Highwind vs Codex app
Every agent and your servers vs Codex in the ChatGPT app
Quick summary
Since July 2026, Codex is a mode of the ChatGPT desktop app. It runs the Codex agent with parallel chats in git worktrees, a browser with DevTools that Codex can drive, desktop computer use and one-click actions.
Highwind runs the Codex CLI in a pane next to Claude Code, Gemini, OpenCode, Copilot and pi, and next to the dev servers they work on. It supervises those servers, starts them in order, and starts them again when it opens.
Choose the Codex app if you only use Codex and want worktrees, diff review and computer use built in. Choose Highwind if you use several agents or run several servers per project.
Who should choose Highwind, and who should choose Codex app?
Choose Highwind if
- You use Claude Code or Gemini next to Codex.
- You want dev servers restarted on crash and started in the order they need.
- You want servers, agents and browser tabs back after you quit.
- You want an MCP server that lets any agent control your services, logs and tasks.
- You want an iOS simulator or Android device in a pane, with tools for any agent.
Choose the Codex app if
- You only use Codex and want it inside the ChatGPT app.
- You want worktrees per chat with diff review, staging and PRs built in.
- You want computer use for desktop apps.
- You need Windows or Linux.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Highwind | The Codex app |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A Mac app for dev servers, CLI agents, browsers and phone simulators, grouped by project | The Codex agent inside the ChatGPT desktop app |
| Runs your dev servers | Each service has a command, a folder and a port | Actions run commands such as a dev server in the terminal |
| Restarts a server when it crashes | Per service, up to 3 attempts, 2 seconds apart | Not documented |
| Starts the services a server needs first | Starts each required service and waits until its port accepts connections | Not documented |
| CLI agents from several vendors | Claude Code, Codex, Gemini, OpenCode, Copilot and pi, plus any CLI added with a JSON file | Codex only |
| Agent conversations resume after a restart | Each agent pane resumes its own session at launch | Chats and projects persist |
| Servers run again after you quit or reboot | Services that were running start again at the next launch, agents resume and browser tabs reopen. Launch at login is optional | Not documented |
| Built-in browser with DevTools | WebKit pane with the Chrome DevTools frontend beside the page | Browser with a Developer mode using the Chrome DevTools Protocol |
| Agents can use the built-in browser | 21 browser tools over MCP, with an approval policy per action | Opens pages, clicks, types, takes screenshots; can start or check the dev server first |
| Phone simulator or emulator in a pane | iOS simulator, Android emulator or Android phone in a pane. No physical iPhones. Needs Xcode tools or the Android SDK installed | No device pane documented |
| Agents can use the simulator or emulator | 13 device tools over MCP: tap, swipe, type, screenshot, UI tree, logs and crash reports | iOS simulator through XcodeBuildMCP or computer use; Android not documented |
| MCP server that controls the app | More than 70 tools for services, logs, views, tasks, the browser and devices. Off until you turn it on | The codex mcp-server command was removed |
| Shell commands as buttons | Per project, run in their own pane | Actions as top-bar buttons |
| Split panes | Views with split panes, layout presets and floating windows | Chat with a side panel of tabs |
| Task board | Kanban board per workspace that agents can read and update | Not documented |
| Git worktrees and diff review | No worktree management or diff view | Worktree per chat, inline diffs, staging, commit, push and PR |
| Code editor | Plain text editor and sidebar, no syntax highlighting | Inline diff editing |
| Configuration as plain files | Plain files in a .highwind folder | config.toml and a .codex folder |
| Built with | Native Swift | Desktop app (stack not documented) |
| No account needed | No account | Needs a ChatGPT account |
| Platforms | macOS 14 and later | macOS (Apple silicon), Windows, Linux |
| Price | Free during the public beta | Free, Go $8, Plus $20, Pro from $100 a month |
“Not documented” means we found no mention of it in the Codex app’s documentation.
Is there still a standalone Codex app?
No. Since July 9, 2026, Codex is a mode of the ChatGPT desktop app, and OpenAI’s Codex app page redirects to the ChatGPT app documentation. The Codex CLI is still available on its own, and that is what Highwind runs.
Dev servers in the Codex app and in Highwind
The Codex app’s Actions can start a dev server in its terminal with one click. Its documentation describes no restart on crash, no start order and no restore after a restart. In Highwind, each service can restart when it crashes, can require other services that start first, and starts again when Highwind opens.
Where the Codex app is ahead
The Codex app gives each chat a git worktree, cleans old worktrees up, and has inline diff editing, staging and pull requests. It also has desktop computer use and scheduled automations. Highwind has none of these.
Frequently asked questions
Does Highwind work with my ChatGPT subscription?
Yes. Highwind runs the Codex CLI signed in with your own ChatGPT account or API key. Highwind does not sell model access.
Can Codex use Highwind’s browser?
Yes, once Highwind’s MCP server is turned on. Codex can then open pages in Highwind’s browser pane, click, type, take screenshots and read the console, and start or restart your services.
Try Highwind
A native Mac app for your dev servers, CLI agents and browser panes. Requires macOS 14 or later.
Get HighwindOther comparisons
Last reviewed November 2, 2026. Product features and prices change; tell us on the contact page if something here is out of date.