Bolt.new vs Gemini CLI
Which Coding AI tool is better in 2026?
Bolt.new
Full-stack apps from a single prompt — deployed in seconds by StackBlitz
Gemini CLI
Google's free open-source terminal AI coding agent — 1M tokens, no cost
Side-by-side
| Bolt.new | Gemini CLI | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Full-stack apps from a single prompt — deployed in seconds by StackBlitz | Google's free open-source terminal AI coding agent — 1M tokens, no cost |
| Founded | 2024 | 2025 |
| HQ | San Francisco, US | Mountain View, US |
| Employees | 11-50 | 5000+ |
| Total funding | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Latest round | — | corporate-backed · Jun 2025 |
| Valuation | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plan | Pro · $25/mo | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plan | ✓ Free | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier price | Teams · $30/mo | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summary | 4 published plans | Free |
| Categories |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Bolt.new and Gemini CLI.
| Capability | Bolt.new | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDK languages | — | 1 (typescript) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Bolt.new
- Higher Neuron score (82 vs 75)
- More mature (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Gemini CLI
- Newer company (2025)
Which should you choose?
Choose Gemini CLI if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Coding tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Gemini CLI if you want the most established option — it has raised Undisclosed, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Bolt.new vs Gemini CLI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Bolt.new is the leaner option; Gemini CLI is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Bolt.new cheaper than Gemini CLI?
No — Gemini CLI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Bolt.new's is Pro · $25/mo.
Do Bolt.new and Gemini CLI offer free plans?
Bolt.new: Yes, has a free plan. Gemini CLI: Yes, has a free plan.
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