OpenAI Codex free tier: how far you get
OpenAI Codex free tier: The CLI is free and open source. With a ChatGPT Free or Go sign-in, local Codex (CLI, IDE, desktop) is included with plan usage limits, but Codex Cloud is not (OpenAI Help Center, checked 2026-11-02). With a custom provider such as OpenRouter ':free' models it can run at $0, with rate limits.. In our 2026-10-16 test: 33K–262K tokens per bugfix run on a free OpenRouter model, $0.
Based on our own test on 2026-10-16 (3 runs) and the official pricing page (checked 2026-11-02).
What the free plan includes
The CLI is free and open source. With a ChatGPT Free or Go sign-in, local Codex (CLI, IDE, desktop) is included with plan usage limits, but Codex Cloud is not (OpenAI Help Center, checked 2026-11-02). With a custom provider such as OpenRouter ':free' models it can run at $0, with rate limits.
What our test used
33K–262K tokens per bugfix run on a free OpenRouter model, $0.
How far that gets you
Not enough data to estimate.
Paid plans
Included in every ChatGPT plan (Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, Edu); usage limits vary by plan. Codex Cloud needs Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise or Edu. Plus/Pro buyers can add credits. Plan prices on chatgpt.com/pricing
FAQ
Is OpenAI Codex free?
Yes: Codex CLI, IDE extension and app on ChatGPT Free and Go with plan usage limits (no Codex Cloud)
How much did our test use on the OpenAI Codex free plan?
In our test (2026-10-16, 3 runs): 33K–262K tokens per bugfix run on a free OpenRouter model, $0.
How far does the OpenAI Codex free plan go?
Not enough data to estimate from our test.
Full OpenAI Codex review (7.4/10) · Best free tools in this category · Methodology