Compare
Codex CLI vs Gemini CLI
Side-by-side comparison of Codex CLI and Gemini CLI for SKILL.md agent skills — install model, shell access, native support, skill count and best use cases.
Comparison
At a glance
| Dimension | Codex | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | OpenAI | |
| Native SKILL.md support | Yes | Via compatibility layer |
| Verified skills indexed | 45 | 5 |
| 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. | Google's coding agent CLI with a SKILL.md compatibility layer. |
Both
5
Skills verified to work on both Codex and Gemini.
Only Codex
40
Indexed for Codex CLI but not yet verified on Gemini CLI.
Only Gemini
0
Indexed for Gemini CLI 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. Gemini CLI works well when you are already invested in the Google ecosystem or need its specific integrations.
Many teams use both — Skills with the SKILL.md spec are portable, and 5 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 Gemini CLI.
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better for SKILL.md skills, Codex CLI or Gemini CLI?
Codex CLI has native SKILL.md support; Gemini CLI uses a compatibility layer. Codex CLI has 45 verified skills indexed here; Gemini CLI has 5. 5 skills work on both.
Can I use the same Skill on Codex CLI and Gemini CLI?
5 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 Gemini CLI?
Drop the folder under `~/.gemini/skills/` for user-wide or `.gemini/skills/` for project-scoped. The compatibility layer translates SKILL.md frontmatter automatically.
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. Gemini CLI works for teams already invested in that platform.
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