# Amp vs OpenAI Codex

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and runs code from terminal, IDE, desktop or cloud

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- OpenAI Codex profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/openai-codex
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-openai-codex
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Amp and OpenAI Codex are both Coding AI tools. OpenAI Codex scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.5 vs 7.9 out of 10), led by ease of use and value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only OpenAI Codex is available on VS Code Extension and JetBrains Plugin.

### Choose Amp if

- You want a tool built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session.
- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.

### Choose OpenAI Codex if

- You want a tool built for delegating coding tasks to an agent.
- Included with ChatGPT plans, with a free tier and an $8 Go tier.
- Open-source CLI under the Apache-2.0 license.

## Pricing

| | Amp | OpenAI Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Amp | OpenAI Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbs | Yes | Not listed |
| Portals | Yes | Not listed |
| Event-driven wake-ups | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Not listed |
| Changes tab | Yes | Not listed |
| The Dial | Yes | Not listed |
| Puck | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI and runners | Yes | Not listed |
| amp sync | Yes | Not listed |
| Codex CLI | Not listed | Yes |
| IDE extension | Not listed | Yes |
| Desktop app | Not listed | Yes |
| Cloud tasks | Not listed | Yes |
| Code review | Not listed | Yes |
| Non-interactive mode | Not listed | Yes |
| MCP, skills and plugins | Not listed | Yes |
| Subagents and web search | Not listed | Yes |
| Session resume and images | Not listed | Yes |
| Mobile remote control | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | OpenAI Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |

## Amp strengths

- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.
- Works across web, Mac, terminal and CI runners, with event triggers from Linear, GitHub and schedules.
- Multiplayer orbs let teammates share an agent, terminal and running app.
- Teams plan adds SSO, pooled credits and shared model routing at no extra seat charge.

## Amp limitations

- The Mac app requires macOS 26 or later and the Mac and iOS apps are labelled beta.
- No App Store iOS release yet; mobile access is through TestFlight.
- Orb rates, overage behaviour and Gigawatt pricing are not published on the pricing page.
- Pay-as-you-go orbs on the free tier make costs less predictable than a flat subscription.

## OpenAI Codex strengths

- Included with ChatGPT plans, with a free tier and an $8 Go tier
- Open-source CLI under the Apache-2.0 license
- Available in the terminal, VS Code-based editors, the ChatGPT desktop app and the cloud
- Supports MCP, skills, plugins and subagents
- API-key option lets teams pay at API rates instead of a subscription

## OpenAI Codex limitations

- Plus has message limits per five hours that vary widely by model
- Cloud features are not available on the API Key plan
- Higher usage needs Pro, which starts at $100 per month
- Free and Go plans offer only GPT-6 Luna in the desktop app

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than OpenAI Codex?**

It depends on your workflow. Amp is built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session. OpenAI Codex is built for delegating coding tasks to an agent.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and OpenAI Codex?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and runs code from terminal, IDE, desktop or cloud.

**Does Amp or OpenAI Codex have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Amp is freemium and OpenAI Codex is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Amp or OpenAI Codex?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.