The AI Tool Shelf⚡ ProductivityFree plan
Taskade
Projects, notes and AI agents in one workspace.
Best for: solo founders and small teams who want AI-powered planning
⚡ Productivity
OpenAI Codex Overview
OpenAI's AI coding agent, included with ChatGPT plans.
We may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Quick answer
OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's AI coding agent, included with ChatGPT plans. Best for ChatGPT users who want an AI agent to write and fix code. Pricing: limited on Free and Go ($8); Plus $20/month; Pro $100 or $200/month; API pay per token.
This is an overview based on OpenAI Codex's official information and recent reviews. We have not run our own hands-on test of OpenAI Codex yet.
Best forChatGPT users who want an AI agent to write and fix code
PricingLimited on Free and Go ($8); Plus $20/month; Pro $100 or $200/month; API pay per token
What is OpenAI Codex?
Codex is OpenAI's coding agent. It reads a project, makes changes, runs commands and can hand back a pull request. It runs in the Codex desktop app, the open-source Codex CLI, an IDE extension, cloud tasks on the web and the ChatGPT iOS app.
Key features
- Desktop app with an agent command center
- Open-source Codex CLI
- IDE extension and cloud tasks
- AGENTS.md instructions and MCP
- Frequent updates
Strengths
- Limited free access in the desktop app
- Included with ChatGPT Plus
- Very frequent improvements
Limitations
- Free and Go plans are desktop-only
- Limits change often
Pricing
Limited on Free and Go ($8); Plus $20/month; Pro $100 or $200/month; API pay per token. Prices and plan limits change often, so check the official pricing page for the latest details before you subscribe.
Ready to try OpenAI Codex?
Start with the free option and upgrade only if it fits your work.
Frequently asked questions
What is OpenAI Codex?
Codex is OpenAI's coding agent. It reads a project, makes changes, runs commands and can hand back a pull request. It runs in the Codex desktop app, the open-source Codex CLI, an IDE extension, cloud tasks on the web and the ChatGPT iOS app.
Is OpenAI Codex free?
Limited on Free and Go ($8); Plus $20/month; Pro $100 or $200/month; API pay per token. Plans and limits change often, so check the official pricing page for current details.
Who is OpenAI Codex best for?
OpenAI Codex is best for ChatGPT users who want an AI agent to write and fix code.
What are the downsides of OpenAI Codex?
Free and Go plans are desktop-only. Limits change often.
What are the best alternatives to OpenAI Codex?
Popular alternatives include Taskade (best for solo founders and small teams who want AI-powered planning), ClickUp (best for teams that want projects, docs and AI in a single workspace), Gamma (best for anyone who needs a good-looking presentation fast), Cursor (best for developers and makers building software with AI help), Claude Code (best for developers and makers who want an AI agent to build and fix code).
Sources: OpenAI Codex official website · Codex pricing guide (Morph) · Codex release notes (Releasebot). Features and prices checked October 2026; they change often, so confirm on the official site.
Alternatives to OpenAI Codex
⚡ ProductivityFree plan
ClickUp
Tasks, docs and goals in one app, with ClickUp Brain AI.
Best for: teams that want projects, docs and AI in a single workspace
⚡ ProductivityFree plan
Gamma
AI that turns a prompt into a presentation, document or website.
Best for: anyone who needs a good-looking presentation fast
⚡ ProductivityFree plan
Cursor
An AI code editor that writes and edits code with you.
Best for: developers and makers building software with AI help
⚡ ProductivityPaid only
Claude Code
Anthropic's AI coding agent for the terminal, IDEs, desktop and web.
Best for: developers and makers who want an AI agent to build and fix code