Codex CLI vs Claude Code
Two terminal-first AI coding agents compared across models, pricing, workflow, and openness.
Updated June 30, 2026 · Independent comparison — Codex CLI and Claude Code are separate products.
Codex CLI
OpenAI's open-source terminal coding agent
Codex CLI is OpenAI's open-source terminal coding agent for local repositories, with the same agent available across the CLI and IDE extension. It can run through ChatGPT plans or an OpenAI API key, and it emphasizes approval modes, sandboxing, MCP, AGENTS.md guidance, and Codex Cloud delegation.
Claude Code
Anthropic's terminal-first coding agent
Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool for terminal-first development, IDE use, desktop, browser, and mobile workflows. It pairs Claude Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku models with plan mode, slash commands, subagents, hooks, skills, MCP, remote sessions, and Claude Code on the web.
Bottom line
Two terminal-first AI coding agents compared across models, pricing, workflow, and openness. Choose Codex CLI if you want an open-source CLI you can inspect, build, or contribute to; choose Claude Code if you already use Claude Pro or Max and want Claude Code included in that subscription.
Pricing
| Feature | Codex CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Limited Codex access | ✗ |
| Subscription bundle | ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Edu, Enterprise | Claude Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise |
| Entry paid plan | $8/month Go; $20/month Plus | $20/month Pro |
| Higher-usage plan | Pro from $100/month | Max from $100/month |
| API billing option | OpenAI API token pricing | Anthropic API token pricing |
Models
| Feature | Codex CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model family | GPT-5.5 / GPT-5.4 / GPT-5.4 mini | Claude Opus 4.8 / Sonnet 4.6 / Haiku 4.5 |
| Coding-optimized option | GPT-5.3 Codex Spark preview | Claude Sonnet and Opus 4.x |
| Fast or lower-cost option | GPT-5.4 mini | Claude Haiku 4.5 |
| In-session model switching | ✓ | ✓ |
| API-key model access | ✓ | ✓ |
Agent Experience
| Feature | Codex CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive terminal agent | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plan before editing | Chat/read-only modes | Plan mode |
| Approval controls | Configurable approvals + sandbox | Permission modes + approvals |
| Parallel delegation | Subagents + Codex Cloud tasks | Subagents + cloud tasks |
| Project instructions | AGENTS.md | CLAUDE.md + skills |
Developer Workflow
| Feature | Codex CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| IDE integrations | VS Code-compatible + JetBrains | VS Code + JetBrains |
| Cloud/offloaded work | Codex Cloud tasks | Claude Code on the web |
| Code review workflow | Local and cloud reviews | /code-review + GitHub app |
| Non-interactive scripting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web/mobile continuation | Codex web and iOS | claude.ai/code + Claude mobile |
Platforms & Openness
| Feature | Codex CLI | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|
| Local OS support | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Linux, Windows |
| Source availability | Open-source CLI (Apache-2.0) | Closed-source product; public Agent SDK |
| MCP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extensibility surface | MCP, AGENTS.md, config, subagents | MCP, hooks, skills, subagents, plugins |
| Default ecosystem | ChatGPT + OpenAI API | Claude + Anthropic API |
The Verdict
Choose Codex CLI if...
- ✓You want an open-source CLI you can inspect, build, or contribute to.
- ✓You already pay for ChatGPT or want Codex included across ChatGPT plans.
- ✓You prefer GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.4 model access with OpenAI API billing for heavier runs.
- ✓You value explicit sandbox and approval configuration for local commands and file edits.
- ✓You want a workflow that moves between terminal, VS Code-compatible IDEs, and Codex Cloud tasks.
Choose Claude Code if...
- ✓You already use Claude Pro or Max and want Claude Code included in that subscription.
- ✓You prefer Claude Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku 4.x models for planning and code edits.
- ✓You want deeper built-in extension points such as hooks, skills, subagents, slash commands, and plugins.
- ✓You rely on Claude Code on the web, remote control, or mobile review for cloud tasks.
- ✓You like plan mode and a terminal-first workflow centered on Claude's command and permission system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Codex CLI and Claude Code?
Codex CLI is OpenAI's open-source terminal coding agent for local repositories, with the same agent available across the CLI and IDE extension. Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool for terminal-first development, IDE use, desktop, browser, and mobile workflows.
How much do Codex CLI and Claude Code cost?
Codex CLI: $8/month Go; $20/month Plus. Claude Code: $20/month Pro. See the pricing table above for full plan details.
Should I choose Codex CLI or Claude Code?
Choose Codex CLI if you want an open-source CLI you can inspect, build, or contribute to. Choose Claude Code if you already use Claude Pro or Max and want Claude Code included in that subscription.
1DevToolRun both — and more
Torn between Codex CLI and Claude Code? Run both in 1DevTool, a multi-agent workspace that runs Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI (and Cline/OpenCode) side by side in persistent terminals; bring your own keys or subscriptions, no lock-in. It adds a built-in HTTP client, 13-engine database client, and embedded browser, all wired into Send-to-AI. One-time $29, no subscription.