GPT-5.2 vs Codex CLI
A comprehensive 2026 comparison to help you choose the right AI tool for your needs. We tested both extensively.
Quick Verdict: GPT-5.2 vs Codex CLI
After extensive testing, **GPT-5.2 Instant** comes out ahead with a 4.8/5 rating. It's the better choice for most users, especially those focused on Daily tasks, writing, translation, quick coding help. However, Codex CLI remains competitive and may be preferable if you prioritize Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users.
GPT-5.2 Instant 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 Daily tasks, writing, translation, quick coding help.
Try GPT-5.2 FreeFeature Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of key features and capabilities
When to Use GPT-5.2 vs Codex CLI
Choose GPT-5.2 When You Need:
- Daily tasks, writing, translation, quick coding help
- Better quality content writing and creative tasks
- Faster response times for time-sensitive work
- Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing
Choose Codex CLI When You Need:
- Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users
- Superior coding assistance and code generation
- Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing
In-Depth Analysis: GPT-5.2 vs Codex CLI
Performance & Capabilities
In our comprehensive testing for 2026, we evaluated both GPT-5.2 Instant and Codex CLI across multiple dimensions including coding tasks, creative writing, reasoning problems, and general conversation quality. GPT-5.2 Instant emerged as our top pick with an overall rating of 4.8/5.
GPT-5.2 Instant scored 4.6/5 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
GPT-5.2 Instant is particularly well-suited for Daily tasks, writing, translation, quick coding help. 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.
GPT-5.2 Instant Pros & Cons
Pros
- Newest OpenAI model (Dec 2025)
- Fast responses optimized for speed
- 30% fewer hallucinations than GPT-5.1
- Knowledge cutoff August 2025
- Better at spreadsheets and presentations
- Matches human experts on professional tasks
Cons
- Not as strong as Thinking variant for complex tasks
- Requires paid subscription for full access
- Coding not as strong as Claude Opus 4.5
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: GPT-5.2
Daily tasks, writing, translation, quick coding help
Best For: Codex CLI
Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GPT-5.2 vs Codex CLI
Is GPT-5.2 Instant better than Codex CLI in 2026?
Based on our benchmarks and analysis, GPT-5.2 Instant performs better overall with a rating of 4.8/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - GPT-5.2 Instant excels at Daily tasks, writing, translation, quick coding help, while Codex CLI is better for Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users.
What is the price difference between GPT-5.2 and Codex CLI?
GPT-5.2 Instant 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: GPT-5.2 or Codex CLI?
For coding tasks, Codex CLI scores higher with a 4.7/5 coding rating compared to 4.6/5.
Can I use GPT-5.2 and Codex CLI for free?
GPT-5.2 Instant 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: GPT-5.2 or Codex CLI?
Codex CLI has a larger context window at 128,000 tokens, compared to 128,000 tokens. Larger context windows allow processing more text in a single conversation.
Is GPT-5.2 faster than Codex CLI?
In our speed tests, GPT-5.2 Instant is faster with a speed rating of 4.9/5. Response times can vary based on server load and query complexity.
Which is better for writing content: GPT-5.2 or Codex CLI?
For content writing, GPT-5.2 Instant excels with a writing rating of 4.8/5 versus 4.3/5. Consider your specific writing needs when choosing.
Do GPT-5.2 and Codex CLI support image generation?
GPT-5.2 Instant 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: GPT-5.2 or Codex CLI?
For beginners, we recommend starting with either - both offer free tiers to experiment. GPT-5.2 Instant has a slightly better overall user experience based on our testing.
Can I switch from GPT-5.2 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 - GPT-5.2 Instant for Daily tasks, writing, translation, quick coding help and Codex CLI for Rapid prototyping, open-source flexibility, ChatGPT users.
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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.