Codex CLI vs Earthly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Codex CLI and Earthly comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Codex CLI
OpenAI official terminal coding agent
Best for you if:
- • You need ai coding features specifically
- • OpenAI Codex in the terminal
- • Natural language to code commands
Earthly
Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.
Best for you if:
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Automates enforcement of engineering standards and compliance in PRs and AI agents.
- • Provides fast, consistent, and portable software builds with a Dockerfile-like syntax.
| At a Glance |  Codex CLI | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | AI Coding | Code Review |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Codex CLI | Earthly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI CodingTerminal Tools | Code ReviewCI/CD |
Understanding the Differences
Both Codex CLI and Earthly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Codex CLI positions itself as "openai official terminal coding agent" while Earthlyfocuses on "automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Codex CLI
Codex CLI makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Earthly
Earthly is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Earthly
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Earthly is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Earthly
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Codex CLI is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Codex CLI
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Codex CLI—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Codex CLI higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Earthly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Codex CLI Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Earthly If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Codex CLI. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Codex CLI scores higher in our analysis, but Earthly might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Codex CLI or Earthly better?
Based on our analysis, Codex CLI scores higher with high/100. Codex CLI ispaid while Earthly is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Codex CLI to Earthly easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Codex CLI and Earthly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Codex CLI is paid with potential trial.Earthly is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.