CodexUse vs CodexBar and the vanilla CLI
CodexUse is a desktop companion to the Codex CLI. CodexBar and the vanilla CLI still work well for some flows. Here is a simple comparison so you can pick the right tool for each job.
What CodexUse adds
- Tray switching: Change profiles from the menu bar or tray without reopening a browser.
- Rate-limit radar (Pro): Shows usage percent and reset windows per profile.
- Auto-roll (Pro): Switches to the next profile when usage crosses your thresholds.
- Chat history (Pro): Chats are grouped by profile and project so work and personal threads stay separate.
- MCP and config UI: Manage models, approval policy, sandbox mode, and MCP servers with form fields instead of JSON.
- Bundled CLI: CodexUse ships with the Codex CLI so you do not need to install or update it separately.
- No analytics: Data and credentials stay local. Network calls are license checks you start and update checks.
Where CodexBar or the CLI may fit better
- You want zero background refresh. CodexUse runs the bundled CLI in the background to keep telemetry current. CodexBar is closer to a manual switcher.
- You prefer pure terminal flows. The vanilla CLI is fine if you only use one account and do not need chat grouping.
- You are on Windows today. CodexUse builds target macOS Apple Silicon and Linux ARM64; the Windows build is being worked on.
How to choose per task
| Task | Pick this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rotate accounts before 429s | CodexUse Pro | Rate-limit radar plus auto-roll handles the swap without relogins. |
| Quick manual switch with no background activity | CodexBar | Lightweight if you only need a tray selector and accept manual checks. |
| Single account coding in terminal | Codex CLI | Minimal overhead if you do not switch accounts or need telemetry. |
| Edit models, reasoning, MCP | CodexUse | Form controls reduce config mistakes and save to the same CLI files. |
| Keep chats separate by client | CodexUse Pro | Chats are tagged by profile and project so history stays organized. |
What stays the same
- Profiles and tokens live locally in the Codex CLI directory.
- No browser automation is added; logins still go through the official Codex flow.
- Updates come from signed releases hosted on GitHub.
Can I disable telemetry refresh in CodexUse?
Not today. The app refreshes rate limits in the background to power the radar and auto-roll. You can quit the app if you need silence, then reopen when ready.
Does CodexUse change my existing CLI files?
It uses the same Codex CLI config, tokens, and chat files already on disk. When you switch profiles or save config, it writes through the bundled CLI.
Is there a Homebrew tap?
Not yet. Current installers are a DMG for macOS Apple Silicon and an AppImage for Linux ARM64. Windows is in progress.