Comparison
Hermes Agent vs OpenClaw
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Hermes Agent | OpenClaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Nous Research | OpenClaw community |
| License | Open source | Open source |
| Models | Model-agnostic: hosted or local models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, Desktop, Messaging | Local, Messaging |
| MCP | ?MCP: not yet verified | ?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
- Both are open source, so you can inspect and self-host either.
- Hermes Agent also runs in Terminal, Desktop; OpenClaw also runs in Local.
- Both support Agent Skills, ACP, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.
In their own words
Hermes Agent
Model-agnostic personal agent across CLI, desktop and messaging apps. Learns across sessions and writes reusable skills from its own work.
OpenClaw
Open-source personal assistant that runs locally and lives in the messaging apps you already use, with cron jobs, plugins and approvals.
FAQ
- Is Hermes Agent or OpenClaw open source?
- Hermes Agent is open source. OpenClaw is open source.
- Do Hermes Agent and OpenClaw support MCP servers?
- Hermes Agent: not verified yet. OpenClaw: not verified yet.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Hermes Agent and OpenClaw?
- 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.