Comparison
Codex vs GitHub Copilot
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Codex | GitHub Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | OpenAI | GitHub / Microsoft |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Proprietary |
| Models | OpenAI models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | IDE, GitHub, CLI |
| MCP | MCP: supported | MCP: supported |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | Agent Skills: supported |
| AGENTS.md | AGENTS.md: supported | AGENTS.md: supported |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ACP: supported |
Key differences
- Codex is open source (Apache-2.0); GitHub Copilot is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
- Codex also runs in Terminal, Desktop, Web; GitHub Copilot also runs in GitHub, 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.
FAQ
- Is Codex or GitHub Copilot open source?
- Codex is open source under Apache-2.0. GitHub Copilot is proprietary.
- Do Codex and GitHub Copilot support MCP servers?
- Codex: yes. GitHub Copilot: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Codex and GitHub Copilot?
- 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
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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.