01What is OpenClaw vs Hermes?

OpenClaw vs Hermes is a comparison between two popular AI agents that help you automate tasks. Both let you schedule tasks, use different AI models, and work on your laptop. But they differ in ease of use, features, and support.

Hermes is made by News Research, one of the biggest AI labs. It is smoother and easier to use. OpenClaw was the original agent but tends to break more often.

In this episode, Julian Goldie explains these differences and helps you decide which one to pick.

02Main Features of Hermes and OpenClaw

Both agents have similar features. They can use many AI models, including free ones. They both work on your laptop and can be part of a team of agents.

  • Kanban boards – Hermes has this, OpenClaw does not.
  • Persistent goals – Hermes has this feature for autonomous work.
  • MCP catalogs – Hermes offers these, which you don't see elsewhere.
  • Hermes Desktop – A free app to chat with your agent without using the terminal.
  • Talk to agent in Google Meet – OpenClaw recently added this, but few people use it.

Hermes also organizes its knowledge better. Its documentation is easier to navigate. OpenClaw's docs feel less useful.

03How to Get Started with Hermes vs OpenClaw

Starting with either agent is simple. Here are the steps Julian showed:

  1. Go to OpenRouter to see which agents are popular and compare their performance.
  2. Pick Hermes if you are a beginner. It is smoother and more user-friendly.
  3. Install Hermes Desktop if you want a simple chat interface instead of the terminal.
  4. Connect a free API model, like Step 3.7 Flash, inside the Hermes terminal.
  5. If you want to use agents together, set up both and link them to a shared memory tool like Obsidian.

You can start using either agent right away. For most people, Hermes is the best starting point.

04How to Use Them for Daily Tasks

Julian answered three common questions about using these agents. First, for automating daily or weekly routines, you can use either. But he recommends Hermes because it is smoother.

Just tell Hermes: "Each week, go off and do this" and give it a schedule.

Second, for checking and posting messages to WhatsApp or Telegram, again both can work. But Julian picks Hermes for the same reason – it is smoother and more reliable.

Third, for keeping track of information, don't rely on the agent's memory. Agents are not great at remembering things. Instead, use Obsidian for memory.

You tell Hermes to connect to your local Obsidian vault, and it writes conversations there automatically.

05Results and Comparisons from the Episode

Julian showed data from OpenRouter. Hermes launched in February and has gradually overtaken OpenClaw in usage. The graph for Hermes is going up, while OpenClaw has declined over the last 30 days.

He noted that OpenClaw has become smoother recently and breaks less. But he still finds himself using Hermes more. He also saw that Hermes listens to user feedback and releases useful features, while OpenClaw sometimes releases flashy features that most people don't use.

In terms of models, both agents support similar popular models. However, Hermes allows you to use free models like Step 3.7 Flash, which is available for free for at least three more weeks. OpenClaw does not offer this.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some important tips from Julian to get the most out of these agents:

  • Don't rely on built-in memory – Agents are not good at remembering things. Use Obsidian for reliable memory.
  • Use Hermes Desktop – It is free and makes chatting with your agent easy, without coding in a terminal.
  • Combine both agents – Have Hermes fix things in OpenClaw and vice versa. This can be powerful.
  • Use free APIs – Both agents can use free models, but Hermes has more free options.
  • Link agents to Obsidian – This lets all your agents share the same memory and sync data.

Avoid getting overwhelmed. If you want to stay focused, just go with Hermes.

07Who Should Use Which Agent?

If you are a beginner, start with Hermes. It is smoother, easier to use, and more user-friendly. If you have time, learn both because you can combine them.

Hermes can fix things in OpenClaw, and OpenClaw can fix things in Hermes.

OpenClaw was the original agent that brought the autonomous idea. Hermes looked at what OpenClaw did well and what it did poorly, then fixed each problem and built a smoother system. That is why Hermes is gaining popularity.

For automating weekly routines, checking messages, or storing information, Hermes is the best choice. Use Obsidian for memory storage to keep track of everything.

08Conclusion: Final Verdict

In the end, both agents are powerful. You can't go wrong with either. But if you want a smooth, beginner-friendly experience, go with Hermes.

It has better support, more free models, and a more intuitive interface.

If you want to combine them, you can. Use Hermes for daily tasks and OpenClaw for specific things. Link them all to Obsidian for shared memory.

This way, you get the best of both worlds.

Remember, you don't have to manage everything manually. Let your agents handle the heavy lifting.