Best Model for Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI runs on Google's Gemini models, all of which carry a 1M-token context. Gemini 3.1 Pro is the quality flagship; Gemini 3.5 Flash is the fast, well-priced everyday default; and Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite is the cheapest option for high-volume calls.

Read the full Gemini CLI review → · updated 2026-06-22

#1Gemini 3.1 ProGoogle · $5.00/1M · 1.0M ctx

The flagship — frontier quality and the best long-context recall, for the hardest tasks and biggest codebases.

Overall 89/100 · Value 49 · 77% community winFull breakdown →

#2Gemini 3.5 FlashGoogle · $3.75/1M · 1.0M ctx

The everyday default: fast, multimodal, a 1M context, and a great price for the quality.

Overall 89/100 · Value 52 · 77% community winFull breakdown →

#3Gemini 3.1 Flash LiteGoogle · $0.63/1M · 1.0M ctx

The cheapest way to keep a 1M context — ideal for high-volume, low-complexity steps on Gemini CLI's free-tier quota.

Overall 77/100 · Value 70 · 71% community winFull breakdown →

FAQ

Which Gemini model should I use in Gemini CLI?

Gemini 3.5 Flash for everyday work, Gemini 3.1 Pro when you need top quality or the best long-context recall, and Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite to keep high-volume calls cheap. All three offer a 1M-token context.

Is Gemini CLI free with these models?

Gemini CLI has a generous free tier with a personal Google account that covers real daily use; beyond that you pay Gemini API rates. Flash Lite and Flash keep paid usage inexpensive.

The model is half the story — the agent is the other half

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