# Cursor vs OpenAI Codex

> Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents
> OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and runs code from terminal, IDE, desktop or cloud

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

## Verdict

Cursor and OpenAI Codex are both Coding AI tools. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Cursor is available on iOS. Only OpenAI Codex is available on VS Code Extension and JetBrains Plugin and offers an API.

### Choose Cursor if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests.
- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support.
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Cursor | OpenAI Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Agents | Yes | Not listed |
| Cloud agents | Yes | Not listed |
| Tab and inline edits | Yes | Not listed |
| Codebase indexing | Yes | Not listed |
| Model choice | Yes | Not listed |
| Bugbot code review | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI | Yes | Not listed |
| Slack app and iOS app | Yes | Not listed |
| Marketplace and rules | Yes | Not listed |
| Privacy mode | 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 | Cursor | OpenAI Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | No | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |

## Cursor strengths

- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks
- Choice of models from several providers, including Cursor's own
- Covers editor, CLI, web, Slack, iOS and PR review in one product
- Privacy mode and SOC 2 and ISO certifications for team use

## Cursor limitations

- Third-party model usage is billed separately from the plan at API list price
- Pricing is bundled with Grok and uses weekly usage pools, which makes costs harder to predict
- No Android app, and the iOS app only controls local agents
- Indexing can be heavy on very large repositories

## 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 Cursor better than OpenAI Codex?**

It depends on your workflow. Cursor is built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests. OpenAI Codex is built for delegating coding tasks to an agent.

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

Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents. OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and runs code from terminal, IDE, desktop or cloud. Cursor is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

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

**Which is cheaper, Cursor 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.