Let me break down the free options. The best free AI model for Hermes agent depends on how you want ‘free’ — running a model locally, using a free API, or plugging in a subscription you already pay for. The good news: with any of them, a full day of AI agents can cost you nothing.
Here are the best free options and exactly how to use each one.
Last updated: July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Three ways to run Hermes free: a local model, a free API, or your existing subscription.
- Gemma 4 is the standout — free locally, and free via OpenRouter (26B/31B) if your hardware can’t run it.
- Other free routes: HY3, GLM (very cheap), and Grok free with X.
- The Agent OS in the AI Profit Boardroom comes with the free models already wired in.
The Best Free AI Models for Hermes
You don’t need a paid API to run a capable Hermes agent. These are the free options I’d reach for:
| Free model | How it’s free | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Gemma 4 (local) | Free forever once installed | Offline, private, all-day use |
| Gemma 4 26B / 31B | Free API via OpenRouter | No powerful hardware needed |
| HY3 | Free API (time-limited) | Free agentic coding tasks |
| GLM 5.2 | Extremely cheap | High-volume everyday work |
| Grok | Free with an X subscription | Fast coding and edits |
For a deeper look at one frontier-grade free model, see my Kimi K3 for free guide.
Option 1: Free Local Model (Gemma 4)
The cleanest ‘free forever’ route is a local model. Gemma 4 12B is Google’s open model — free to run all day, laptop-ready at 16GB VRAM, and it works offline. Install Ollama, download Gemma 4, and point Hermes at it.
Full walkthrough in my best local model for Hermes agent guide.
Option 2: Free API (No Good Hardware Needed)
Can’t run a model locally? Use a free API instead. Gemma 4 26B (and 31B) are available free through OpenRouter — just grab the API, go to your model list, select OpenRouter, and choose Gemma 4 as your main or auxiliary model.
HY3 is another free API worth plugging in, though free windows can be time-limited — so check before you rely on one.
Option 3: Use a Subscription You Already Have
This one gets missed. If you already pay for Claude or ChatGPT, you can plug that subscription straight into Hermes via its CLI — so you’re not burning extra API tokens. It doesn’t cost you anything on top of the subscription you already have.
Combine all three — a local model, a free API, and your subscription — and you can run a serious agent setup for effectively nothing.
Which Free Route Should You Choose?
Quick guidance to pick fast:
- Good hardware? Run Gemma 4 locally — free forever and works offline.
- Modest hardware? Use a free API like Gemma via OpenRouter or HY3 — the work runs on their servers.
- Already pay for Claude or ChatGPT? Plug that subscription into Hermes and use it with no extra token cost.
- Want maximum coverage? Set up all three and switch between them as needed.
Most people end up mixing a local model for volume with a subscription for the hard tasks — that combination is tough to beat on value.
What You Can Build for Free
Even on free models, Hermes acts rather than just chats. On a free brain I’ve run morning briefs, inbox triage, weekly reviews of my Obsidian memory, research and content ideas — and it’ll even build small apps, timers and games. All of it can run automatically on a schedule at no cost.
The Honest Trade-Off
Free models are weaker than paid frontier models like Opus 4.8, and they’re not always great at writing. The move is to use free models for the bulk, auxiliary and volume tasks, and keep one strong model for the work that really matters — see my best model for Hermes agent guide for that balance.
Get It Ready-Made
The Agent OS inside the AI Profit Boardroom comes with the free models, free APIs and local models already wired in, so you can run for free out of the box. New here? Start free with my AI course and community (plus 1,000+ AI agents), or grab a free strategy session.
FAQ
What’s the best free AI model for Hermes agent?
Gemma 4 — free locally, and free via OpenRouter (26B/31B) if you can’t run it on your machine. It’s built for agentic reasoning, so it works well as the brain of Hermes.
Can I run Hermes agent completely free?
Yes — use a local model (free forever), a free API like Gemma via OpenRouter or HY3, or plug in a subscription you already pay for. A full day of agents can cost nothing.
Where do I get a free API for Hermes?
OpenRouter offers Gemma 4 26B/31B free. Grab the API, select OpenRouter in your model list, and choose Gemma 4 as your main or auxiliary model.
Are free models good enough?
For volume and auxiliary tasks, yes. For high-stakes work and polished writing, keep a stronger paid model in the mix and use free models for everything else.
Is Gemma 4 free with Hermes?
Yes — it’s free to run locally once installed, and free via OpenRouter as an API. Either way you can use it with Hermes at no cost.
The Bottom Line
The best free AI model for Hermes agent is Gemma 4 — free locally or via OpenRouter — backed up by free APIs and your existing subscription. Get it all wired up in the AI Profit Boardroom.
