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Claude Code vs OpenAI Codex (2026)

Side-by-side prices, plans and who each one is for. Checked 2026-10-14.

Claude CodeOpenAI Codex
Works interminal, editorterminal, editor, browser
Skill levelintermediate, prointermediate, pro
Free planNoYes
Cheapest paid plan$20/mo$20/mo
Team pricing$25/user/mo$25/user/mo
Best forexisting, automation, webappexisting, automation, webapp
Try Claude CodeTry OpenAI Codex

Pick Claude Code if...

  • you're comfortable in the terminal
  • you want an agent that edits many files in a large repo
  • you already pay for Claude Pro or Max

Pick OpenAI Codex if...

  • you already pay for ChatGPT Plus or Pro
  • you want CLI, IDE and cloud agents from OpenAI
  • you'd rather pay API prices with your own key
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Claude Code plans

PlanPriceNotesStatus
FreeFreeClaude chat only. Claude Code is NOT includedverified
Pro$20/mo ($17/mo billed annually)Includes Claude Code; $17/mo billed annually ($200/yr)verified
Maxfrom $100/mo5x or 20x Pro usage; includes $100-$200/mo API credits. Exact 20x price not shown on pageverified
Max 20xNot verifiedPage only says 'From $100'unverified
Team Standard seat$25/mo per user ($20/mo billed annually)2-150 usersverified
Team Premium seat$125/mo per user ($100/mo billed annually)5x Standard usageverified
Enterprise$20/mo per user$20/seat/month plus usage at API rates, billed annuallyverified

Sources: www.anthropic.com/pricing

OpenAI Codex plans

PlanPriceNotesStatus
ChatGPT FreeFreeLimited Codex accessverified
ChatGPT GoNot verifiedLimited Codex; price not shown on pageunverified
ChatGPT Plus$20/moExpanded Codex usagesearch only
ChatGPT Pro 100$100/moMonthly onlysearch only
ChatGPT Pro 200$200/moMonthly onlysearch only
ChatGPT Pro 500$500/moIncludes Ultrafastsearch only
Business Standard seat$25/mo per user ($20/mo billed annually)2-200 usersverified
Business Premium seat$125/mo per user ($100/mo billed annually)5x usage, no 5-hour limitverified
API key (gpt-5.3-codex)Custom / not listed$1.75 in / $14 out per 1M tokensverified

Sources: chatgpt.com/pricing chatgpt.com/codex/pricing/ openai.com/api/pricing/ help.openai.com/en/articles/9793128-about-chatgpt-pro-tiers platform.openai.com/docs/pricing

FAQ

Is Claude Code or OpenAI Codex cheaper?

Claude Code paid plans start at $20/month and OpenAI Codex at $20/month (checked 2026-10-14). They start at the same price.

Does Claude Code or OpenAI Codex have a free plan?

Claude Code: no. OpenAI Codex: yes.

Which is better for beginners, Claude Code or OpenAI Codex?

Claude Code is aimed less at beginners. OpenAI Codex is aimed less at beginners.

Still unsure? Take the 30-second quiz.

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