Google Jules vs OpenAI Codex (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

Lower starting price
Not comparable
Not comparable: Google Jules does not list a price
Free plan
Google Jules
Only Google Jules has one
Higher rating
OpenAI Codex
4.2 against 4.4
Same job?
Yes
Both are Coding tools

Side by side

Compared on	Google Jules	OpenAI Codex
Our rating	4.2	4.4Better
Starts at	Free	$20/mo
Free plan	YesBetter	No
Category	Coding	Coding
Plans	Free	From $20/mo
Key features	Asynchronous background task execution Works directly from GitHub issues Opens pull requests automatically when tasks complete No live supervision required during task execution Free to use	Cloud-based autonomous coding agent with sandboxed execution Codex CLI for local, terminal-based agent use Runs tests and returns a pull request for completed tasks IDE, terminal, and desktop app availability Distinct 2025 relaunch under a name last used for a different 2021 product
Pros	Async workflow fits clearing a backlog without constant supervision Ties directly into existing GitHub issue and PR conventions Free to use	Genuinely autonomous, sandbox-based task execution Backed by OpenAI's continued model development and rapid feature updates Available across cloud, CLI, IDE, and desktop surfaces
Cons	Less suited to tasks needing real-time back-and-forth guidance Newer product with a shorter track record Task quality depends on how clearly the originating GitHub issue is written	No free tier, requires a paid ChatGPT subscription or API access Name reuse from the original 2021 Codex can cause confusion when researching it Sandboxed cloud execution has less direct visibility than a live local session
Company	Google, founded 2025	OpenAI, founded 2021

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260703. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Google Jules better than OpenAI Codex?

In our reviews Google Jules scores 4.2 and OpenAI Codex scores 4.4. The better pick depends on the job. Google Jules: Assign it a GitHub issue, it works in the background and opens a PR. OpenAI Codex: A 2025 relaunch of a 2021 name, now a fully autonomous agent.

Which is cheaper, Google Jules or OpenAI Codex?

Google Jules: free. OpenAI Codex: from $20/mo.

Do Google Jules and OpenAI Codex have free plans?

Only Google Jules has a free plan.

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