Quick Summary
OpenAI Codex
GPT models with broad capabilities and wide ecosystem support
- 128K context window
- Image generation and understanding
- Tool/function calling
Ollama
Run open-source LLMs locally with no API costs
- Completely local
- No API costs
- Privacy-focused
Model Comparison
| Aspect | OpenAI Codex | Ollama |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 2 | 3 |
| Default Model | GPT-5.2 | Llama 3.3 |
| Max Context Window | 128K tokens | 128K tokens |
| Image Support | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Tool/Function Calling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing Model |
Authentication
OpenAI Codex
api_key
Standard API key authentication
OPENAI_API_KEY oauth
OAuth for ChatGPT/Codex subscriptions
Ollama
none
No authentication required for local instance
Pros & Cons
OpenAI Codex
Pros
- Extensive ecosystem and tooling
- Good performance across tasks
- Fine-tuning options
- Strong developer community
Cons
- Can be expensive at scale
- Rate limits vary by tier
- Model updates can change behavior
Ollama
Pros
- No API costs
- Full data privacy
- Works offline
- No rate limits
Cons
- Requires capable hardware
- Slower than cloud APIs
- Less capable than frontier models
Best Use Cases
Choose OpenAI Codex if you need:
- General AI assistance
- Image generation
- Code generation
- Content creation
Choose Ollama if you need:
- Privacy-sensitive applications
- Offline use
- Cost-conscious deployments
- Development and testing
Use with Messaging Channels
Both providers work with all OpenClaw messaging channels:
Telegram
Discord
Slack
Signal
iMessage
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, OpenAI Codex or Ollama?
It depends on your use case. OpenAI Codex excels at general ai assistance, while Ollama is best for privacy-sensitive applications. Consider your specific needs for context length, pricing, and feature requirements.
Can I use both OpenAI Codex and Ollama with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple providers simultaneously. You can configure OpenAI Codex as your primary and Ollama as a fallback, or use different providers for different agents.
Which has better pricing, OpenAI Codex or Ollama?
OpenAI Codex uses undefined pricing, while Ollama uses undefined. The best value depends on your usage volume and whether you need premium features.