AI coding · Head to head
OpenAI Codex vs Gemini CLI: which is better?
Short answer
OpenAI Codex costs less in the first year ($96 vs $239.88). Pick OpenAI Codex for coding agent bundled with ChatGPT; pick Gemini CLI for terminal coding with Google account sign-in.
| Fact | OpenAI Codex | Gemini CLI | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Coding agent bundled with ChatGPT | Terminal coding with Google account sign-in | — |
| Free plan | Yes, limited Codex access | Yes, 1,000 requests/day | Tie |
| Entry plan | Go: $8 / mo | Google AI Pro: $19.99 / mo | OpenAI Codex |
| Mid plan | Plus: $20 / mo | Google AI Ultra 5x: $99.99 / mo | OpenAI Codex |
| Top plan | Pro: $100 / mo | Google AI Ultra 20x: $199.99 / mo | OpenAI Codex |
| 1st year | $96 | $239.88 | OpenAI Codex |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, API | macOS, Linux, Windows | OpenAI Codex |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, OpenAI Codex or Gemini CLI?
OpenAI Codex costs less in the first year ($96 vs $239.88).
| 1st year | OpenAI Codex | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $96 | $239.88 |
| Mid | $240 | $1,199.88 |
| Top | $1,200 | $2,399.88 |
Which has the better free plan, OpenAI Codex or Gemini CLI?
Neither stands out: OpenAI Codex: Yes, limited Codex access; Gemini CLI: Yes, 1,000 requests/day.
Should you pick OpenAI Codex or Gemini CLI?
Pick OpenAI Codex if
- you want coding agent bundled with ChatGPT
- the free plan is enough (limited Codex access)
Pick Gemini CLI if
- you want terminal coding with Google account sign-in
- the free plan is enough (1,000 requests/day)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI Codex pricing | chatgpt.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Gemini CLI pricing | geminicli.com/docs/resources/quota-and-pricing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare