Comparison

Codex vs Cursor

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

CodexCursor
MakerOpenAIAnysphere
LicenseApache-2.0Proprietary
ModelsOpenAI modelsSee vendor docs
Runs inTerminal, IDE, Desktop, WebIDE, CLI, Web
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supportedAGENTS.md: supported
ACPACP: supportedACP: supported

Key differences

  • Codex is open source (Apache-2.0); Cursor is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
  • Codex also runs in Terminal, Desktop; Cursor also runs in CLI.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, 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

Cursor

AI editor and coding agent. Supports MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, and runs as both an ACP agent and client.

WebsiteMCP docs

FAQ

Is Codex or Cursor open source?
Codex is open source under Apache-2.0. Cursor is proprietary.
Do Codex and Cursor support MCP servers?
Codex: yes. Cursor: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between Codex and Cursor?
Yes. Both read the open Agent Skills (SKILL.md) format, so the same skill folder works in both.

Set up MCP servers in either one

MCP install guide for CodexMCP install guide for CursorAll official MCP servers

More comparisons

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.