# Claude Code vs Codex: an honest comparison, and why many devs use both

By Tanveer Gill | Published 2026-10-24

Source: https://traycer.ai/compare/codex-vs-claude-code

> Codex vs Claude Code is mostly a choice of defaults, models and pricing.

![Codex vs Claude Code comparison](https://traycer.ai/cms-img/1200/8abe426a1bcc1974434e6d300f6b0150dc95b6f8-2048x1024.webp)

*By Tanveer Gill. Last checked: October 24, 2026.*

Codex vs Claude Code is mostly a choice of defaults, models and pricing. Both are agentic coding tools that read your repo, edit files and run commands from a CLI, IDE extensions, a desktop app or the cloud, and both start at $20 a month (ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro). Codex fits if you want an open-source (Apache-2.0) CLI, a sandbox that's on by default, a free entry tier and GitHub PR reviews on individual plans. Claude Code fits if you want Claude's models, auto mode for permissions, more ways to run agents in parallel and Remote Control. Many developers use both.

*Both products ship weekly, and model names have changed several times this year. Every fact below links to the official page we checked on October 24, 2026.*

## TL;DR

**Choose Codex if you:**

- Want isolation by default: an OS-enforced sandbox with writes limited to the workspace and network off ([security](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-approvals-security)).
- Work on native Windows and want a sandbox there too ([Windows app](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/windows/windows-app)).
- Want a free or $8 way in, or GitHub PR review on a $20 individual plan ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)).
- Care about an open-source CLI and custom model providers such as Ollama or LM Studio ([repo](https://github.com/openai/codex), [config](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/config-file/config-advanced)).

**Choose Claude Code if you:**

- Prefer Claude's models: Opus 5.5 and Sonnet 5.5 through the `opus` and `sonnet` aliases, with Fable 5.1 when you select it ([model config](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/model-config)).
- Want fewer permission prompts without skipping review, through auto mode ([permission modes](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes)).
- Want many ways to run agents in parallel: subagents, agent view, agent teams, dynamic workflows, projects and `/batch` ([agents](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agents)).
- Want to steer a local session from your phone or another browser with Remote Control ([Remote Control](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/remote-control)).

**Use both if you:**

- Already pay for both and want one to build and the other to review.
- Hit one tool's limits regularly and want a second pool to fall back on.
- Are willing to keep one shared plan so neither agent works from stale context.

## What each tool is (October 2026)

### What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool. It runs in your terminal, in IDE extensions (including JetBrains), in a desktop app for macOS and Windows (Linux is in beta on Ubuntu and Debian), on the web at claude.ai/code, and on your phone through the Claude app ([overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview), [platforms](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/platforms)). It's included in every paid Claude plan: Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise. Claude Free doesn't include it ([pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)).

Install it with the native installer: `curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash` on macOS and Linux ([overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview)).

### What is Codex?

Codex is OpenAI's coding agent. It runs in the Codex CLI, in an IDE extension, in the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux, in Codex Cloud on the web, and on iOS ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing), [desktop app](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/app)). It's part of every ChatGPT plan: Free and Go get it in the desktop app, subject to rollout, and Plus and above add the CLI, IDE extension, web and cloud features ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)).

Install the CLI with `curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | sh`, then run `codex` and sign in with ChatGPT ([Codex CLI](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/codex/cli)).

### Two myths worth dropping

Codex isn't cloud-only, and Claude Code isn't local-only. The Codex CLI runs on your machine inside an OS-enforced sandbox ([security](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-approvals-security)). Claude Code runs cloud sessions at claude.ai/code, and you can start one from the terminal with `claude --cloud` or pull one down with `--teleport` ([Claude Code on the web](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web)). Plenty of comparison pages still get both wrong.

## Codex vs Claude Code: side-by-side comparison

*Last checked: October 24, 2026. Both change often, so re-check prices and model names before you decide.*

| Criterion | Claude Code | Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maker | Anthropic ([overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview)) | OpenAI ([Codex](https://developers.openai.com/codex)) |
| Surfaces | Terminal CLI, IDE extensions (incl. JetBrains), desktop app (macOS, Windows, Linux beta), web, mobile via the Claude app and Remote Control, plus Slack and Chrome integrations ([overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview), [platforms](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/platforms)) | Codex CLI, IDE extension, ChatGPT desktop app (macOS, Windows, Linux), Codex Cloud on the web, iOS, SDK and `codex exec` ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing), [desktop app](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/app)) |
| Cheapest plan that includes it | Claude Pro: $20/mo billed monthly, or $17/mo billed annually ($200 up front). Not on Free ([pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)) | Free ($0) and Go ($8): GPT-6 Luna in the desktop app, subject to rollout. Plus ($20) adds CLI, IDE, web, iOS and cloud integrations ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)) |
| Power tiers | Max 5x at $100/mo, Max 20x at $200/mo ([pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)) | Pro at $100, $200 or $500/mo; Ultrafast mode on Pro $500 ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)) |
| Team plans | Team (2 to 150 users): standard seat $20/mo annual or $25 monthly, premium seat $100 or $125; SSO. Enterprise: $20/seat/mo annual, 20-seat minimum, plus usage at API rates ([pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)) | Business: $20/user/mo annual or $25 monthly (2+ users), SAML SSO. Enterprise and Edu through sales ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)) |
| How limits work | Rolling five-hour sessions plus weekly limits on paid plans, shared with Claude chat. "No fixed message count." Pro is at least 5x Free per session; Max is 5x or 20x Pro ([pricing FAQ](https://claude.com/pricing)) | Local messages per five-hour period, plus possible weekly limits, shared with ChatGPT Work. Plus estimates: GPT-6.1 Sol 15 to 160, GPT-6 Luna 350 to 3,000. Pro: "no five-hour limit" currently ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)) |
| Top models (Oct 2026) | `opus` = Opus 5.5, `sonnet` = Sonnet 5.5, `haiku` = Haiku 5.5 on the Anthropic API. Fable 5.1 only when selected; usage credits on Pro, 50% of weekly limits on Max ([model config](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/model-config), [pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)) | GPT-6.1 Sol recommended for complex work, GPT-6 Luna for focused tasks, GPT-6 Astra most capable. GPT-5.5 retired from ChatGPT-sign-in Codex on Oct 14, 2026 ([models](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/models)) |
| Context window | "Up to 1M, varies by model" ([pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)) | Not published on the Codex models or pricing pages |
| Other model providers | Claude models only, via the Anthropic API, Amazon Bedrock, Google Cloud or Microsoft Foundry ([model config](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/model-config)) | Custom `model_providers`, with built-in `ollama` and `lmstudio` IDs ([advanced config](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/config-file/config-advanced)) |
| License | Proprietary: "All rights reserved", Anthropic Commercial Terms ([repo](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code)) | Apache-2.0 for the CLI ([repo](https://github.com/openai/codex)) |
| Default local safety | Auto mode from v2.1.283: a classifier model reviews actions. Bash sandbox off by default ([permission modes](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes), [sandboxing](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sandboxing)) | OS sandbox on: writes limited to the workspace, network off, approval policy for anything outside ([security](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-approvals-security)) |
| Sandbox tech and Windows | Seatbelt on macOS, bubblewrap on Linux and WSL2. No sandbox on native Windows ([sandboxing](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sandboxing)) | OS-enforced; native Windows sandbox in the Windows app ([security](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-approvals-security), [Windows app](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/windows/windows-app)) |
| Cloud execution | Cloud sessions (claude.ai/code, `--cloud`, `--teleport`) on Pro, Max, Team and eligible Enterprise seats ([web](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web)) | Codex Cloud tasks keep working while your computer is asleep; Plus and above; not with an API key ([cloud](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/cloud), [pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)) |
| Parallel agents | Subagents, agent view (research preview), agent teams (experimental, off by default), dynamic workflows, projects (public beta), worktrees, `/batch` ([agents](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agents)) | Subagents on by default, custom agents, Ultra mode, worktrees ([subagents](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-configuration/subagents), [models](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/models), [worktrees](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/environments/git-worktrees)) |
| Instructions file | CLAUDE.md; can read an existing AGENTS.md in its place ([overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview)) | AGENTS.md, global plus nested ([AGENTS.md](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-configuration/agents-md)) |
| MCP, skills, hooks, plugins | Yes, yes, yes, yes ([overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview), [commands](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/commands)) | Yes, yes, yes, yes ([MCP](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/extend/mcp), [CLI](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/codex/cli), [hooks](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/hooks)) |
| PR review on GitHub | GitHub Actions with `@claude`. Managed Code Review with inline findings on Team and Enterprise only ([GitHub Actions](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/github-actions), [Code Review](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/code-review)) | GitHub code review, automatic reviews and `@codex` on Plus and above, not with an API key. GitLab in preview ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing), [code review](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/code-review)) |
| Local review command | `/code-review` (alias `/review`) on any plan ([commands](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/commands), [Code Review](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/code-review)) | `/review`, without changing your working tree ([Codex CLI](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/codex/cli), [code review](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/code-review)) |
| Remote and mobile | Remote Control from the Claude iOS or Android app or a browser; the session keeps running on your machine ([Remote Control](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/remote-control)) | Mobile remote control and SSH remote connections, listed in the plan feature table ([pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)) |
| Import from the other | `/import codex`: instruction files, MCP servers, commands, subagents, skills ([commands](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/commands)) | `/import` from Claude Code: instructions, settings, skills, plugins and up to 50 chats from the last 30 days ([import](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/import)) |
| Use one inside the other | Not applicable | Official Codex plugin for Claude Code: review, adversarial review, delegation and hand-off; Apache-2.0 ([plugin](https://github.com/openai/codex-plugin-cc)) |

## Pricing and usage limits (Codex pricing vs Claude Code pricing)

**Entry tier.** Both cost $20 a month on monthly billing: ChatGPT Plus and Claude Pro. Claude Pro drops to $17 a month on annual billing, paid as $200 up front ([Claude pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)). Codex also goes below $20: ChatGPT Free and Go ($8) include GPT-6 Luna in the desktop app, subject to rollout ([Codex pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)). Claude Free doesn't include Claude Code.

**Power tiers.** ChatGPT Pro comes in $100, $200 and $500 versions, and only the $500 plan gets Ultrafast mode. Claude Max is $100 for 5x Pro usage or $200 for 20x.

**How limits work.** Both tools meter usage in five-hour windows with weekly limits on top, and both share that pool with the chat product. What they publish differs. OpenAI gives estimated ranges of local messages per five hours on Plus: 15 to 160 for GPT-6.1 Sol and 350 to 3,000 for GPT-6 Luna. It also says Pro plans "currently have no five-hour limit." Anthropic gives multipliers instead: Pro is at least 5x Free per session, Max is 5x or 20x Pro, and there's "no fixed message count." Neither number is a guarantee: both companies say usage depends on the model, the task and how much context the agent carries.

**The top-model catch.** On Claude Pro, the Fable model runs only on usage credits, and on Max it's capped at 50% of weekly limits. On ChatGPT Plus, GPT-6.1 Sol is included.

**When you run out.** On paid Claude plans you can turn on usage credits at standard API rates. ChatGPT Plus and Pro users can buy extra credits, and anyone can run extra local Codex chats with an API key at API rates. If you hit a wall mid-task, check whether the service itself is down first ([Claude Code status](https://traycer.ai/status/claude-code), [Codex status](https://traycer.ai/status/codex)).

**Teams.** ChatGPT Business is $20 per user per month billed annually, or $25 monthly, for two or more users, with SAML SSO. Claude Team standard seats cost the same, $20 annual or $25 monthly, and premium seats with 5x the usage are $100 or $125. Claude Enterprise self-serve is $20 per seat per month billed annually, with a 20-seat minimum, plus usage at API rates.

**What users say about value.** Developer sentiment leans toward Codex on usage per dollar. One r/codex user who pays $200 a month for both [put it this way](https://www.reddit.com/r/codex/comments/1vpv0sv/claude_vs_codex_whats_currently_better_for_coding/): "If I had to choose one, I'd choose Codex. Biggest reason is the amount of usage quota for what you spend is much better on Codex." That's one person's experience, not a measured result.

## Models and context

Claude Code runs Claude models only. On the Anthropic API, the `opus`, `sonnet` and `haiku` aliases resolve to Opus 5.5, Sonnet 5.5 and Haiku 5.5. The `fable` alias resolves to Fable 5.1, and Anthropic's docs say neither Fable model is the default on any plan, so you select it explicitly ([model config](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/model-config)). You can run Claude Code through Amazon Bedrock, Google Cloud or Microsoft Foundry, where the aliases can point to earlier versions. The context window is listed as "up to 1M, varies by model" ([pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)).

Codex recommends GPT-6.1 Sol for complex coding and agentic work and GPT-6 Luna for focused, repeatable tasks. GPT-6 Astra is described as the most capable model ([models](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/models)). GPT-5.5 retired from Codex for ChatGPT sign-in on October 14, 2026. API-key sessions weren't affected. Codex can also talk to other model providers through `model_providers` in its config, with built-in IDs for Ollama and LM Studio ([advanced config](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/config-file/config-advanced)). OpenAI doesn't publish a context window figure on the Codex models or pricing pages, so we don't compare one.

We left benchmark scores out on purpose. Most comparison pages quote numbers for models that have since been retired.

## Safety: sandboxing and permissions

This is the most misreported difference between the two, and it matters more than any benchmark.

**Codex isolates by default.** Network access is off. Locally, an OS-enforced sandbox limits writes to the current workspace, and an approval policy decides when Codex has to ask you ([security](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-approvals-security)). The Auto preset (`--sandbox workspace-write --ask-for-approval on-request`) lets it edit and run commands in the working directory, and asks before it touches anything outside or reaches the network. You can drop to `read-only` for planning. The Windows app has its own native sandbox for PowerShell ([Windows app](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/windows/windows-app)).

**Claude Code reviews by default.** From v2.1.283, interactive sessions start in auto mode, where a second model, the classifier, reviews actions instead of prompting you. On earlier versions, auto mode is the default only on Pro, Max and Team, and organizations with Anthropic's HIPAA configuration start in Manual mode ([permission modes](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes)). Manual mode asks before most edits, shell commands and network calls. Claude Code also has an OS-level sandbox (Seatbelt on macOS, bubblewrap on Linux and WSL2). It's off by default, you turn it on with `/sandbox`, and it covers shell commands only. On native Windows, commands run unsandboxed ([sandboxing](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sandboxing)).

Put simply, Codex puts a wall around the agent from the start. Claude Code puts a reviewer next to it and leaves the wall as an option. You can tighten or loosen either one.

## Parallel work: subagents, agent teams and worktrees

Claude Code documents five ways to run work in parallel ([agents](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agents)):

- **Subagents** do side tasks in their own context and report back a summary.
- **Agent view** (`claude agents`, research preview) dispatches and monitors background sessions from one screen.
- **Agent teams** have a lead coordinate workers with a shared task list and messaging. They're experimental and off by default ([agent teams](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-teams)).
- **Dynamic workflows** run many subagents from a script and cross-check their results.
- **Projects** (public beta on Pro and Max) keep one long-running conversation that spawns threads in the cloud.

On top of that come worktrees (`--worktree`), cross-session messaging and `/batch`, which splits one large change into 5 to 30 worktree-isolated subagents. One line in Anthropic's docs matters for anyone using both tools: "In every approach the workers are Claude sessions. To involve a different tool, expose it to Claude as an MCP server."

Codex has fewer named modes, and the basics are covered. Subagents are on by default in current releases, and you can define custom agents with their own models ([subagents](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-configuration/subagents)). Ultra mode uses subagents to split larger tasks ([models](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/models)). The desktop app runs parallel chats in Git worktrees ([worktrees](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/environments/git-worktrees)), and Codex Cloud tasks keep working while your computer is asleep ([cloud](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/cloud)).

## Code review and GitHub

**Codex.** Run `/review` locally for prioritized findings without changing your working tree. On Plus and above, Codex reviews GitHub pull requests when you tag `@codex` or turn on automatic reviews. These cloud features don't work with API-key sign-in. GitLab merge request reviews are in preview ([code review](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/code-review), [pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing)).

**Claude Code.** Run `/code-review` (alias `/review`) on any plan to check the current diff, or point it at a PR number ([commands](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/commands)). Claude Code GitHub Actions respond to `@claude` in PRs and issues; set them up with `/install-github-app` ([GitHub Actions](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/github-actions)). The managed Code Review service, where several agents review each PR and post verified findings as inline comments, is for Team and Enterprise only ([Code Review](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/code-review)).

For an individual developer who wants every PR reviewed automatically, Codex Plus covers that at $20. On Claude, the managed version needs a Team or Enterprise plan.

## Extensibility: CLAUDE.md vs AGENTS.md, MCP, skills, hooks and plugins

Both tools now support MCP, skills, hooks, plugins and subagents. Two claims that still circulate are no longer true. First, Claude Code does read AGENTS.md: if your repo already has one, it "can read that in place of a CLAUDE.md" ([overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview)). Codex reads `AGENTS.md` globally from `~/.codex` and from nested directories in your repo ([AGENTS.md](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-configuration/agents-md)). Second, Codex does support MCP, managed with `codex mcp` ([MCP](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/extend/mcp)).

The licenses do differ. The Codex CLI is Apache-2.0 on GitHub ([openai/codex](https://github.com/openai/codex)). Claude Code's GitHub repository carries "All rights reserved" under Anthropic's Commercial Terms, so it isn't open source ([anthropics/claude-code](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code)).

## Switching between them is now built in

Moving between the two used to mean rewriting your setup by hand. Now each tool imports from the other.

- **Into Codex:** in the Codex CLI, type `/import` and choose Claude Code. It brings instructions, settings, skills, plugins and up to 50 chats from the last 30 days ([import](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/import)).
- **Into Claude Code:** `/import codex` brings Codex configuration into Claude Code: instruction files, MCP servers, commands, subagents and skills. The docs list configuration, not chats ([commands](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/commands)).
- **Codex inside Claude Code:** OpenAI publishes an official Codex plugin for Claude Code, released March 30, 2026 under Apache-2.0. It adds `/codex:review`, `/codex:adversarial-review`, and commands to delegate work or hand off a session to Codex ([plugin](https://github.com/openai/codex-plugin-cc), [announcement](https://community.openai.com/t/introducing-codex-plugin-for-claude-code/1378186)).

## What developers say

Treat these as anecdotes. They come from individual developers, and the same threads hold opposite opinions.

On value, from r/codex: "I use both extensively (pay 200/mo to both). If I had to choose one, I'd choose Codex." ([u/caldazar24](https://www.reddit.com/r/codex/comments/1vpv0sv/claude_vs_codex_whats_currently_better_for_coding/))

On quality, from the same thread: "Claude while expensive, it's also good. Still best of class, especially on frontend." The same commenter suggests you "may have beter \[sic\] results while using both subscriptions at the same time." ([u/skibidi-toaleta-2137](https://www.reddit.com/r/codex/comments/1vpv0sv/claude_vs_codex_whats_currently_better_for_coding/))

On running both, from r/ClaudeCode: "The thing I'd watch for with two agents is context handoff. Whatever you decided in the planning phase has to survive into implementation, and if that lives only in your head you end up re explaining it every session anyway." ([r/ClaudeCode thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeCode/comments/1vs1hpz/people_using_both_claude_code_and_codex_whats/))

In that same r/ClaudeCode thread, one developer uses Codex for well-defined tasks and Claude for reviews, and another does the reverse. There isn't one right split.

## Why not both? Running Claude Code and Codex side by side

The common splits are simple: Claude builds and Codex reviews, the reverse, or you plan in one and execute in the other. The cost shows up in three places. Context has to move between the two, or decisions made in one session get lost in the next. You're managing two sets of limits. And two agents editing one checkout will step on each other.

You can handle a lot of this yourself. Install the Codex plugin in Claude Code for reviews and hand-offs. Use `/import` in both directions so the setups match. Keep one AGENTS.md that both read, write the plan to a file in the repo, and give each agent its own git worktree.

If you'd rather do it in one workspace, [Traycer](https://docs.traycer.ai/) is an open source (MIT) desktop app for Mac, Windows and Linux that runs Claude Code, Codex and other agents side by side. Claude Code and Codex are on by default and use your own sign-in, so they don't consume Traycer credits ([coding agents](https://docs.traycer.ai/agents-and-models/coding-agents), [pricing](https://docs.traycer.ai/account/pricing)). The one exception is Auto mode's judge when it's set to Automatic. Each agent can get its own worktree ([parallel agents](https://docs.traycer.ai/guides/parallel-agents-on-worktrees)). Plans, tickets and reviews live as artifacts on the Task that both agents read ([artifact workflow](https://docs.traycer.ai/concepts/artifact-workflow)). For "Claude builds, Codex reviews", skip the copy-paste. Ask the Claude Code agent for a Codex review, and it can start a Codex child agent and wait for its reply ([agent-to-agent](https://docs.traycer.ai/concepts/agent-to-agent)). The reviewer runs `$traycer-review`, so Claude gets the findings as a message and a review artifact, then fixes them ([review guide](https://docs.traycer.ai/guides/review-agent-changes)).

This works on the Chat interface. Claude Code sends and receives on both interfaces, while Codex on the Terminal interface can only send ([agent-to-agent](https://docs.traycer.ai/concepts/agent-to-agent)). Traycer shows each provider's remaining usage and can route a blocked chat to another account or an equivalent model. Routing is off by default ([usage and routing](https://docs.traycer.ai/agents-and-models/usage-limits-and-routing)). It also runs agents on your other machines as remote hosts ([remote hosts](https://docs.traycer.ai/concepts/hosts/remote-hosts)). Its browser has a design mode for pointing an agent at a UI element, and the chat can show live HTML visuals of a plan.

## Which should you choose?

**A solo developer on a $20 budget.** Both entry plans cost the same. Pick Codex Plus if you want GitHub PR review and the recommended top model included. Pick Claude Pro if you prefer Claude's models and don't need Fable often. If $20 is too much, Codex's Free and Go tiers are the only way in, subject to rollout.

**A developer who wants the strictest defaults, or works on native Windows.** Codex. Its sandbox is on by default and has a native Windows version. Claude Code's sandbox is opt-in and needs WSL2 on Windows.

**A team that wants a review on every PR.** Codex gives automatic GitHub reviews from Plus up. Claude's managed Code Review, with verified inline findings, needs Team or Enterprise. Claude Code GitHub Actions with `@claude` are the self-managed alternative.

**A developer already paying for both.** Keep both. Build in one, review in the other, and put the plan somewhere both agents can read it.

## FAQ

### Is Claude Code better than Codex?

Neither is better across the board. Codex has safer defaults (sandbox on), a free tier and GitHub PR review on individual plans. Claude Code offers Claude's models, auto mode, agent teams and Remote Control. Choose on budget, safety defaults and model preference, or use both.

### Which is cheaper, Claude Code or Codex?

Both start at $20/month (Claude Pro, ChatGPT Plus), and Claude Pro is $17/month on annual billing. Codex also works on ChatGPT Free and Go ($8) in the desktop app, subject to rollout. Claude Free doesn't include Claude Code. Power tiers start at $100/month for both.

### Which is better, Codex Plus or Claude Pro?

Both cost $20/month billed monthly. Plus includes GPT-6.1 Sol and cloud features such as GitHub code review. On Pro, Claude's Fable model requires usage credits, while Opus and Sonnet are included. Both use five-hour plus weekly limits shared with chat.

### What's the difference between the Codex CLI and Claude Code?

Both run locally in your terminal. The Codex CLI is open source (Apache-2.0) and sandboxed by default. Claude Code is proprietary and starts in auto mode, with an optional OS sandbox for shell commands.

### Is Codex open source? Is Claude Code?

The Codex CLI is open source under Apache-2.0 (github.com/openai/codex). Claude Code isn't open source: its repository is under Anthropic's Commercial Terms.

### Can I use Claude Code and Codex together?

Yes. OpenAI publishes an official Codex plugin for Claude Code for reviews and hand-offs, and both tools can import each other's setup (`/import` in Codex, `/import codex` in Claude Code). A desktop app like Traycer can also run both side by side with shared context.

### Can Claude Code and Codex talk to each other?

Not natively. Claude Code's parallel-agent features run Claude sessions only, and other tools join via MCP. Options include the Codex plugin for Claude Code, a shared plan file or AGENTS.md, or a workspace such as Traycer where agents can message each other.

### Does Claude Code support AGENTS.md?

Yes. Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md and can read an existing AGENTS.md in its place. Codex uses AGENTS.md.

### How do I switch from Claude Code to Codex without losing my setup?

In the Codex CLI, run `/import` and choose Claude Code. It brings instructions, settings, skills, plugins and up to 50 chats from the last 30 days. Going the other way, `/import codex` in Claude Code brings configuration but not chats.

## Try it

- [Run Claude Code and Codex side by side: download Traycer (open source, MIT)](https://traycer.ai/download)
- [See how a second agent reviews the first](https://docs.traycer.ai/guides/review-agent-changes)
- [Bring your existing Claude Code and Codex sessions](https://docs.traycer.ai/first-run)