Claude Code
Hard, multi-step coding work in the terminal when you want the highest benchmark scores.
verified 2026-11-02
Coding agents & AI IDEs
OpenAI Codex
OpenAI's coding agent, available in the CLI, IDE and cloud, included with ChatGPT plans.
Best for: Getting strong agentic coding for the lowest cost per task, starting free with a ChatGPT account.
Pricing
| Free tier | Yes, limited Codex access on ChatGPT Free. |
|---|---|
| Paid plans | 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). |
| Maker | OpenAI |
| Source | https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing |
| Last verified |
Pros
- 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
- Scores below Claude Code on the AA Coding Agent Index
- Higher speed tiers (Ultrafast) need Pro $500 or eligible Enterprise/Edu
Notable facts
- GPT-6.1 Sol (max) in Codex: index 54.1, $1.50/task — source
Comparisons
Alternatives
Cursor
An AI-first code editor for everyday work, with local and cloud agents.
verified 2026-11-02
GitHub Copilot
Teams already on GitHub who want agent mode, cloud agents and code review in their existing IDE.
verified 2026-11-02
Devin (Desktop & Cloud)
Managing several local and cloud coding agents from one IDE, including third-party agents.
verified 2026-11-02
Google Antigravity
Developers on Google's stack who want a free agent-first IDE and CLI powered by Gemini.
verified 2026-11-02
FAQ
Is OpenAI Codex free?
Yes, limited Codex access on ChatGPT Free.
How much does OpenAI Codex cost?
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).
What is OpenAI Codex best for?
Getting strong agentic coding for the lowest cost per task, starting free with a ChatGPT account.
Who makes OpenAI Codex?
OpenAI Codex is made by OpenAI.
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