OpenAI Codex vs Devin (Windsurf) (2026)
Pricing, features and who each one is for, checked against both vendors' pricing pages in November 2026.
Quick verdict: These solve different jobs: OpenAI Codex is a coding agent (cloud, cli, ide), Devin (Windsurf) is a ai ide and cloud agent. Many developers use one of each. Pick OpenAI Codex for professional developers, AI coding agents for the terminal, teams. Pick Devin (Windsurf) for professional developers, teams, cheap and free AI coding tools.
Try OpenAI CodexTry Devin (Windsurf)
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Side by side
| OpenAI Codex | Devin (Windsurf) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Coding agent (cloud, CLI, IDE) | AI IDE and cloud agent |
| Made by | OpenAI | Cognition |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Starts at | From $20/mo | From $20/mo |
| Plans | Included in ChatGPT Plus $20/mo, Pro $100/mo, Business $20/user/mo (2+ seats, annual) | Free, Pro $20/mo, Max $200/mo, Teams $80/mo + $40 per dev seat; Enterprise custom |
| Open source | No | No |
| Runs in | Cloud, CLI, IDE extension, ChatGPT app | Desktop IDE, Cloud, API |
OpenAI Codex strengths
- Included with ChatGPT plans you may already pay for
- Parallel cloud agents that keep running when you close your laptop
- Automatic PR review
Devin (Windsurf) strengths
- Generous free tier with unlimited Tab completions
- SWE-2 model included free on Pro
- Cloud agents plus Slack, Linear and Jira integrations
OpenAI Codex drawbacks
- Usage caps on Plus are aimed at focused sessions
- Best experience assumes a ChatGPT account and GitHub repos
Devin (Windsurf) drawbacks
- Branding in flux after the Windsurf to Devin move
- Extra usage beyond quota billed at API pricing
Read the full reviews: OpenAI Codex · Devin (Windsurf)