OpenAI Codex CLI Works with ChatGPT Plan and VS Code Extension
When I first ran the openai/codex CLI on a machine that already had my ChatGPT subscription, I was surprised at how quickly the two started to feel like parts of the same puzzle. The tool itself is pretty slick, it's even made the “Top 5 Agentic Coding CLI Tools” list, but most people still treat it like a one-off toy. In practice, though, developers who bounce between VS Code, a terminal, and cloud pipelines can get a lot more out of it if the CLI taps into the same plan that powers their ChatGPT chats.
That plan isn’t just for conversation; it also opens up extensions and command-line helpers that can speed up code generation, debugging, and even deployment. So, when the pieces line up, the subscription morphs from a chat service into a handy dev sidekick. Below is a user’s quick note about discovering that the CLI works with the ChatGPT plan, something many haven’t tried yet.
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*Codex CLI* I recently started using the openai/codex CLI, and I didn't realize that I could use it with my ChatGPT plan. The ChatGPT plan is much more valuable when you have access to VS Code extensions, terminal CLI tools for agentic coding, and cloud-based agentic workflows. If you prefer not to pa
Codex CLI I recently started using the openai/codex CLI, and I didn't realize that I could use it with my ChatGPT plan. The ChatGPT plan is much more valuable when you have access to VS Code extensions, terminal CLI tools for agentic coding, and cloud-based agentic workflows. If you prefer not to pay for the $20 ChatGPT subscription, you can still use it with the OpenAI Developer API.
What's even better is that you can modify the configuration file to use GLM or Minimax models as well. It is fully customizable, but the experience with external APIs can drop significantly, where it doesn't understand certain tags or calls the wrong tools.
What jumps out is just how many CLI options are being marketed as a fully automated developer experience. The openai/codex CLI, for example, now hooks into a ChatGPT plan, which seems to open VS Code extensions and terminal-based agentic workflows that the author calls “much more valuable.” Still, the writer’s love-hate vibe with agentic coding suggests lingering doubts. Among the five tools listed, it’s hard to say which one actually nails speed, reliability and integration for MLOps or the so-called “vibe” projects.
The piece does throw in a few benchmarks, but it stops short of proving long-term stability or how easy maintenance will be. It’s unclear whether the cloud-based workflows will mesh cleanly with existing pipelines, or if the promised automation will outweigh the learning curve. For anyone trying to pick a side, the safe bet is cautious optimism: the tools exist, they can be paired with a ChatGPT plan, yet real-world results still need to be tested.
Further Reading
- Introducing upgrades to Codex - OpenAI
- Codex CLI Tool Review - Elite AI Assisted Coding
- Codex vs Claude Code: Ultimate 2025 Comparison Guide - Laozhang AI Blog
- Introducing Codex - OpenAI
- Claude Code vs OpenAI Codex: which is better in 2025? - Northflank
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Common Questions Answered
How does the openai/codex CLI integrate with a ChatGPT plan?
The openai/codex CLI can be used directly with a ChatGPT plan, which unlocks access to VS Code extensions and terminal‑based agentic workflows. This integration enhances the value of the $20 subscription by enabling seamless development across the editor, CLI, and cloud pipelines.
Can developers use the Codex CLI without a ChatGPT subscription?
Yes, developers who prefer not to pay for the ChatGPT plan can still operate the Codex CLI via the OpenAI Developer API. This alternative provides full functionality, though it may lack the bundled VS Code extension support offered by the ChatGPT subscription.
What customization options are available for the Codex CLI's underlying model?
Users can modify the Codex CLI configuration file to switch from the default model to alternatives such as GLM or Minimax models. This flexibility allows developers to experiment with different language model capabilities within the same command‑line workflow.
Why does the article describe the Codex CLI as part of a broader agentic coding workflow?
The article emphasizes that the real value of the Codex CLI emerges when it connects with VS Code extensions, terminal tools, and cloud‑based pipelines, forming a cohesive agentic coding environment. This integration supports faster, more reliable development, especially for MLOps or “vibe” projects that require automated code generation and execution.