OpenAI Codex vs Gemini CLI: pricing & usage limits
Side-by-side plans and limits from each vendor's official pricing page, checked 2026-10-19.
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| OpenAI Codex | Gemini CLI | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | CLI/cloud agent | CLI agent |
| Plans & prices | Free$0 Go$8 Plus$20 Pro$100 / $200 / $500 Business$20/user (annual, 2+ users), $25 monthly | Free (Google login, Code Assist for individuals)$0 Free (Gemini API key, unpaid)$0 Google AI ProUnverified (not listed on Gemini CLI docs) Google AI UltraUnverified (not listed on Gemini CLI docs) Code Assist Standard (Workspace)Unverified (bought via Google Cloud) Code Assist Enterprise (Workspace)Unverified (bought via Google Cloud) Pay as you go (API key / Vertex AI)Per token |
| Limits by plan | Free GPT-6 Luna, desktop app, subject to rollout Go Lightweight tasks, GPT-6 Luna Plus Est. 15-160 messages/5h on GPT-6.1 Sol (local + cloud share allowance); weekly limits may apply Pro No 5-hour limit currently; Ultrafast on $500 Business Codex across desktop and mobile; same per-5h message estimates as Plus | Free (Google login, Code Assist for individuals) 1,000 model requests/user/day. Note: Google says unpaid-tier and Google One users were moved to Antigravity CLI on Jun 18, 2026 (unverified whether this free path still works) Free (Gemini API key, unpaid) 250 requests/user/day, Flash model only Google AI Pro 1,500 requests/user/day (docs table; may be superseded by Jun 2026 Antigravity move) Google AI Ultra 2,000 requests/user/day (docs table; may be superseded by Jun 2026 Antigravity move) Code Assist Standard (Workspace) 1,500 requests/user/day Code Assist Enterprise (Workspace) 2,000 requests/user/day Pay as you go (API key / Vertex AI) Per-minute rate limits; no daily cap |
| Limit reset | 5 hours + weekly | Daily (requests per user per day) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Checked | Checked 2026-10-19 | Checked 2026-10-19 |
Verdict
Full details: OpenAI Codex pricing · Gemini CLI pricing
FAQ
Which is cheaper, OpenAI Codex or Gemini CLI?
OpenAI Codex is from $8/mo and Gemini CLI is usage-based, based on each vendor's pricing page checked 2026-10-19. Included usage differs, so compare the limits per plan above.
Do OpenAI Codex and Gemini CLI have free plans?
OpenAI Codex: yes. Gemini CLI: yes.
How do OpenAI Codex and Gemini CLI usage limits reset?
OpenAI Codex: 5 hours + weekly. Gemini CLI: Daily (requests per user per day).
Should I pick OpenAI Codex or Gemini CLI?
Pick OpenAI Codex if you already pay for ChatGPT and want Codex bundled in. Pick Gemini CLI if you want a free daily request allowance or per-token billing.
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