Comparison

Codex vs Cline

How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.

CodexCline
MakerOpenAICline
LicenseApache-2.0Apache-2.0
ModelsOpenAI modelsSee vendor docs
Runs inTerminal, IDE, Desktop, WebIDE, CLI
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supported?Agent Skills: not yet verified
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supported?AGENTS.md: not yet verified
ACPACP: supportedACP: supported

Key differences

  • Both are open source (Apache-2.0 and Apache-2.0), so you can inspect and self-host either.
  • Codex also runs in Terminal, Desktop, Web; Cline also runs in CLI.
  • Codex supports Agent Skills; we have not verified it for Cline.
  • Codex supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for Cline.
  • Both support MCP, ACP, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.

In their own words

Codex

OpenAI's coding agent across CLI, IDE, ChatGPT and cloud. One of the originators of AGENTS.md, with Skills, MCP and a plugin marketplace.

WebsiteMCP docs

Cline

Open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code and JetBrains with a plan/act workflow and an MCP marketplace.

Website

FAQ

Is Codex or Cline open source?
Codex is open source under Apache-2.0. Cline is open source under Apache-2.0.
Do Codex and Cline support MCP servers?
Codex: yes. Cline: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between Codex and Cline?
Only if both support the Agent Skills format. Check the table above.

Set up MCP servers in either one

MCP install guide for CodexAll official MCP servers

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.