Comparison
Codex vs OpenClaw
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Codex | OpenClaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | OpenAI | OpenClaw community |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Open source |
| Models | OpenAI models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | Local, Messaging |
| MCP | MCP: supported | ?MCP: not yet verified |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | Agent Skills: supported |
| AGENTS.md | AGENTS.md: supported | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ACP: supported |
Key differences
- Both are open source, so you can inspect and self-host either.
- Codex also runs in Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web; OpenClaw also runs in Local, Messaging.
- Codex supports MCP; we have not verified it for OpenClaw.
- Codex supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for OpenClaw.
- Both support Agent Skills, 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.
OpenClaw
Open-source personal assistant that runs locally and lives in the messaging apps you already use, with cron jobs, plugins and approvals.
FAQ
- Is Codex or OpenClaw open source?
- Codex is open source under Apache-2.0. OpenClaw is open source.
- Do Codex and OpenClaw support MCP servers?
- Codex: yes. OpenClaw: not verified yet.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Codex and OpenClaw?
- 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.