Comparison
Codex vs goose
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Codex | goose | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | OpenAI | Block, now at the Agentic AI Foundation |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Models | OpenAI models | Many providers, including local models |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | Desktop, Terminal, API |
| 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
- Both are open source (Apache-2.0 and Apache-2.0), so you can inspect and self-host either.
- Models: Codex runs OpenAI models; goose runs Many providers, including local models.
- Codex also runs in IDE, Web; goose also runs in API.
- 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 goose open source?
- Codex is open source under Apache-2.0. goose is open source under Apache-2.0.
- Do Codex and goose support MCP servers?
- Codex: yes. goose: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Codex and goose?
- 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
More comparisons
Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.