Head-to-head · verified Nov 2, 2026

Claude Code vs OpenAI Codex

Verdict: Pick Claude Code if you want the top scores on public coding-agent benchmarks and already pay for Claude. Pick Codex if you want to start free, or want the best score per dollar (GPT-6.1 Sol: 54.1 at about $1.50 a task vs 61.7 at about $11.42 for Claude Code with Opus 5.5, per the AA Coding Agent Index).

Side by side

Claude CodeOpenAI Codex
MakerAnthropicOpenAI
Best forHard, multi-step coding work in the terminal when you want the highest benchmark scores.Getting strong agentic coding for the lowest cost per task, starting free with a ChatGPT account.
Free tierNo. Claude Code is not on the Free plan.Yes, limited Codex access on ChatGPT Free.
PaidIncluded in Claude Pro ($20/mo, or $17/mo billed annually), Max ($100/mo, 5x Pro usage) and Ultra ($200/mo). Heavy users can switch to pay-as-you-go API credits.Included with ChatGPT Go ($8/mo), Plus ($20/mo) and Pro ($100, $200 or $500/mo). Business is $20/user/mo billed annually ($25 monthly).
Open sourceNoNo
Pros
  • Top entries on the Terminal-Bench 4.0 board (Oct 26, 2026 snapshot) run in Claude Code
  • Highest Artificial Analysis Coding Agent Index score listed (61.7 with Opus 5.5)
  • One subscription covers Claude chat and Claude Code
  • Usable on ChatGPT Free (limited)
  • Lowest cost per task among top scorers on the AA index (GPT-6.1 Sol: 54.1 at ~$1.50/task)
  • Bundled with ChatGPT, so no separate subscription
Cons
  • No free plan
  • Usage limits reset every 5 hours and weekly
  • Highest listed API cost per task on that index (~$11.42 with Opus 5.5)
  • Scores below Claude Code on the AA Coding Agent Index
  • Higher speed tiers (Ultrafast) need Pro $500 or eligible Enterprise/Edu
Sourcespricing (verified 2026-11-02)pricing (verified 2026-11-02)

Visit Claude Code ↗ Visit OpenAI Codex ↗

FAQ

Claude Code or OpenAI Codex: which should I use?

Pick Claude Code if you want the top scores on public coding-agent benchmarks and already pay for Claude. Pick Codex if you want to start free, or want the best score per dollar (GPT-6.1 Sol: 54.1 at about $1.50 a task vs 61.7 at about $11.42 for Claude Code with Opus 5.5, per the AA Coding Agent Index).

Is Claude Code free?

No. It needs a paid Claude plan (Pro $20/mo or higher).

Is Codex free?

Limited Codex access is included in ChatGPT Free.