Comparison
Hermes Agent vs Roo Code
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Hermes Agent | Roo Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Nous Research | Roo Code |
| License | Open source | Apache-2.0 |
| Models | Model-agnostic: hosted or local models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, Desktop, Messaging | IDE |
| MCP | ?MCP: not yet verified | MCP: supported |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | Agent Skills: supported |
| AGENTS.md | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified | AGENTS.md: supported |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ?ACP: not yet verified |
Key differences
- Both are open source, so you can inspect and self-host either.
- Hermes Agent also runs in Terminal, Desktop, Messaging; Roo Code also runs in IDE.
- Roo Code supports MCP; we have not verified it for Hermes Agent.
- Roo Code supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for Hermes Agent.
- Hermes Agent supports ACP; we have not verified it for Roo Code.
- Both support Agent Skills, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.
In their own words
FAQ
- Is Hermes Agent or Roo Code open source?
- Hermes Agent is open source. Roo Code is open source under Apache-2.0.
- Do Hermes Agent and Roo Code support MCP servers?
- Hermes Agent: not verified yet. Roo Code: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Hermes Agent and Roo Code?
- 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.