Comparison

Codex vs Roo Code

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

CodexRoo Code
MakerOpenAIRoo Code
LicenseApache-2.0Apache-2.0
ModelsOpenAI modelsSee vendor docs
Runs inTerminal, IDE, Desktop, WebIDE
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supportedAGENTS.md: supported
ACPACP: supported?ACP: not yet verified

Key differences

  • Both are open source (Apache-2.0 and Apache-2.0), so you can inspect and self-host either.
  • Codex also runs in Terminal, Desktop, Web.
  • Codex supports ACP; we have not verified it for Roo Code.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, 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

Roo Code

Open-source multi-mode coding agent for VS Code with custom modes, MCP, Skills and AGENTS.md.

Website

FAQ

Is Codex or Roo Code open source?
Codex is open source under Apache-2.0. Roo Code is open source under Apache-2.0.
Do Codex and Roo Code support MCP servers?
Codex: yes. Roo Code: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between Codex and Roo Code?
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 CodexAll official MCP servers

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.