Claude Code vs Codex: who gives you more usage for $20?
A practical comparison of Claude Code and OpenAI Codex usage limits — how the caps differ, who runs out faster, and how to track both.
Claude Code and OpenAI Codex are the two heavyweight coding agents, and both meter usage against your subscription. If you're deciding where your $20 (or $200) goes, the limits matter as much as the model. Here's how they compare.
How the limits are structured
- Claude — a rolling 5-hour session limit plus weekly caps (all-models and a separate Opus cap on Max).
- Codex — usage metered weekly against your ChatGPT plan, with separate buckets for standard and GPT-5.x-Codex models; reset dates move around.
Who runs out faster?
It depends on your workload. Claude's 5-hour window punishes long bursts; Codex's weekly-only structure punishes heavy weeks. Many developers keep both and switch when one is tapped — which only works if you can *see* both at a glance.
Track both in one place
How Much Usage puts Claude and ChatGPT/Codex on a single dashboard, every account, with reset countdowns — so you always know which one to reach for. More providers are coming.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Claude or Codex give more usage?
- It depends on your workload — Claude's 5-hour window limits long bursts, Codex's weekly structure limits heavy weeks. Tracking both lets you switch to whichever has room.
- Can I track Claude and Codex together?
- Yes — How Much Usage shows both providers, across every account, on one dashboard.