Comparison
Claude Code vs Hermes Agent
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Claude Code | Hermes Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Anthropic | Nous Research |
| License | Proprietary | Open source |
| Models | Anthropic Claude models | Model-agnostic: hosted or local models |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | Terminal, Desktop, Messaging |
| MCP | MCP: supported | ?MCP: not yet verified |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | Agent Skills: supported |
| AGENTS.md | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ACP: supported |
Key differences
- Hermes Agent is open source; Claude Code is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
- Models: Claude Code runs Anthropic Claude models; Hermes Agent runs Model-agnostic: hosted or local models.
- Claude Code also runs in IDE, Web; Hermes Agent also runs in Messaging.
- Claude Code supports MCP; we have not verified it for Hermes Agent.
- Both support Agent Skills, ACP, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.
In their own words
Claude Code
Anthropic's agentic coding tool. Reads the codebase, edits files, runs commands, and extends through MCP servers, Skills, subagents, hooks and plugin marketplaces. Project instructions live in CLAUDE.md.
Hermes Agent
Model-agnostic personal agent across CLI, desktop and messaging apps. Learns across sessions and writes reusable skills from its own work.
FAQ
- Is Claude Code or Hermes Agent open source?
- Claude Code is proprietary. Hermes Agent is open source.
- Do Claude Code and Hermes Agent support MCP servers?
- Claude Code: yes. Hermes Agent: not verified yet.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Claude Code and Hermes Agent?
- Yes. Both read the open Agent Skills (SKILL.md) format, so the same skill folder works in both.
Set up MCP servers in either one
More comparisons
Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.