Claude connectors: what they are and how to use them
Claude connectors are integrations that let Claude read and act on your other apps, such as Google Drive, Notion or HubSpot, from inside a chat. Anthropic's connector directory listed 734 of them in October 2026. You find them in Settings, under Connectors, on Claude web, desktop and mobile. Most are remote MCP servers. Free users can add one custom connector of their own.
How Claude connectors work under the hood
A Claude connector is an MCP server that Anthropic has listed in its directory. When you ask for something one of your connected apps can do, Claude calls that connector's tools, such as "search files" or "create a task". Some connectors also show interactive screens in the chat, called MCP Apps, and carry an Interactive badge. Learn the difference between a connector and MCP before you publish.
If you already ship a connector, start with Claude connector optimization to rank higher in directory search.
How to connect an app to Claude in four steps
- Open Settings, then Connectors.
- Click Browse to open the connector directory.
- Pick a connector and click Connect.
- Sign in to the app and choose what Claude may do.
On Team and Enterprise plans, an owner must turn a connector on before members can use it.
How to add a custom connector by URL
- Open Settings, then Connectors, and click Add custom connector.
- Paste the remote MCP server URL.
- Sign in if the server asks you to.
The Free plan allows one custom connector.
Connector access by Claude plan
Yes. Free users can use connectors and add one custom connector. Paid plans can add more than one.
| Plan | Directory connectors | Custom connectors |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Yes | 1 |
| Pro | Yes | Yes |
| Max | Yes | Yes |
| Team | Yes, once an owner enables them | Yes |
| Enterprise | Yes, once an owner enables them | Yes |
The 10 most popular Claude connectors by Anthropic's score
These 10 connectors had the highest popularity score in Anthropic's directory on October 3, 2026. Anthropic does not say what the score measures, so read it as a rank, not as installs.
| Rank | Connector | Popularity score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Drive | 24,678 |
| 2 | Google Calendar | 23,935 |
| 3 | Canva | 22,620 |
| 4 | Microsoft 365 | 22,296 |
| 5 | Notion | 22,155 |
| 6 | Figma | 21,926 |
| 7 | HubSpot | 20,854 |
| 8 | Asana | 20,670 |
| 9 | Linear | 20,643 |
| 10 | Intercom | 20,180 |
Pick from the best Claude connectors by category.
Claude connector categories and their sizes
- Productivity, 308. Docs, notes, tasks and calendars.
- Data and analytics, 170. Databases, BI tools and spreadsheets.
- Financial services, 113. Market data, accounting and payments.
- Sales and marketing, 99. CRMs, ads and email tools.
- Developer tools, 92. Code hosts, issue trackers and logs.
- Communication, 55. Chat, email and meetings.
A connector can sit in several categories. Check the latest Claude connectors statistics, or browse all 734 connectors in our free list.
How Claude decides which connector to use in a chat
When you have several apps connected, Claude brings one into the chat on its own when it fits your request. It reads the connector's tool names and descriptions to decide. If you make a connector, get more installs with Claude connector optimization for your listing.
Connector permissions and safety controls
You decide what each connector may do. For each tool, you choose Always allow, Needs approval or Blocked. The app on the other side handles your data under its own privacy policy, so read it first. Disconnect connectors you no longer use.
How Claude connectors compare with ChatGPT plugins
Claude connectors and ChatGPT plugins do the same job: they connect the assistant to outside apps, and both run on MCP. ChatGPT packs apps into plugins with skills. Claude keeps connectors and plugins separate.
Frequently asked questions
Does Claude Pro allow connectors?
Yes. Pro supports directory connectors and custom connectors.
Can I build my own connector?
Yes. Build a remote MCP server, then submit a Claude connector for review. You can also use it yourself as a custom connector.
What is the difference between a connector and a plugin in Claude?
A connector links Claude to one app. A plugin bundles skills, commands and hooks, and can include connectors. Read about Claude plugins.
How many connectors are there?
734 in Anthropic's directory on October 3, 2026.