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Cursor vs Claude Code vs Codex CLI: three coding tools side by side

Cursor is an editor from $8 per month, Claude Code is a terminal agent included in paid Claude plans from $17 to $20 per month, and Codex CLI is an open-source terminal agent included with ChatGPT plans. Pick by where you work and which account you already pay for. We smoke-tested Claude Code and Codex CLI with a small local model, not Cursor, so this page does not rank quality.

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Evidence: Reported for prices and features (read Oct 27, 2026, America/Chicago). Claude Code and Codex CLI were each smoke-tested on 2026-10-25 with a small local model; Cursor was not run.

Side by side

Cursor, Claude Code and Codex CLI compared
FeatureCursorClaude CodeCodex CLI
FormAI code editorTerminal agent, also IDE, desktop and webTerminal agent
Price$8 to $200 per month (Free tier)Paid Claude plans: $17 to $20 Pro, Max from $100; not on FreeFree software; usage in ChatGPT plans
Open sourceNoNoYes (Apache-2.0)
ModelsGrok on Plus; third-party at API price on PremiumClaude modelsOpenAI models, or a local model
Our testNot runTested Oct 25Tested Oct 25

How to pick

FAQ

Which is best: Cursor, Claude Code or Codex?

There is no verified winner. We compare price and fit: Cursor from $8 per month, Claude Code with paid Claude plans, Codex CLI with ChatGPT plans. Our smoke tests of Claude Code and Codex CLI used a small local model and do not rank quality.

Which is cheapest?

Codex CLI and opencode are free software, but model usage costs money unless run locally. Among paid entry points, Cursor Plus is $8 per month and Claude Pro is $17 billed annually or $20 monthly.

Sources

Page history

  • : First published. Facts read from the sources listed below on this date.

Markdown version for agents: /compare/cursor-vs-claude-code-vs-codex-cli.md