Durango Code

Durango Code vs Codex

Codex is OpenAI's coding agent. Since July 2026 its desktop app is part of the ChatGPT desktop app, alongside the open-source Codex CLI, IDE extensions and Codex Cloud. It runs OpenAI's models (GPT-6 Astra, GPT-6.1 Sol and the rest) and comes with ChatGPT plans.

Durango Code doesn't replace Codex: it runs it. Sign in with your ChatGPT plan once, and Codex threads sit next to Claude Code, Cursor, Grok and Kimi threads in the same window, can be split side by side, and can hand work to each other.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. Prices and features change; see the sources below.

Which should you choose?

Choose Durango Code if

  • You also use Claude Code, Cursor, Grok or Kimi and want them in the same window as Codex.
  • You want Codex and another agent to tackle the same task side by side.
  • You want a Codex thread to hand parts of a task to Claude or Grok subagents, or the other way round.
  • You'd rather use a free, MIT-licensed app than a general-purpose chat app.

Use Codex on its own if

  • You only use OpenAI models and want OpenAI's own app.
  • You rely on Codex Cloud, Codex code review or its managed worktrees and handoff.
  • You want computer use and the built-in browser that ship with the ChatGPT app.

At a glance

FeatureDurango CodeCodex
What it isA desktop app that runs other coding agents (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Grok, Kimi Code, OpenCode and more) in one placeOpenAI's coding agent: a mode of the ChatGPT desktop app, plus a CLI, IDE extensions and Codex Cloud
PlatformsmacOS (Apple silicon and Intel), Windows, Linux (.deb and AUR)Desktop app on macOS and Windows, Linux in preview; CLI on macOS, Linux and Windows
PriceFree. Each agent runs on its own plan, so there's no markupIncluded with ChatGPT plans: limited on Free and Go ($8/mo), full from Plus ($20/mo); Pro $100–$500/mo
Agents and modelsEvery agent above, with every model each one offers, in one model pickerCodex only, with OpenAI models
Parallel agentsYes: threads run at once, up to six side by side in split viewYes: parallel chats in git worktrees, plus cloud tasks
Subagents on other providersYes: any thread can spawn subagents on any other provider, in parallelCodex subagents only (OpenAI models)
Sign-inEach agent's own sign-in (your Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Grok or Kimi plan); no API keys neededChatGPT sign-in or an OpenAI API key (Codex Cloud needs ChatGPT sign-in)
Open sourceYes, MITThe CLI and SDK are Apache-2.0; the app, IDE extension and cloud are not

Questions

Can I use Codex inside Durango Code?

Yes. Durango Code runs the Codex CLI and signs in with your ChatGPT plan, so Codex threads use the same subscription and limits you already have, next to your other agents.

Is there still a separate Codex desktop app?

Not as a separate product. In July 2026 OpenAI folded the Codex app into the ChatGPT desktop app, where Codex is a mode you can choose. The Codex CLI, IDE extensions and Codex Cloud are still available.

Does Codex run Claude Code or other agents?

No. Codex can import setup from Claude Code or Cursor (instructions, skills, MCP servers and more), but its agents run OpenAI models. Durango Code runs Codex and Claude Code themselves, side by side.

Is Durango Code free?

Yes. Durango Code is free and open source (MIT). Codex usage counts against your ChatGPT plan, exactly as it does in OpenAI's own apps.

Run Codex next to every other agent

Free and open source, for macOS, Windows and Linux. Sign in to each agent once and use the subscriptions you already pay for.

Download for macOSView source

Sources

Codex is a product of OpenAI. Durango Code is not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI. Spotted something out of date? Open an issue.