AI agents3 min read
Coding Agents Compared: Claude Code, Codex and Cursor
What a coding agent is, how Claude Code, Codex and Cursor work, what they cost and which to choose, with tips for using them safely.
A coding agent doesn’t just suggest the next line: you describe a change and it explores the project, edits several files, runs commands and tests and fixes its own mistakes until it’s done. It’s the most mature category of agents, because with code the result can be checked: tests pass or they don’t. These are the three most used in 2026.
The three in a table
| Claude Code | Codex | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Anthropic | OpenAI | Cursor (part of SpaceX) |
| Where you use it | Terminal, VS Code, JetBrains and desktop app | Terminal, editor and cloud | Its own editor (based on VS Code) |
| Models | Claude | OpenAI’s GPT | Several: Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok |
| Entry price | Claude Pro plan ($20) or API | Included in ChatGPT plans | Free (Hobby) · $20 a month |
| Stands out at | Long terminal tasks, skills and MCP connectors | Cloud tasks that keep running with your laptop closed | Visual experience, model choice, Projects |
Claude’s free plan doesn’t include Claude Code. Prices change; current ones are in our model and tool comparison.
Claude Code
It runs in the terminal (also as a VS Code and JetBrains extension, and in the desktop app). It reads your project, proposes changes and asks permission before editing files or running commands, unless you allow it. Strengths:
- Very good at long, multi-step tasks, with subagents to split the work.
- Extended with skills and MCP connectors to work with your tools.
- Install:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashon macOS, Linux or WSL, orirm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iexon Windows.
Codex
OpenAI’s agent. It has a terminal version (curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | sh, then sign in with your ChatGPT account), editor integration and a cloud version: you hand it tasks that keep running even if you close your laptop and review the result from any device. A good fit if you already pay for ChatGPT, since it’s included.
Cursor
A full code editor with the agent built in. It’s the most visual option: you see every change highlighted in the file and accept or reject it. It lets you choose the model (Claude, GPT, Gemini or Grok) and, with Projects, coordinate many cloud agents for large jobs. See Cursor launches Projects.
What about GitHub Copilot?
Copilot started as autocomplete and now also has an agent that works on GitHub issues and opens pull requests. If your team lives in GitHub, it’s worth trying.
Which to choose
- You’re starting and want something visual: Cursor.
- You already pay for ChatGPT: try Codex, it’s included.
- You already pay for Claude or work a lot in the terminal: Claude Code.
- Large or team project: try two on the same real task and compare the result, not the marketing.
Using them well
- Ask for a plan before code and approve it.
- Small, clear tasks work better than “fix everything”.
- Automated tests: if the project has tests, the agent can check its own work.
- Always git: one commit per working change, so you can go back.
- Minimum permissions: don’t give it access to production or secrets it doesn’t need. See agent safety.
- Review what you merge. Passing tests don’t guarantee the code is right.
If you’ve never coded and want to try, follow the tutorial build your first website with a coding agent.
Frequently asked questions
Which one is best?
It depends on how you work. The underlying models are very close; the difference is the interface, the price and how they fit your tools. Try them on a real task from your project.
Can I use them without knowing how to code?
Yes, for simple projects. The less you know, the more important it is to ask for explanations, test everything and not grant extra permissions.
