OpenAI Codex review: our take
Codex is the cheapest way to try a coding agent from a major lab, because it comes with every ChatGPT plan, including Free. On Free and Go it runs in the desktop app with GPT-6 Luna. Plus at $20 a month adds the web, the CLI, the IDE extension and iOS, plus GPT-6.1 Sol, automatic code review and Slack. Pro runs from $100 to $500 a month, and teams can run Codex in automation with an API key at API rates.
The limit is shared usage: Codex and ChatGPT Work draw from the same allowance, and OpenAI retires GPT-5.5 from Codex on October 14, 2026. If you want an agent built around the terminal, compare Claude Code on our Claude Code vs Codex page. For an AI editor, see Cursor.
By the Prompt Hackers team · facts checked 4 Oct 2026
What OpenAI Codex does
Codex reads a repository, writes and edits code, runs coding tasks and reviews pull requests. Free and Go get it in the desktop app with GPT-6 Luna; Plus and above add Codex on the web, in the CLI and IDE extension and on iOS, with GPT-6.1 Sol, automatic code review and a Slack integration. Developers can also run the CLI, SDK or IDE extension with an API key and pay API rates.
Who OpenAI Codex is for
Best for
- ChatGPT subscribers who want an agent at no extra cost
- developers who want to try an agent for free
- teams running Codex in automation with an API key
Not for
- users who want Codex on the web or in the CLI for free: those start with Plus
- heavy users of both chat and coding: ChatGPT Work and Codex share one usage allowance
OpenAI Codex features
- F1Desktop app
- F2CLI
- F3IDE extension
- F4Cloud tasks on the web
- F5Codex on iOS
- F6Automatic code review
- F7Slack integration
- F8API-key mode for automation
OpenAI Codex pricing and plans
| Plan | Monthly | Billed yearly, per month | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | — | GPT-6 Luna at Standard speed in the desktop app, subject to rollout |
| Go | $8 | — | GPT-6 Luna at Standard speed in the desktop app; for lightweight coding tasks |
| Plus | $20 | — | Codex on web, CLI, IDE extension and iOS; GPT-6.1 Sol and GPT-6 Luna; automatic code review and Slack integration |
| Pro | $100 | — | From $100 a month, with $100, $200 and $500 tiers; Astra Ultrafast access on Pro $500 |
| Business | $25 | $20 | Per user, 2+ users; SAML SSO, MFA, larger virtual machines; no training on business data by default |
| Enterprise & Edu | — | — | Contact sales; SCIM, EKM, audit logs and data residency controls |
| API key | — | — | Pay per use at API rates; CLI, SDK and IDE extension; no cloud features |
Free plan: yes. Prices as listed by the vendor in USD, before tax; they change, so check the pricing page before you buy.
OpenAI Codex FAQ
- How much does OpenAI Codex cost?
- Paid plans start at $8/mo, with a discount for yearly billing. Prices checked on 4 Oct 2026.
- Does OpenAI Codex have a free plan?
- Yes, OpenAI Codex has a free plan.
- What are the alternatives to OpenAI Codex?
- Tools that cover the same jobs include Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Google Antigravity.