Comparison

Gemini CLI vs Factory Droid

How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.

Gemini CLIFactory Droid
MakerGoogleFactory
LicenseApache-2.0Proprietary
ModelsGoogle Gemini modelsSee vendor docs
Runs inTerminalTerminal, IDE, CI/CD
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supportedAGENTS.md: supported
ACPACP: supportedACP: supported

Key differences

  • Gemini CLI is open source (Apache-2.0); Factory Droid is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
  • Factory Droid also runs in IDE, CI/CD.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, ACP, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.

In their own words

Gemini CLI

Google's open-source terminal agent for Gemini models, with MCP servers, extensions, Skills and AGENTS.md support.

WebsiteMCP docs

Factory Droid

Delegates whole tasks (refactors, migrations, incident response) to Droids from IDE, CLI or CI/CD.

Website

FAQ

Is Gemini CLI or Factory Droid open source?
Gemini CLI is open source under Apache-2.0. Factory Droid is proprietary.
Do Gemini CLI and Factory Droid support MCP servers?
Gemini CLI: yes. Factory Droid: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between Gemini CLI and Factory Droid?
Yes. Both read the open Agent Skills (SKILL.md) format, so the same skill folder works in both.

Set up MCP servers in either one

MCP install guide for Gemini CLIAll official MCP servers

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.