gh vs Codex CLI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between gh and Codex CLI 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
gh
Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Manages GitHub issues, pull requests, and releases from the terminal.
- • Eliminates context switching for a more efficient workflow.
Codex CLI
OpenAI official terminal coding agent
Best for you if:
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • OpenAI Codex in the terminal
- • Natural language to code commands
| At a Glance |  gh |  Codex CLI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 87/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | gh | Codex CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | Terminal ToolsAI Coding |
How gh and Codex CLI Compare
gh
Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.
Free · 87/100 score
Codex CLI
OpenAI official terminal coding agent
Paid
gh is a ide & code editors tool. Codex CLI is in terminal tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
gh is free. Codex CLI is paid.
Go with: gh
Want the highest-rated option?
gh scores 87/100. Codex CLI is unrated.
Go with: gh
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: gh
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
gh is free. Codex CLI is paid. Go with gh if free matters most.
What's your use case?
gh is a ide & code editors tool. Codex CLI is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
gh
- Higher score: 87/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Codex CLI
- Better fit for terminal tools
The Bottom Line
gh (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gh or Codex CLI better?
gh scores 87/100 in our evaluation. gh is free and Codex CLI is paid.
What are gh and Codex CLI used for?
gh: Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.. Codex CLI: OpenAI official terminal coding agent.
What does gh cost vs Codex CLI?
gh is completely free. Codex CLI is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.