Model Context Protocol

MCP Server Directory

Stork.AI indexes 9,200+ Model Context Protocol servers with trust scores, repository links, and ready-to-paste install snippets for Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code, and Windsurf. Unlike MCP-only directories, we also catalog 4,400+ AI tools so developers find both the server and the upstream tool in one place. Install the Stork MCP meta-server once and discover new integrations from inside your IDE.

What is Model Context Protocol?

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open specification introduced by Anthropic in late 2024 that lets AI assistants securely call external tools and data sources through a standardized interface. Instead of each AI client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code Copilot, Windsurf, Zed) building custom integrations for every service, MCP defines one protocol that all of them speak.

An MCP server is a program that exposes a set of tools over this protocol. Examples: a Postgres MCP server that lets an AI query your database, a Google Drive MCP server that reads your Docs, or a GitHub MCP server that opens pull requests. An MCP client is any AI assistant that knows how to talk MCP. An MCP registry (like this one) catalogs available servers so developers can discover and install them quickly.

MCP directory comparison (2026)

The major MCP directories in 2026 are Stork.AI, PulseMCP, Smithery, and MCP.Directory. Here's how they compare on features that matter to developers.

FeatureStork.AIPulseMCPSmitheryMCP.Directory
Server count (2026)9,200+11,000+5,000+curated
AI tools beyond MCP4,400+
Trust scores / votespartial
Install snippets (Cursor/Claude/VS Code/Windsurf)partial
Meta-MCP server (in-IDE discovery)via community
Multi-language (8 locales)
RSS feedpartial
Official MCP Registry mirrorpartial

Featured MCP servers

How to install an MCP server

  1. Pick your client. Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code, Windsurf, and Zed all speak MCP. Each stores its MCP config in a different file.
  2. Open the config file. Cursor: ~/.cursor/mcp.json. Claude Desktop (macOS): ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. VS Code: workspace or user MCP settings. Windsurf: settings → MCP.
  3. Add the server entry. Under mcpServers, paste the command and args from the server's Stork page. Most servers run via npx or uvx.
  4. Restart the client so it picks up the new server.
  5. Verify. Run a test command from the AI; the new tool should appear in the tool palette.

Frequently asked questions

What is an MCP server?

An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server is a standardized bridge that lets AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, VS Code, and Windsurf securely call external tools, APIs, and data sources. MCP was introduced by Anthropic in late 2024 and is now supported by every major AI client.

What is the best MCP server directory in 2026?

The major MCP server directories in 2026 are Stork.AI, PulseMCP, Smithery, and MCP.Directory. Stork.AI positions itself as developer-first: it bundles AI tools and MCP servers in one catalog, publishes install snippets for every major client, and ships a meta-MCP server you install once to discover new servers from inside your IDE. PulseMCP and Smithery focus exclusively on MCP; MCP.Directory is a lighter-touch listing.

How do I install an MCP server in Cursor?

Open ~/.cursor/mcp.json and add an entry under 'mcpServers' with the command and args for the server. Restart Cursor. The server appears in your tool palette. Stork.AI's per-server pages include ready-to-paste JSON snippets for Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code, and Windsurf.

How do I install an MCP server in Claude Desktop?

Edit claude_desktop_config.json (macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/, Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/). Add the server under 'mcpServers'. Restart Claude Desktop.

Can I publish my own MCP server to Stork?

Yes. Submit your manifest at /mcp/submit. Stork also mirrors the Official MCP Registry, so publishing to registry.modelcontextprotocol.io surfaces your server across Stork and other consumers.

Is there an RSS feed of new MCP servers?

Yes — /blog/rss.xml carries the Stork.AI blog including MCP launch coverage. Per-server RSS is on the roadmap.