Mentat vs Codex CLI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mentat 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:
Mentat
AI coding assistant for terminal
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Mentat is an AI coding assistant that works within your terminal
- • It edits code across files using GPT-4 with context awareness
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 |  Mentat |  Codex CLI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 78/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Mentat | Codex CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 78 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools | Terminal ToolsAI Coding |
How Mentat and Codex CLI Compare
Mentat
AI coding assistant for terminal
Free · 78/100 score
Codex CLI
OpenAI official terminal coding agent
Paid
Mentat is a ide & code editors tool. Codex CLI is in terminal tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Mentat is free. Codex CLI is paid.
Go with: Mentat
Want the highest-rated option?
Mentat scores 78/100. Codex CLI is unrated.
Go with: Mentat
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mentat
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Mentat is free. Codex CLI is paid. Go with Mentat if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Mentat 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
Mentat
- Higher score: 78/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Codex CLI
- Better fit for terminal tools
The Bottom Line
Mentat (78/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mentat or Codex CLI better?
Mentat scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Mentat is free and Codex CLI is paid.
What are Mentat and Codex CLI used for?
Mentat: AI coding assistant for terminal. Codex CLI: OpenAI official terminal coding agent.
What does Mentat cost vs Codex CLI?
Mentat is completely free. Codex CLI is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.