Does Cursor or Codex CLI have a free plan?

Cursor is available for free. Codex CLI is a paid tool. Always verify current pricing directly with the vendor.

Cursor vs Codex CLI

Q: Can I use Cursor and Codex CLI together?

Yes, many teams use both tools together for different purposes. Use the Stack Builder section above to combine Cursor and Codex CLI with other tools and save your AI toolkit.

Comprehensive side-by-side comparison — features, pricing, performance, and more.

Updated May 2026

Cursor

Anysphere, Inc.

Built to make you extraordinarily productive, Cursor is the best way to code with AI.

0.0(0)

G2 4.7★(20)

FREEMIUM

66% data quality

Codex CLI

OpenAI

Automate code generation with AI from the command line

0.0(0)

PAID

85% data quality

Trust & Reliability

Cursor

Customers (per vendor):Stripe, OpenAI, Datadog +7

GDPR

SOC 2

Codex CLI

Overall Winner: Cursor

8.0/10 vs Codex CLI at 5.5/10

Leads in:

Output Quality

Ease of Use

Value for Money

AI Comparison Summary

Cursor

8.0

avg score

Codex CLI

5.5

avg score

Cursor leads overall — particularly in Ease of Use and Output Quality and 3 more.

Based on 6 dimensions

How scores are calculated

Overall Winner

Cursor

8.0 / 10

Cursor

Best For

Individual developers seeking AI-powered coding assistance

Engineering teams aiming to accelerate development cycles

Organizations needing advanced code review and debugging tools

Developers working with complex or large codebases

Not Ideal For

Beginner programmers who prefer a simpler, non-AI-assisted environment

Teams strictly requiring on-premise or fully self-hosted AI models for all operations

Users who prefer a lightweight text editor over a full-featured IDE

Codex CLI

Best For

Automating code generation tasks

Integrating AI into CLI workflows

Developers seeking terminal-based AI coding assistance

Not Ideal For

Non-technical users

Visual learners

Teams needing extensive GUI-based collaboration

* Verdict is based on our algorithmic scoring of publicly available data. Learn about our methodology

Cursor is best for

💻Coding & Dev10.0🤖Automation & Agents7.0✍️Writing & Content3.0

Codex CLI is best for

🤖Automation & Agents7.0🔍Research7.0🎧Customer Support7.0

Filter by your use case:

Pros & Cons

Cursor

Pros

Significantly boosts developer productivity
Deep codebase understanding for accurate AI assistance
Supports a wide range of cutting-edge AI models
Integrates seamlessly into existing developer workflows (GitHub, Slack)
Offers robust enterprise-grade security and compliance features
Provides flexible deployment across desktop, CLI, web, and mobile

Cons

Requires developers to adapt to an AI-first IDE workflow
Advanced features and integrations are primarily for paid tiers
Reliance on external LLM providers for core AI capabilities
Potential for high switching costs due to deep integration into development environment
No explicit mention of on-premise deployment for core product

Codex CLI

Pros

Command-line interface for quick access
Integrates AI into developer workflows
Potentially automates repetitive coding tasks

Cons

Requires command-line proficiency
Limited to text-based interaction
Specific AI model capabilities not detailed in content

Weighted Score — Adjust What Matters to You

Pick a profile or drag sliders — scores and radar update instantly on the right.

Quick profiles:

Ease of Use5

Output Quality5

Value for Money5

Customizability5

Support & Ecosystem5

Integration Power5

Dimension Comparison

Cursor

8.0

/ 10

Clear winner

Codex CLI

5.5

/ 10

Dimension Breakdown

Ease of Use

How easy it is to get started and use daily

Cursor

8.0▲ +2.0

Codex CLI

6.0

Output Quality

Quality and accuracy of generated results

Cursor

9.0▲ +2.0

Codex CLI

7.0

Value for Money

Cost vs. features and output quality

Cursor

8.0▲ +2.0

Codex CLI

6.0

Customizability

Calculated

Ability to tailor to specific needs

Cursor

8.0▲ +3.0

Codex CLI

5.0

Support & Ecosystem

Documentation, community, and support quality

Cursor

7.0

Codex CLI

8.0▲ +1.0

Integration Power

Calculated

Ability to connect with other tools and workflows

Cursor

8.0▲ +7.0

Codex CLI

1.0

Calculated = derived from verified integration count and API/open-source signals. AI = LLM-assessed from public website content. Methodology

Data is sourced from public information and vendor websites. It may not always be up-to-date — verify pricing and features directly with the vendor before purchasing.Report inaccuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cursor or Codex CLI?

Both are strong options. Cursor has a rating of 0.0/5 (0 reviews), while Codex CLI has a rating of 0.0/5 (0 reviews). The best choice depends on your specific use case, budget, and workflow requirements.

Is Cursor cheaper than Codex CLI?

Cursor starts at free (freemium model). Codex CLI starts at free (paid model). Use the Cost Calculator above for a detailed estimate.

What are the main differences between Cursor and Codex CLI?

Cursor — "Built to make you extraordinarily productive, Cursor is the best way to code with AI.". Codex CLI — "Automate code generation with AI from the command line". Key differences include their pricing models, platform support, integrations, and technical capabilities. See the Feature Comparison table above for a complete side-by-side breakdown.

Can I use Cursor and Codex CLI together?

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