Codex CLI vs OpenCode
Two open-source, terminal-first coding agents compared on models, pricing, workflow, and provider independence.
Updated August 28, 2026 · Independent comparison — Codex CLI, OpenCode are separate products.
Codex CLI
OpenAI's open-source terminal coding agent
Codex CLI is OpenAI's open-source (Apache-2.0) terminal coding agent for local repositories; the CLI is open source while the surrounding cloud product is proprietary. The same agent is available in an IDE extension, on the web and iOS, and in Codex Cloud. It runs through ChatGPT plans (Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise) or an OpenAI API key, and emphasizes configurable approval modes, sandboxing, MCP, AGENTS.md project guidance, and delegation of longer jobs to background Codex Cloud tasks. Its default models are GPT-5.6 and the GPT-5.3-Codex coding model.
OpenCode
Open-source terminal-first coding agent
OpenCode is an open-source (MIT), terminal-first AI coding agent centered on a fast, keyboard-driven TUI, with editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor, and Zed. It is provider-agnostic and connects to 75+ model providers via Models.dev with bring-your-own-key billing, plus first-party gateways — GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT logins, the OpenCode Zen pay-as-you-go catalog, and a flat-rate OpenCode Go subscription ($5 the first month, then $10/month) for curated open coding models. It offers Plan and Build modes (toggle with Tab), built-in LSP, MCP, custom subagents, and shareable sessions.
Bottom line
Two open-source, terminal-first coding agents compared on models, pricing, workflow, and provider independence. Choose Codex CLI if you want OpenAI's GPT-5.x models as the default coding brain; choose OpenCode if you want provider independence — 75+ providers and BYOK, not one vendor.
Pricing & Plans
| Feature | Codex CLI | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Client license | Open source (Apache-2.0) | Open source (MIT) |
| Entry paid plan | ChatGPT Go $8/mo; Plus $20/mo | Free (BYOK) |
| Higher-usage option | ChatGPT Pro from $100/mo | OpenCode Go $10/month (open models) |
| API / usage billing | OpenAI API token pricing | Any of 75+ providers (BYOK) |
| Account required | ✓ | Only for Go / Zen |
Models & Providers
| Feature | Codex CLI | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Model roster | GPT-5.6 and GPT-5.3-Codex | Any model across 75+ providers |
| Multi-vendor models | ✗ | ✓ |
| Provider count | OpenAI only | 75+ via Models.dev |
| First-party gateways | ChatGPT plan / OpenAI API | Copilot/ChatGPT login, Zen, Go |
| In-session model switching | ✓ | ✓ |
Agent Experience
| Feature | Codex CLI | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interface | Terminal CLI | Terminal TUI |
| Plan / review step | Chat / read-only modes | Plan / Build modes (Tab) |
| Approval controls | Configurable approvals + sandbox | Per-step approval |
| MCP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud / parallel work | Codex Cloud tasks | Custom agents / subagents |
| Session sharing | ✗ | /share link |
Developer Workflow
| Feature | Codex CLI | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| IDE integrations | VS Code-compatible + JetBrains | VS Code, Cursor, Zed |
| Headless / scriptable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud offload | Codex Cloud + web/iOS | ✗ |
| Project instructions | AGENTS.md | AGENTS.md |
| LSP diagnostics | Via tools | Built-in LSP |
Platforms & Openness
| Feature | Codex CLI | OpenCode |
|---|---|---|
| Local OS support | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Linux, Windows (WSL) |
| Source availability | Open source (Apache-2.0) | Open source |
| Standout feature | Token-efficient harness + Codex Cloud compute | 75+ providers + keyboard TUI |
| Vendor ecosystem | OpenAI / ChatGPT | Provider-agnostic |
| Open-model subscription | ✗ | OpenCode Go |
The Verdict
Choose Codex CLI if...
- ✓You want OpenAI's GPT-5.x models as the default coding brain.
- ✓You already pay for ChatGPT (Go, Plus, Pro) or use the OpenAI API.
- ✓You value configurable sandboxing and approval modes for local commands.
- ✓You want to offload longer jobs to Codex Cloud and continue on web or iOS.
- ✓You want an open-source CLI backed by a single vendor's stack.
Choose OpenCode if...
- ✓You want provider independence — 75+ providers and BYOK, not one vendor.
- ✓You prefer a fast keyboard TUI with Plan/Build modes and built-in LSP.
- ✓You want OpenCode Go flat-rate access to curated open coding models.
- ✓You edit across VS Code, Cursor, or Zed with one shared agent.
- ✓You want to share sessions via link and script the agent headlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Codex CLI and OpenCode?
Codex CLI is OpenAI's open-source (Apache-2.0) terminal coding agent for local repositories; the CLI is open source while the surrounding cloud product is proprietary. OpenCode is an open-source (MIT), terminal-first AI coding agent centered on a fast, keyboard-driven TUI, with editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor, and Zed.
How much do Codex CLI and OpenCode cost?
Codex CLI: ChatGPT Go $8/mo; Plus $20/mo. OpenCode: Free (BYOK). See the pricing table above for full plan details.
Should I choose Codex CLI or OpenCode?
Choose Codex CLI if you want OpenAI's GPT-5.x models as the default coding brain. Choose OpenCode if you want provider independence — 75+ providers and BYOK, not one vendor.
1DevToolRun both — and more
Torn between Codex CLI and OpenCode? 1DevTool is a multi-agent workspace that runs Codex CLI, OpenCode, Claude Code, Gemini CLI, and Cline 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.