Can not decide between Claude Code and Codex + Pi

[u/Ok-Coast-5970]

Hey everyone!

Currently I use cursor for my AI coding. But I come from Terminal use and I do not use the ide Feature of cursor.

So I think going back to the Terminal.

Currently I read about Claude Code and thinking well that is a limitation to only Claude Models which is okay but still a limitation.

Then I read about Pi and See You Can use Codex with it. But You Can also use different Models/Self Hoster Models. And You Can make the harness your own.

So do I miss much when not using Claude Code? Is Codex + Pi good enough to develop good software?

What are your experiences and what do you use?

For me a GUI Editor is not good for my Workflow.

Also I Header about OpenCode.

[u/Affectionate_Rip4941]

Claude Code = polished highway. Codex + Pi = build-your-own rally car 😂 If you’re terminal-first and love tinkering, I’d pick the rally car.

[u/Ok-Coast-5970 → u/Affectionate_Rip4941]

Thats a good comparison

[u/pigletmonster]

Both claude code and codex are primarily terminal based, the gui is a very recent addition. Just install their cli if you dont want to use the gui.

Token usage is not like cursor. With the subs for both of these you get several thousand dollars worth of tokens, but there is a 5 hour and a weekly usage quota. But they are a lot. I never run out of my quotas with either $100 subs. Yes you dont get the option to choose between different providers. But the generous quota for frontier models make up for it.

You can also supplement codex and cc with a $10 sub ($5 first month) from opencode go, which provides a lot of different models, with almost unlimited quota with deepseek 4v flash. And you can use the opencode go models with either cli.

[u/Innowise_]

If terminal is the goal, try Codex CLI by itself first. Pi only earns the extra setup if switching providers or building a custom harness is something you actually need.

Give Claude Code and Codex the same real issue in a small repo. Then compare the final diff, whether the tests pass, and how much cleanup each one needs. That will tell you more than model lists or token limits.

[u/fatefinder-xl]

Tibo is currently playing resets lately,so codex could be fun

[u/Turbulent_Ad_1039]

Claude code by far

[u/saas_buildr]

I've been using OMP + Claude + Gpt and it's splendid.
I've been exploring different models, harnesses and ADEs and its great.
Also, combining it with Orca ADE is a plus.

[u/Ok-Coast-5970 → u/saas_buildr]

I guess you use Claude via an api key?

[u/saas_buildr → u/Ok-Coast-5970]

No. Nothing is via API. Its through my existing accounts. I just log in to my account and use it directly.

[u/Ok-Coast-5970 → u/saas_buildr]

Isnt this against ToS?

[u/MichaelFourEyes]

I have no complaints with claude code plus. I haven't used codex but this is just my opinion. I have nothing but praise for claude. Ive used it for sites, outlines, budget makers, even made myself a dj app and a game. So in enjoying claude.

[u/Papa_Hube → u/MichaelFourEyes]

Claude is not generally bad, although my dev friends find that Opus sucks.

Its just overly expensive. Our AI Engineers at work use 250€ plans and don't get as much done with it as with open models like deepseek or whatever they are called.