OpenAI Codex
OpenAI's cloud and CLI coding agent.
free tierWeb, CLI, IDE
A strong alternative: listed as runner-up for hand off tasks to a coding agent.
Why use it
It comes with ChatGPT, even the Free plan in a limited form, and runs in the cloud or your terminal.
Skip it if you need heavy daily use on the Free plan; the free limits are tight.
Pricing
Included in ChatGPT: Free (limited), Go $8, Plus $20, Pro $100/$200/$500. Business $25/user/mo ($20 yearly). Or pay API rates with a key. Checked Oct 14, 2026 on the official pricing page.
Where OpenAI Codex shows up
Alternatives
Runner-upClaude Codeclaude.com
Anthropic's agentic coding tool for the terminal and IDE.
paidChecked Oct 14, 2026
Runner-upGitHub Copilotgithub.com
GitHub's AI pair programmer and coding agent.
free tierChecked Oct 14, 2026
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