Claude connector vs MCP: what's the difference?
A Claude connector vs an MCP server is mostly a question of packaging: an MCP server is any tool server that speaks the Model Context Protocol, and a Claude connector is an MCP server that Anthropic has reviewed and listed in Claude's directory (734 of them in October 2026). Use a plain MCP server for your own tools or local work. Ship a connector when you want Claude users to find and install it. Claude plugins are a third thing: bundles of skills, commands and hooks that can also include MCP servers.
| MCP server | Claude connector | Claude plugin | Custom connector | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A server that gives an AI tools and data over MCP | An MCP server listed in Claude's directory | A bundle of skills, commands, agents, hooks and MCP servers | Any remote MCP server a user adds by URL |
| Who lists it | Anyone, in any registry | Anthropic, after review | Plugin marketplaces | Nobody; the user adds it |
| Where users find it | MCP registries, GitHub | Claude's connector directory | Claude Code plugin marketplaces | Settings, by pasting a URL |
| Local or remote | Both | Mostly remote (624 of 734); 110 local desktop extensions | Both | Remote |
| Review | None | Yes | — | None |
| Works outside Claude | Yes, in any MCP client | The same server can, yes | No | Yes |
Every Claude connector runs on MCP, but not every MCP server is a connector
No, a connector is not the same as MCP. MCP is the protocol. A connector is one MCP server that passed Anthropic's review and sits in Claude's directory, where users can find and add it. If you want users to find yours, start with MCP server SEO.
What it takes for an MCP server to become a Claude connector
To become a connector, a server must pass Anthropic's directory review. The review checks tool names (64 characters or fewer), tool descriptions, read-only and destructive hints, a privacy policy and test details. Only remote servers can be submitted. Of the 734 connectors listed on October 3, 2026, 624 (85%) were remote MCP servers and 110 were local desktop extensions. More than 11,000 other MCP servers are listed in registries such as the official MCP Registry and Smithery.
Claude plugins are bundles, not individual MCP connections
A Claude plugin bundles skills, slash commands, agents and hooks, and it can include MCP servers. MCP is one part a plugin can carry. Read more about Claude plugins.
Adding any MCP server to Claude as a custom connector
Yes, if it is a remote server. You add it as a custom connector. Custom connectors work on Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans. The Free plan allows one.
- Open Settings, then Connectors.
- Click Add custom connector and paste the remote MCP server URL.
- Sign in if the server asks you to.
In Claude Code, you can also use MCP servers in Claude Code with one command.
Remote vs local MCP servers in Claude
| Remote MCP server | Local MCP server | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | On the maker's servers, reached by a URL | On your own computer |
| Works in | Claude on web, desktop and mobile | Claude Desktop and Claude Code |
| Share of Claude connectors | 85% (624) | 15% (110) |
See how many MCP servers there are across registries.
Which type to build based on your use case
- An internal tool. Build a plain MCP server. Your team adds it as a custom connector or runs it locally.
- A SaaS product that wants Claude users. Build a remote MCP server and submit it as a connector. Building for Claude users? Get your MCP server found in every directory.
- A developer workflow. Build a Claude plugin that bundles your skills, commands and MCP servers.
Ready to list? Learn how to submit a Claude connector.
Frequently asked questions
Is MCP just a connector?
No. MCP is the open protocol. Connectors, ChatGPT apps and many other tools are built on it.
What are the best MCP connectors for Claude?
By Anthropic's popularity score in October 2026, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Canva, Microsoft 365 and Notion lead. Read how Claude connectors work for more on the directory.
Do ChatGPT plugins use MCP too?
Yes. The app part of a ChatGPT plugin connects through an MCP server built with OpenAI's Apps SDK.