# Claude vs OpenAI Codex

> Claude: Anthropic's AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding and working with files
> OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and runs code from terminal, IDE, desktop or cloud

- Claude profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/claude
- OpenAI Codex profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/openai-codex
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/claude-vs-openai-codex
- Last reviewed: November 2026

## Verdict

Claude is listed under AI Assistants and OpenAI Codex under Coding AI. Claude scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (9.1 vs 8.5 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Claude is available on iOS, Android and Chrome Extension. Only OpenAI Codex is available on CLI, VS Code Extension and JetBrains Plugin.

### Choose Claude if

- You want a tool built for coding and code review.
- Free plan includes web search, file creation, code execution and memory.
- Artifacts show generated code and pages beside the chat.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Claude | OpenAI Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Artifacts | Yes | Not listed |
| Projects | Yes | Not listed |
| Claude Code | Yes | Not listed |
| File creation and code execution | Yes | Not listed |
| Web search and Research | Yes | Not listed |
| Memory | Yes | Not listed |
| Connectors | Yes | Not listed |
| Vision and document reading | Yes | Not listed |
| Claude in Chrome | Yes | Not listed |
| Codex CLI | Not listed | Yes |
| IDE extension | Not listed | Yes |
| Desktop app | Limited | 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 | Claude | OpenAI Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Chrome Extension | Yes | No |
| CLI | No | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |

## Claude strengths

- Free plan includes web search, file creation, code execution and memory
- Artifacts show generated code and pages beside the chat
- Claude Code is included with Pro, Max, Ultra and Team
- Connectors use MCP to reach Slack, Google Workspace and other tools
- Available on web, desktop, iOS and as a Chrome extension, plus an API and major cloud platforms

## Claude limitations

- Usage limits on every plan, with weekly caps (and five-hour caps below Ultra) and no published message counts
- Does not generate images
- The higher individual tiers are costly: Max is $100 per month and Ultra is $200 per month
- Linux desktop app is still in beta

## 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 Claude better than OpenAI Codex?**

It depends on your workflow. Claude is built for coding and code review. OpenAI Codex is built for delegating coding tasks to an agent.

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

Claude: Anthropic's AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding and working with files. OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and runs code from terminal, IDE, desktop or cloud. Claude is rated 4.5/5 from 2 user reviews.

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

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

**Which is cheaper, Claude 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.