Comparison
Codex vs OpenCode
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Codex | OpenCode | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | OpenAI | Anomaly (SST) |
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| Models | OpenAI models | 75+ providers, including local models |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | Terminal, IDE, Desktop |
| 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 MIT), so you can inspect and self-host either.
- Models: Codex runs OpenAI models; OpenCode runs 75+ providers, including local models.
- Codex also runs in Web.
- 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 OpenCode open source?
- Codex is open source under Apache-2.0. OpenCode is open source under MIT.
- Do Codex and OpenCode support MCP servers?
- Codex: yes. OpenCode: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Codex and OpenCode?
- 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.