The agent is. The model is not, unless you run one locally. Count tokens like any other API.

Why is Telegram silent?

Almost always: CLI chat does not work yet, the model context is too short, or the gateway was set up first. Go back to local `hermes` and `hermes doctor`.

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Terminal with hermes setup and a chat that replies — First a chat that answers. The gateway comes later.

Nous Research · Local CLI agent

Hermes Agent

Nous Research’s CLI agent on your machine. The software is free; you pay for the model.

4.3(160)Updated 2026-08-26

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What it actually is

Hermes Agent is an open-source agent that runs in your terminal. It talks to a provider (or a local model), uses tools and, once it works, can sit behind a gateway (Telegram, Slack). It is not an IDE and it is not Grok Bot.

The order that does not break setup: install, `hermes setup` (or `--portal`), pick a model with ≥64K context, verify a real chat, `hermes doctor`. Only then `hermes gateway setup`. If you mount the gateway first, the usual symptom is a mute bot.

What it does well

CLI: setup, chat, continue, doctor
Provider and model picker
Local tools (files, shell) depending on config
Optional messaging gateway
Desktop installer or script

Pros

Free software; you choose the model
Lives on your machine: real files and a real terminal
Gateway only after local chat is stable
Solid diagnostics (`doctor`, `--continue`)

Cons

You must auth a provider (or go local)
The model needs ≥64K context for the tool loop
Adding gateway and cron before chat works is how it breaks
Less guided than Cursor; failures live in the log

Who it is for

People who live in the terminal and want an agent on their machine
Flows that will later go to Telegram/Slack — not the other way around
Anyone who can already pick a model and an API key

Who it is not for

Anyone who wants an IDE with diffs (Cursor)
Anyone who wants a teammate with a cloud browser (Grok Bot)
A click-and-done setup with no shell

FAQ

Is it actually free?: The agent is. The model is not, unless you run one locally. Count tokens like any other API.
Why is Telegram silent?: Almost always: CLI chat does not work yet, the model context is too short, or the gateway was set up first. Go back to local `hermes` and `hermes doctor`.