Gemini 3 vs Codex CLI
A comprehensive 2026 comparison to help you choose the right AI tool for your needs. We tested both extensively.
Quick Verdict: Gemini 3 vs Codex CLI
After extensive testing, **Gemini 3 Pro** comes out ahead with a 4.8/5 rating. It's the better choice for most users, especially those focused on Large projects, budget-conscious users, multimodal tasks. However, Codex CLI remains competitive and may be preferable if you prioritize Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users.
Gemini 3 Pro edges out Codex CLI with superior overall performance and features that make it the better choice for most users in 2026. With a 4.8/5 rating, it excels particularly in Large projects, budget-conscious users, multimodal tasks.
Try Gemini 3 FreeFeature Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of key features and capabilities
When to Use Gemini 3 vs Codex CLI
Choose Gemini 3 When You Need:
- Large projects, budget-conscious users, multimodal tasks
- Better quality content writing and creative tasks
- Faster response times for time-sensitive work
- Processing longer documents with 1049K context
- Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing
Choose Codex CLI When You Need:
- Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users
- Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing
In-Depth Analysis: Gemini 3 vs Codex CLI
Performance & Capabilities
In our comprehensive testing for 2026, we evaluated both Gemini 3 Pro and Codex CLI across multiple dimensions including coding tasks, creative writing, reasoning problems, and general conversation quality. Gemini 3 Pro emerged as our top pick with an overall rating of 4.8/5.
Gemini 3 Pro scored 4.7/5 on coding tasks, making it an excellent choice for developers. In comparison, Codex CLI achieved 4.7/5 in this category.
Pricing & Value
When it comes to pricing, both tools offer free tiers, making them accessible for testing. For paid plans, Codex CLI is more affordable at $20/month compared to $20/month.
Use Cases & Target Audience
Gemini 3 Pro is particularly well-suited for Large projects, budget-conscious users, multimodal tasks. Its strengths make it ideal for professionals who need advanced coding help, quality content creation, and reliable AI assistance.
Codex CLI, on the other hand, excels at Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users. Users who prioritize fast response times, complex reasoning, will find it particularly valuable.
Gemini 3 Pro Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best value - cheapest premium model
- Massive 1M+ token context
- First model to hit 1500 Elo
- True multimodal (video, audio, text, images)
- Excellent for large codebases
Cons
- Writing style less polished than Claude
- Google ecosystem integration can be limiting
- Deep Think mode limited to Ultra subscribers
Codex CLI Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open source (Apache 2.0)
- Multimodal input support
- Local-first privacy
- Rich approvals workflow
- Included with ChatGPT subscription
Cons
- Newer tool with evolving features
- Less mature than Claude Code
Best For: Gemini 3
Large projects, budget-conscious users, multimodal tasks
Best For: Codex CLI
Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gemini 3 vs Codex CLI
Is Gemini 3 Pro better than Codex CLI in 2026?
Based on our benchmarks and analysis, Gemini 3 Pro performs better overall with a rating of 4.8/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - Gemini 3 Pro excels at Large projects, budget-conscious users, multimodal tasks, while Codex CLI is better for Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users.
What is the price difference between Gemini 3 and Codex CLI?
Gemini 3 Pro offers a free tier and costs $20/month for paid plans. Codex CLI offers a free tier and costs $20/month for paid plans.
Which is better for coding: Gemini 3 or Codex CLI?
For coding tasks, Codex CLI scores higher with a 4.7/5 coding rating compared to 4.7/5.
Can I use Gemini 3 and Codex CLI for free?
Gemini 3 Pro does offer a free tier with limited features. Codex CLI does offer a free tier with limited features. Both tools offer trial periods or limited free access for new users.
Which AI has a larger context window: Gemini 3 or Codex CLI?
Gemini 3 Pro has a larger context window at 1,048,576 tokens, compared to 128,000 tokens. Larger context windows allow processing more text in a single conversation.
Is Gemini 3 faster than Codex CLI?
In our speed tests, Gemini 3 Pro is faster with a speed rating of 4.7/5. Response times can vary based on server load and query complexity.
Which is better for writing content: Gemini 3 or Codex CLI?
For content writing, Gemini 3 Pro excels with a writing rating of 4.5/5 versus 4.3/5. Consider your specific writing needs when choosing.
Do Gemini 3 and Codex CLI support image generation?
Gemini 3 Pro supports image understanding and analysis. Codex CLI supports image understanding and analysis. For dedicated image generation, consider specialized tools like DALL-E or Midjourney.
Which AI should beginners choose: Gemini 3 or Codex CLI?
For beginners, we recommend starting with either - both offer free tiers to experiment. Gemini 3 Pro has a slightly better overall user experience based on our testing.
Can I switch from Gemini 3 to Codex CLI easily?
Yes, switching between AI tools is straightforward since they use similar prompting interfaces. Your conversation history won't transfer, but you can export important outputs. Many professionals use both tools depending on the task - Gemini 3 Pro for Large projects, budget-conscious users, multimodal tasks and Codex CLI for Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users.
Related Comparisons
Explore more AI tool comparisons
Ready to Get Started?
Both tools offer free tiers or trials. Try them out and see which one works best for your workflow in 2026.