AI coding tools compared
| OpenAI Codex | Claude Code | Cursor | GitHub Copilot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Multi-surface agent | Terminal agent | AI code editor | IDE extension |
| Surfaces | Desktop, CLI, IDE, Cloud, Mobile | CLI, Web, Mobile monitoring | Cursor editor only | VS Code, JetBrains, others |
| Starting price | Free ($0), Plus at $20/mo | $20/mo (Pro) or API | $20/mo (Pro) | $10/mo (Individual) |
| Sandbox model | OS native (Seatbelt, bubblewrap, Windows Sandbox) | Permission prompts, six modes | Editor undo system | Editor undo system |
| Mobile control | Full remote control (ChatGPT app) | Monitoring and dispatch (Claude app) | ||
| Scheduled tasks | Automations (cron, daily, weekly) | Cloud routines (research preview) | ||
| Computer Use | Yes (macOS, Windows; not in EEA/UK/CH) | Research preview (Pro/Max) | ||
| Extensibility | Hooks, Automations, MCP (client+server), skills, plugins | 27 hook events, MCP, agents, skills, 4-tier config, dynamic workflows | Custom rules, MCP, plugins | Extensions, Copilot plugins |
| AI models | GPT-5.5, GPT-5.4, GPT-5.3-Codex, GPT-5.4-mini + any compatible provider | Claude Opus 4.8, Sonnet 4.6, Haiku | Multiple providers (Claude, GPT, Gemini) | OpenAI models |
| Open source | CLI, SDK, App Server (Apache 2.0) |
When to choose Codex
Codex is the strongest choice when you want the broadest multi-surface experience (work on your desktop, steer from your phone, delegate to the cloud, all from one configuration) with OS native sandboxing for strong security defaults. It also has a free tier and an open source CLI, making it the lowest barrier-to-entry option for trying agentic coding. If you need the deepest customization and lifecycle extensibility, Claude Code is the stronger option.
Combining tools for the best workflow
These tools are not mutually exclusive. Many developers use Codex Cloud for background tasks (feature implementation, migrations, bulk refactors) while keeping Claude Code for interactive terminal work that requires deep local access and extensibility. The Codex CLI can even run as an MCP server that Claude Code invokes via the openai/codex-plugin-cc plugin, letting you use both agents from a single session.