Implementation coding agent · Comparison

Critique CLI
vs OpenAI Codex.

OpenAI Codex is an implementation agent: it edits code, runs tools, and can open PRs, billed through OpenAI usage. It is not primarily a separate finish-pass reviewer.

Install the CLI All comparisons

updated 2026-08-06CLI finish passimplementation coding agent

Quick answer

Codex writes the change. Critique checks it. They are complementary: wire `critique integrate --agent` (or finish in the loop) so Codex gets an independent verdict — outcome, evidence, limits — before it claims the task is done.

What is Critique CLI?

Critique CLI is an independent finish pass for coding agents. It reviews the local working-tree change before commit or PR, returns finish.v1 JSON (outcome, evidence, limits, exit codes), and optionally attaches a repair package. It integrates with Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode, and Cursor via `critique integrate`.

Last updated 2026-08-06 · Verify competitor pricing on the vendor site before procurement.

Our pick

Critique CLI

Independent finish check on your working tree. finish.v1 JSON, optional repair packages, integrates with Codex · Claude Code · OpenCode · Cursor.

Install CLI

OpenAI’s agent for writing and editing code

OpenAI Codex

Codex bills tokens via OpenAI. Critique credits (or BYOK) cover the independent finish pass. Keep Codex for implementation; add Critique so the same vendor is not the only judge of its own work.

Visit OpenAI Codex

Critique CLI vs OpenAI Codex: features

Capability	Critique CLI	OpenAI Codex
Primary role	· Independent finish / review pass	Implementation agent
Independence	◆ Separate verifier + stated limits	Same-family self-check
Handoff	◆ finish.v1 JSON + exit codes	Agent session / PR
Integrate	◆ `critique integrate` for Codex	Codex product surfaces
When it runs	· On the working-tree change before ship	While writing code

Verify competitor pricing on openai.com.

Why teams pick Critique CLI

You want a second opinion that is not OpenAI grading OpenAI.
You need a stable finish contract the agent can parse.
You want repair packages when the finish pass finds a verified defect.

When OpenAI Codex is the right pick

You only need an implementation agent and will accept same-family self-review.
You are fully standardized on OpenAI with no appetite for a finish CLI.

Common questions

01Is Critique CLI a good alternative to OpenAI Codex?

02What does Critique cost compared to OpenAI Codex?

Codex bills tokens via OpenAI. Critique credits (or BYOK) cover the independent finish pass. Keep Codex for implementation; add Critique so the same vendor is not the only judge of its own work. Critique's public pricing is team-shared: Solo $19/mo, Pro $49/mo, Team $149/mo, plus an $8/mo BYOK harness (OpenRouter or CrofAI) and a $5/mo student/OSS lane.

03What does the Critique CLI actually run?

Critique reviews the change in your local working tree (staged, unstaged, deleted, and bounded untracked text). `critique finish` returns finish.v1 JSON: outcome, evidence, limits, and exit codes. Optional repair modes attach a repair package when warranted. Cloud runs are available when you want a clean remote machine.

04Can I use Critique alongside OpenAI Codex?

Yes. Many teams keep OpenAI Codex for its unique strength (see below) and add Critique as the independent finish pass their coding agents call before claiming a task is done. The CLI does not require uninstalling other tools.

05How do I start with Critique CLI?

Run `npm install --global @critiquedotsh/cli`, then `critique login`, `critique integrate --agent all` (Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode, Cursor), and `critique finish --intent "…" --json` on a real change.

06What is Critique CLI in one sentence?