Codex supports MCP for connecting external tools and systems.

Claude Code connects to Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers on Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, and API (Console) access; the free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code.

Codex includes a web-search tool for current external information.

Claude Code includes a built-in WebSearch tool that searches the web and returns result titles and URLs for current documentation and external information.

The Codex app includes an in-app browser that Codex can control for localhost web development, with broader control described as evolving.

Claude Code can control a browser through the Claude in Chrome extension on Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise for navigation, clicks, form fill, debugging, and data extraction.

Codex runs software-engineering tasks in command-capable sandbox environments and is also available as a terminal CLI.

Claude Code runs as an interactive terminal agent and can execute approved shell workflows.

Codex executes code and tests inside isolated task environments while working on a repository.

Claude Code can inspect repositories, edit files, and run commands from its terminal agent loop.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Codex support for File upload.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Claude Code support for File upload.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Codex support for PDF analysis.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Claude Code support for PDF analysis.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Codex support for Spreadsheet analysis.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Claude Code support for Spreadsheet analysis.

Codex can inspect screenshots, technical diagrams, charts, and other visual surfaces during coding work.

Claude Code accepts static image inputs on Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, and API for screenshot, mockup, and diagram analysis via drag-and-drop, path, or clipboard paste.

OpenAI documents image generation and editing as available inside Codex.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Claude Code support for Image generation.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Codex support for Persistent memory.

Feature State did not find enough primary evidence in this review to classify Claude Code support for Persistent memory.

Codex cloud tasks run independently in separate environments and can be delegated in parallel.

Claude Code runs background agent sessions that keep working without an attached terminal on Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise, including Dispatch flows that continue while you are away.

Codex connects to external systems through configured MCP servers and other available tools.

Claude Code can use remote connectors and local desktop extensions through Anthropic’s connector architecture.

OpenAI offers a Codex desktop app with an integrated workspace and browser.

Claude Desktop can deep-link directly into a Code session on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Codex operates across app, CLI, and IDE extension surfaces, with shared agent workflows.

Claude Code supports IDE-integrated workflows in addition to its command-line interface.