Codex CLI

Name: Codex CLI
Author: OpenAI

03 cli-agent/OpenAI/ACTIVE/aka Codex, OpenAI Codex

Codex is OpenAI's coding agent: an open-source terminal CLI, a desktop app, IDE extensions, and a cloud lane for async tasks, all included in ChatGPT plans.

SEC.01

What it does

01OpenAI models
02Terminal agent loop
03Desktop app (`codex app`)
04Cloud task handoff
05Open-source CLI

SEC.02

Who it's for

OpenAI-native terminal and async coding when you already pay for ChatGPT.

PRICING

Pricing

Included in ChatGPT Free/Go/Plus/Pro/Business/Enterprise; credits for extra usage. List prices as checked against the vendor's pricing page on 2026-09-25; plans change often, so confirm before deciding.

caveat · before you adopt

Included usage varies by ChatGPT plan; extra work is billed as credits and rates differ by model. Check the Codex rate card.

ALT

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caution

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Amp

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OpenCode

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OpenHands

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Goose

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caution

cli · local · Consumer/free tiers ended Jun 18, 2026; API key or Code Assist Standard/Enterprise only

Warp

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Muse Code

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Grok Build

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Kimi Code

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Qwen Code

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Mistral Vibe

Mistral AI · cli-agent

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Crush

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cli · local · Free OSS (FSL-1.1-MIT); BYO provider keys

VENDOR

More from OpenAI

ChatGPT Agent

OpenAI · computer-use

chat/browser · cloud · Included in ChatGPT Plus/Pro/Business; task quotas by tier

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chat/api · cloud · Included in ChatGPT tiers (query limits vary); API via deep-research models

OpenAI Agents SDK

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api · local/cloud · Free (OSS SDK); model usage metered

Head-to-head (1)

→Codex CLI vs Claude Code

FAQ

Frequently asked

What is Codex CLI?

Codex is OpenAI's coding agent: an open-source terminal CLI, a desktop app, IDE extensions, and a cloud lane for async tasks, all included in ChatGPT plans.

Who is Codex CLI for?

OpenAI-native terminal and async coding when you already pay for ChatGPT.

How much does Codex CLI cost?

Does Codex CLI run locally or in the cloud?

Codex CLI runs locally on your machine and in the vendor's cloud. Its interfaces are a terminal (CLI), an editor/IDE surface, an API or protocol.

What are alternatives to Codex CLI?

Other CLI agent entries in the catalog: Claude Code, Aider, Amp, OpenCode, OpenHands, Goose, Gemini CLI, Warp, Muse Code, Grok Build, Kimi Code, Qwen Code, Mistral Vibe, Crush. Different categories solve the same problem differently — see the CLI & terminal agents category page for tradeoffs.

What should I know before adopting Codex CLI?

Included usage varies by ChatGPT plan; extra work is billed as credits and rates differ by model. Check the Codex rate card.