Do subagents consume usage?
Subagents still perform model work. Parallel execution is not additional free allowance.
Sources reviewed:
Subagents still perform model work. Parallel execution is not additional free allowance.
Codex
Model and tool work across tasks still draws on the applicable shared allowance.
Claude Code
Subagents work in separate contexts. Their model calls and context contribute to consumption.
When it helps
Delegate independent work and avoid repeating the same background. Parallelism primarily reduces waiting.