OpenAI Codex vs Kimi Code
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. OpenAI Codex starts at $8/mo and Kimi Code starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Cloud coding tasks
- Codex CLI
- IDE extension
- Desktop app
- Automatic PR review
- Terminal coding agent
- Desktop app
- VS Code extension
- Runs tests and builds
- 1M-token context
| Feature | OpenAI Codex | Kimi Code |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | OpenAI's coding agent in the cloud, CLI, IDE and desktop app | Moonshot AI's coding agent for the terminal, desktop and IDE |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | $8/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Made by | OpenAI | Moonshot AI |
| Based in | United States | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Desktop app.
Pricing compared
OpenAI Codex starts at $8/mo and Kimi Code starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
6 plans
Free
Free
- Limited Codex usage
- Via ChatGPT account
Go
$8/mo
- ChatGPT Go plan
- More Codex usage than Free
Plus
$20/mo
- ChatGPT Plus plan
- Codex in CLI, IDE and cloud
Pro
$100/mo
- Starting price; $200 and $500 tiers
- Highest Codex limits
Business
$25/mo
- Per user
- Shared workspace and admin controls
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Enterprise security
- Flexible usage
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
OpenAI Codex
- Included in ChatGPT plans
- Runs many tasks in parallel
- Open-source CLI
- Token-based limits are hard to predict
- Free tier usage is small
Kimi Code
- Very long context for large codebases
- One subscription across desktop, CLI and IDE
- Membership includes other Kimi tools
- Requires a paid Kimi membership
- Desktop app download listed for macOS only
- Plan prices not shown on the product page
Which one should you choose?
Choose OpenAI Codex if you want:
- Included in ChatGPT plans
- Runs many tasks in parallel
- Open-source CLI
Watch out: token-based limits are hard to predict.
Choose Kimi Code if you want:
- Very long context for large codebases
- One subscription across desktop, CLI and IDE
- Membership includes other Kimi tools
Watch out: requires a paid kimi membership.
OpenAI Codex vs Kimi Code FAQ
What is the difference between OpenAI Codex and Kimi Code?
OpenAI Codex: OpenAI's coding agent in the cloud, CLI, IDE and desktop app. Kimi Code: Moonshot AI's coding agent for the terminal, desktop and IDE. Both are coding tools.
Is OpenAI Codex or Kimi Code cheaper?
OpenAI Codex starts at $8/mo and Kimi Code starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do OpenAI Codex and Kimi Code have free plans?
OpenAI Codex: Yes. Kimi Code: No.
Who makes OpenAI Codex?
OpenAI Codex is made by OpenAI, based in United States.
Who makes Kimi Code?
Kimi Code is made by Moonshot AI, based in China.
Which should I choose, OpenAI Codex or Kimi Code?
Choose OpenAI Codex if you value included in chatgpt plans and runs many tasks in parallel. Choose Kimi Code if you value very long context for large codebases and one subscription across desktop, cli and ide.