Comparison
OpenClaw vs Hermes Agent
Two of the most popular open-source AI agents, compared. Here is how OpenClaw and the Hermes AI agent differ, and how to run either one without managing a server.
$49/mo per instance · $15 AI credit included ·
Pay with Lightning
Choose OpenClaw if…
You want a broad personal assistant for email, calendar, research and everyday errands, with a web gateway.
Choose Hermes Agent if…
You want an agent that builds long-term memory and reusable skills, and improves the more you use it.
OpenClaw at a glance
OpenClaw is a general-purpose personal AI assistant. It shines at the long tail of daily work: summarizing inboxes, drafting replies, planning your week, tracking expenses and monitoring the news.
Hermes Agent at a glance
Hermes Agent from Nous Research is designed to learn. It keeps memory across sessions and can capture repeated workflows as skills, so it adapts to how you work over time.
Can't decide? Run both.
On NowClaw every instance slot can host either agent. Buy two slots, deploy OpenClaw in one and Hermes Agent in the other, and see which fits your workflow.
| OpenClaw | Hermes Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Open-source personal AI assistant | Open-source agent by Nous Research |
| Strength | Everyday assistant tasks across your tools | Self-improvement, persistent memory and skills |
| On NowClaw | Telegram + web gateway | Telegram + password-protected dashboard |
| Models | DeepSeek, Claude, GPT, Gemini, Kimi, MiniMax | DeepSeek, Claude, GPT, Gemini, Kimi, MiniMax |
| Setup on NowClaw | Minutes, no CLI | Minutes, no `hermes setup` |
Live in three steps
- 01
Log in
Use your Nostr keys (browser extension, Nostr Connect, or a fresh keypair) or email.
- 02
Pay with Lightning
Scan a Lightning invoice or pay from a connected NWC wallet. No card needed.
- 03
Pick agent & model
Choose OpenClaw or Hermes Agent, select a model, and pair your Telegram bot.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenClaw or Hermes Agent better?+
Neither is strictly better. OpenClaw is a strong all-round assistant, while Hermes Agent focuses on persistent memory and self-improving skills.
Are both open source?+
Yes. Both OpenClaw and Hermes Agent are open-source projects. NowClaw is an independent hosting service for them.
Can I switch between them later?+
Yes. Delete an instance and deploy the other agent into the same slot.
Do they use the same AI models?+
On NowClaw both agents can use the same selection of models, including DeepSeek, Claude, GPT, Gemini, Kimi and MiniMax.
