Codex vs Cursor
Codex and Cursor are both Code Generation tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Codex | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | OpenAI | Cursor |
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 4.8 |
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | CLI, IDE, Cloud, Web | Desktop |
| Key features | Cloud sandbox task execution, Codex CLI (open source), IDE extension | AI code generation, Code explanation, Smart completion |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2025 | 2023 |
| Open source | No | No |
Key differences
- Cursor has a higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.5★).
- Codex is Paid, while Cursor is Freemium.
- Codex runs on CLI, IDE, Cloud, Web; Cursor runs on Desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Codex or Cursor better?
By user rating, Cursor scores higher (4.8★ vs 4.5★). Both are capable Code Generation tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, Codex or Cursor?
Codex is Paid and Cursor is Freemium. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are Codex and Cursor open source?
No — neither Codex nor Cursor is open source.