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OpenAI Codex vs Gemini Code Assist

OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and fixes code in the cloud or terminal. Gemini Code Assist: Google's AI coding assistant for VS Code, JetBrains IDEs and the terminal. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

OpenAI Codex

Best for: Developers who want to hand off whole coding tasks.

Stands out for: Works across cloud, terminal and editor; Strong at multi-step tasks.

Gemini Code Assist

Best for: Developers who want a capable free coding assistant.

Stands out for: Generous free tier; Large context window.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of OpenAI Codex, Gemini Code Assist
OpenAI Codex
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Gemini Code Assist
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What it isOpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and fixes code in the cloud or terminal.Google's AI coding assistant for VS Code, JetBrains IDEs and the terminal.
Pricing
PaidIncluded with paid ChatGPT plans
Free + PaidFree for individuals; paid editions for businesses
Free to useNoYes
CategoryAI CodingAI Coding
Editor rank#11 in category#14 in category
Made byOpenAIGoogle
Best forDevelopers who want to hand off whole coding tasks.Developers who want a capable free coding assistant.
Key features
  • Cloud tasks that run in parallel
  • Open-source Codex CLI
  • IDE extension
  • Code review on pull requests
  • Code completion and chat
  • Agent mode for multi-file changes
  • GitHub pull request reviews
  • Works with Gemini CLI
Pros
  • Works across cloud, terminal and editor
  • Strong at multi-step tasks
  • Generous free tier
  • Large context window
Cons
  • Needs a paid ChatGPT plan
  • Enterprise features need a Google Cloud setup
Use it to
  • Ask the agent to fix a bug and open a pull request
  • Generate tests for a module
  • Review a teammate's changes
  • Generate a function from a comment
  • Ask questions about an unfamiliar codebase
  • Get automatic reviews on pull requests
Web app
Windows
Mac
Linux
VS Code

OpenAI Codex vs Gemini Code Assist: questions

Is OpenAI Codex better than Gemini Code Assist?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank OpenAI Codex slightly higher overall in AI Coding, but Gemini Code Assist can be the better fit: Developers who want a capable free coding assistant.

Which is free, OpenAI Codex or Gemini Code Assist?

Gemini Code Assist can be used for free (free + paid), while OpenAI Codex is paid.

Can I use OpenAI Codex and Gemini Code Assist together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example ask the agent to fix a bug and open a pull request with OpenAI Codex, and generate a function from a comment with Gemini Code Assist.

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