Choose Claude Code If:
You work terminal-first. You don't want to change editors. You need advanced customization (Hooks, skills). You want Claude Opus 4.6's performance. You're integrating AI into CI/CD pipelines.
Choose Gemini CLI If:
You want a lightweight CLI tool. Antigravity's GUI feels like overkill. You want Gemini but not an IDE. You're embedding Gemini in shell scripts.
A Note on Combined Use
These tools aren't mutually exclusive. Many developers use Antigravity and Claude Code together on the same project.
Example workflow: Daily coding in Antigravity, complex refactoring in Claude Code. Place both AGENTS.md / CLAUDE.md in your project, and whichever tool you use will follow the rules.
Looking back
March 2026: Antigravity excels at GUI integration and free usage. Claude Code leads in customization and agent depth. Gemini CLI wins at simplicity and Google ecosystem fit.
Choose based on your development style and project needs. Or try combining them.