Compare
Codex CLI vs Cursor
Side-by-side comparison of Codex CLI and Cursor for SKILL.md agent skills — install model, shell access, native support, skill count and best use cases.
Comparison
At a glance
| Dimension | Codex | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | OpenAI | Cursor |
| Native SKILL.md support | Yes | Via compatibility layer |
| Verified skills indexed | 45 | 73 |
| Install model | Local folder | Local folder |
| Shell / Bash access | Yes | Yes |
| Tagline | OpenAI's coding agent CLI. Adopted the SKILL.md spec verbatim in Dec 2025. | AI-first IDE. SKILL.md works via the Cursor plugin layer; per-skill compatibility verified here. |
Both
45
Skills verified to work on both Codex and Cursor.
Only Codex
0
Indexed for Codex CLI but not yet verified on Cursor.
Only Cursor
28
Indexed for Cursor but not yet verified on Codex CLI.
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Codex CLI is the deeper SKILL.md target — native support, the broadest verified skill ecosystem, and the closest fit for skill-driven workflows. Cursor works well when you are already invested in the Cursor ecosystem or need its specific integrations.
Many teams use both — Skills with the SKILL.md spec are portable, and 45 of the skills indexed here are verified on both agents. Browse the per-agent rankings to see which Skills lead on each platform: Skills for Codex CLI · Skills for Cursor.
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better for SKILL.md skills, Codex CLI or Cursor?
Codex CLI has native SKILL.md support; Cursor uses a compatibility layer. Codex CLI has 45 verified skills indexed here; Cursor has 73. 45 skills work on both.
Can I use the same Skill on Codex CLI and Cursor?
45 of the skills indexed here work on both. The SKILL.md spec is shared, so most skills run cleanly on both — the exceptions are skills that depend on agent-specific tools (Bash, Workflows, MCP patterns).
How do I install a Skill on Codex CLI?
Drop the Skill folder under `~/.codex/skills/` for user-wide or `.codex/skills/` for project-scoped. Codex loads SKILL.md the same way Claude Code does.
How do I install a Skill on Cursor?
Drop the folder under `.cursor/skills/` for project-scoped, or the global Cursor config dir for user-wide. The marketplace gives one-click install for popular Skills.
Which agent should I pick for cross-platform skill use?
If native SKILL.md support and the broadest skill ecosystem matter most, pick Codex CLI. Cursor works for teams already invested in that platform.
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