# Switch from Cursor to Codex CLI

> Developers already on ChatGPT plans want an open-source terminal agent included in their subscription.

Source: https://ai.dosa.dev/switch/cursor-to-codex-cli · IDE to Terminal CLI Agent · Updated 2026-10-15 · Published by dosa.dev

## Why switch

Developers already on ChatGPT plans want an open-source terminal agent included in their subscription. Codex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching.

## Cost delta

| | Cursor | Codex CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Plus ($8/mo) | — |
| Per-seat monthly delta | −$8 | |
| 10-dev team annual delta | −$960 | |

Codex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching. Model it: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=cursor:Plus

## Config migration

- Cursor rules: `.cursor/rules/*.mdc`
- Codex CLI rules: `AGENTS.md`
- Convert with the Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md

## 4-step checklist

1. **Audit & export your Cursor rules** — Cursor reads repo-level rules from .cursor/rules/*.mdc. Convert them to AGENTS.md with the Rules Converter, then review the output before committing. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md)
2. **Install & configure Codex CLI** — Install Codex CLI with `npm install -g @openai/codex`. Pricing: Freemium. (https://github.com/openai/codex?utm_source=ai.dosa.dev&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Adapt your daily workflow (AI IDEs → CLI Agents)** — You'll drive edits from the terminal instead of an editor panel; keep your editor for review and let the agent own multi-file changes. Codex CLI is best for developers needing a terminal-integrated agent for coding tasks, local repository refactoring, automated testing, and code reviews.
4. **Run a one-week parallel pilot, then reallocate seats** — Codex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching. Keep Cursor active for one sprint while Codex CLI handles new tasks; cancel seats only after velocity holds. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=cursor:Plus)

## What you gain

- Codex CLI is best for developers needing a terminal-integrated agent for coding tasks, local repository refactoring, automated testing, and code reviews.
- Interactive terminal UI (TUI) for steering coding agents.
- OS-enforced sandboxing for secure local code execution.
- Support for Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers.

## What you give up

- Cursor is positioned for developers looking for a deep-integrated AI coding experience that can manage long-running tasks, codebase context, and autonomous feature building. — confirm Codex CLI covers that before cancelling seats.
- Codex CLI is not ideal for users requiring full-system access without security constraints or those seeking a non-agentic, purely manual command-line tool.

Running both: Many teams run both: keep Cursor for ai ides work and use Codex CLI for cli agents tasks during the transition.

## Spec sheet

| | [Cursor](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cursor) | [Codex CLI](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/codex-cli) |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Anysphere | OpenAI |
| Category | AI-Native IDEs & Editors | Terminal & CLI Agents |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Entry paid plan | Plus ($8/mo) | — |
| Rules file | .cursor/rules/*.mdc | AGENTS.md |

## FAQ

### How do I convert my Cursor rules to Codex CLI?

Cursor reads .cursor/rules/*.mdc and Codex CLI reads AGENTS.md. Run them through the Rules Converter (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md) and review the output before committing.

### Is Codex CLI cheaper than Cursor?

Cursor starts at Plus ($8/mo); Codex CLI has no listed per-seat plan. Codex CLI has no fixed per-seat price listed — Included in ChatGPT plans (Free, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu) with usage limits based on model and plan. Compare it against Cursor's $8/mo seat before switching.

### What do I lose when switching from Cursor to Codex CLI?

Cursor is positioned for developers looking for a deep-integrated AI coding experience that can manage long-running tasks, codebase context, and autonomous feature building. — confirm Codex CLI covers that before cancelling seats. Codex CLI is not ideal for users requiring full-system access without security constraints or those seeking a non-agentic, purely manual command-line tool.

### Can I use Cursor and Codex CLI together?

Many teams run both: keep Cursor for ai ides work and use Codex CLI for cli agents tasks during the transition.

## Links

- Cursor review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cursor
- Codex CLI review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/codex-cli
- Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md
- Cost calculator: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=cursor:Plus