Top open-source agent frameworks for local llms in 2026

A 2026 guide ranks 11 open-source agent harnesses based on documentation, licensing, and safety. OpenCode, Pi, Goose, and Cline are highlighted for their local inference capabilities. OpenCode supports Ollama, LM Studio, and llama.cpp, with a recommended context window of 64k tokens. Pi, a minimalist tool, offers native support for llama.cpp and lacks built-in permissions but recommends Docker for isolation. Goose, backed by the Linux Foundation, supports 70+ MCP extensions and runs on Ollama. Cline emphasizes human-in-the-loop approvals and uses Apache-2.0 licensing. OpenHands provides detailed guidance for Qwen3.6-35B-A3B, requiring 24GB VRAM or Apple Silicon. Aider and Codex CLI cater to specific use cases like Git integration and sandboxing. Qwen Code and Kilo offer alternatives for users seeking maintained paths. Hermes Agent from Nous Research supports cross-session memory and multiple messaging platforms. OpenClaw, the most starred project, connects to messaging accounts with a 64k context window. These tools reflect the growing focus on local LLM deployment and security in 2026.