| Jules | Claude Code | OpenAI Codex | GitHub Copilot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Async cloud agent | Terminal agent | Cloud agent | IDE extension |
| Execution | Cloud VM (async) | Local machine (real time) | Cloud sandbox (async) | Local (extension) |
| Starting price | Free (15 tasks/day) | $20/mo (Pro) or API | $20/mo (ChatGPT Pro) | $10/mo (Individual) |
| Powered by | Gemini 3 Flash / Pro | Claude models | OpenAI models (o3, GPT-4.1) | OpenAI models |
| Interaction model | Submit and forget | Real time terminal | Submit and review | Inline suggestions + chat |
| Proactive features | Yes (suggested, scheduled, CI fix) | |||
| Critic agent | Yes (built in) | |||
| Git integration | GitHub native (issues, PRs, comments) | Deep (commits, PRs, branches) | GitHub (auto PRs) | GitHub native |
| Local file access | No (cloud only) | No (cloud only) | ||
| CLI / API | Yes (both) | Yes (CLI) | Codex CLI (open source) | Limited |
| Extensibility | AGENTS.md, API | MCP, hooks, agents, skills | AGENTS.md | Extensions, plugins |
AI coding agents compared
When to choose Jules
Jules is the strongest choice when you want a free, fire and forget coding agent that delivers pull requests asynchronously. Its proactive features (suggested tasks, scheduled maintenance, CI fixer) are unmatched by any competitor. Choose Jules for background task delegation, automated code maintenance, and teams that want AI contributions to flow through the standard GitHub PR review process. Choose Claude Code if you need real time interaction, local file access, and maximum extensibility. Choose Codex if you are already in the ChatGPT ecosystem and want cloud execution with OpenAI models.
Combining Jules with other tools
Jules is not a replacement for your IDE or terminal agent. Many developers use Jules for background tasks (dependency upgrades, bug fixes, test writing) while using Claude Code or Cursor for interactive, real time coding. Jules handles the maintenance work that piles up in your backlog, freeing you to focus on creative, high value development with your preferred interactive tool.