---
title: Claude API vs Gemini CLI
slug: claude-api-vs-gemini-cli
type: agent-comparison
a: claude-api
b: gemini-cli
canonical: https://top-agent-skills.com/compare/claude-api-vs-gemini-cli
rubric: 1.0
---

# Claude API vs Gemini CLI

Side-by-side for SKILL.md agent Skills: install model, shell access, native support, and how many Skills are verified on each.

## At a glance

| | Claude API | Gemini |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vendor | Anthropic | Google |
| Native SKILL.md support | Yes | Via compatibility layer |
| Verified skills indexed | 13 | 11 |
| Install model | POST /v1/skills | Local folder |
| Shell / Bash access | Sandboxed | Yes |
| Tagline | Claude API + Skills SDK. Pre-built skill_id values plus custom uploads via /v1/skills. | Google's coding agent CLI with a SKILL.md compatibility layer. |

## Overlap

- Verified on both: 2
- Only Claude API: 11
- Only Gemini: 9

## Which should you pick?

Claude API is the deeper SKILL.md target — native support, the broadest verified skill ecosystem, and the closest fit for skill-driven workflows. Gemini CLI works well when you are already invested in the Google ecosystem or need its specific integrations.

Many teams use both — Skills with the SKILL.md spec are portable, and 2 of the skills indexed here are verified on both agents.

Per-agent rankings: https://top-agent-skills.com/skills-for-claude-api · https://top-agent-skills.com/skills-for-gemini-cli

## Common questions

**Which is better for SKILL.md skills, Claude API or Gemini CLI?**

Claude API has native SKILL.md support; Gemini CLI uses a compatibility layer. Claude API has 13 verified skills indexed here; Gemini CLI has 11. 2 skills work on both.

**Can I use the same Skill on Claude API and Gemini CLI?**

2 of the skills indexed here work on both. The SKILL.md spec is shared, so most skills run cleanly on both — the exceptions are skills that depend on agent-specific tools (Bash, Workflows, MCP patterns).

**How do I install a Skill on Claude API?**

POST your Skill zip to /v1/skills. You receive a skill_id. Reference it in your messages request — the model loads the Skill on demand.

**How do I install a Skill on Gemini CLI?**

Drop the folder under ~/.gemini/skills/ for user-wide or .gemini/skills/ for project-scoped. The compatibility layer translates SKILL.md frontmatter automatically.

**Which agent should I pick for cross-platform skill use?**

If native SKILL.md support and the broadest skill ecosystem matter most, pick Claude API. Gemini CLI works for teams already invested in that platform.

---

_Top Agent Skills. Machine-readable twin of https://top-agent-skills.com/compare/claude-api-vs-gemini-cli._