Criterion Cursor OpenAI Codex
CategoryAI Coding AssistantsAI Coding Assistants
In one sentenceAn AI-first code editor with local and cloud agents, now sold on a shared Cursor and Grok subscription.OpenAI's coding agent, included with ChatGPT plans and usable with an API key.
Problem it solvesDevelopers spend time on repetitive edits, debugging and reviews. Cursor lets agents take on those tasks inside a full editor.Engineering backlogs contain many well-defined coding tasks. Codex takes those tasks on so developers can focus on review and design.
Free planYesYes
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Cloud agentsDesktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Web, iOS
Pricing (summary)Cursor has a Free tier and paid individual tiers at $8, $30, $100 and $200 per month, with usage pools shared across Cursor and Grok products that refresh weekly. Teams starts at $30 per user per month and Enterprise is custom. Third-party models are billed separately at API list price.
Checked 2026-10-19		Codex is included in ChatGPT Free, Go ($8), Plus ($20), Pro (from $100), Business ($25 per user monthly or $20 annually) and Enterprise/Edu plans. Usage limits rise with the plan. API-key usage is billed separately at standard API token rates.
Checked 2026-10-19
Strengths
  • Full editor plus cloud agents
  • Weekly usage refresh
  • Strong team admin options
  • Bundled with ChatGPT subscriptions
  • Wide range of models and speed modes
  • Works with API key for local use
Limitations
  • Included allowance covers Grok models only; other models cost extra at API rates
  • Plus tier is limited to Grok models
  • No annual pricing shown on the pricing page
  • Usage per 5-hour window is an estimate and varies by model and task
  • Cloud features not available with API key
  • Free and Go tiers are for light use