Comparison of MCP Server Frameworks

A comprehensive comparison between TypeScript libraries for creating Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, for both local and remote deployments.

MCP Server Frameworks Comparison

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that standardizes how applications provide context to Large Language Models (LLMs). It follows a client-server architecture that enables AI models to safely access specific data and capabilities. MCP allows Hosts (like IDEs or AI tools) to communicate with Servers (lightweight programs exposing capabilities) via Clients, accessing local or remote data sources securely.

Quick Selection Guide

This guide helps you quickly choose a framework based on its primary strengths:

@modelcontextprotocol/sdk

Choose if: You need the official, spec-compliant implementation with maximum control. Ideal for foundational work or when strict adherence is paramount.

Cloudflare agents

Choose if: You’re deploying stateful AI agents, especially on Cloudflare’s edge network. Benefits from Cloudflare integration and managed infrastructure.

fastmcp

Choose if: Session management, streaming, and production-ready features (like auth, logging) are critical. Offers a rich feature set out-of-the-box.

mcp-framework

Choose if: You prefer convention-over-configuration, rapid development, and CLI tooling. Built on the official SDK, focusing on developer experience.

@modelcontextprotocol/sdk

Cloudflare agents

fastmcp

mcp-framework

Feature Comparison

Compare the frameworks side-by-side across various features.

Summary

Feature	@modelcontextprotocol/sdk	Cloudflare agents	fastmcp	mcp-framework
Primary Goal	Core MCP Implementation	Stateful Edge AI Agents	MCP Server w/ Sessions	DX-focused MCP Framework
MCP Compliance	Official Standard	High (Agent-focused)	High	High (Uses official SDK)
Architecture	Low-level Primitives	Actor Model (Workers)	Session-centric	Convention over Config
Transports	stdio, HTTP (SSE)	HTTP (SSE), WebSockets	SSE, stdio	stdio, SSE, HTTP Stream
State Management	Manual	Built-in (Durable Objects)	Session-based	Manual/Per-Request
Authentication	Manual	Via Cloudflare Access/OAuth	Built-in	Built-in (SSE)
Developer Experience (DX)	Foundational	High (Integrated CF)	High (Specific Features)	High (CLI, Conventions)
CLI Tooling	None	wrangler	Testing utilities	Yes (mcp)
Deployment	Local/Any Server	Cloudflare Workers	Local/Any Server	Local/Any Server

Deployment Models: Local vs. Remote

Understand the trade-offs between running your MCP server locally or remotely.

Local MCP Servers

Local MCP Servers

Run directly on the user’s machine, typically communicating via stdio.

Advantages

• Direct Data Access: Easily access local files, databases, and system resources.
• Low Latency: No network overhead for communication.
• Enhanced Privacy: Sensitive data remains on the user’s device.
• Simplified Security: Often bypasses complex remote authentication needs.
• Offline Capability: Functions without an internet connection.

Disadvantages

• Limited Scope: Only accessible on the machine where it’s installed.
• Installation Burden: Requires setup on each user’s device.
• Distribution Challenges: Harder to distribute and update compared to web services.
• Scalability Limits: Bound by the resources of the local machine.

Primary Communication Method: stdio (Standard Input/Output) Best suited for: @modelcontextprotocol/sdk, fastmcp, mcp-framework

Framework Deep Dive

Explore the core philosophy, features, typical use cases, and code examples for each framework.

Overview & Philosophy

Understand the main goal and design principles behind each framework.

@modelcontextprotocol/sdk

• Goal: Provide the official, foundational TypeScript implementation of the MCP specification.
• Philosophy: Offer low-level primitives (Server, Resource, Tool, Prompt) for maximum control and strict spec adherence. Does not impose structure beyond the MCP core.
• Nature: A library/SDK, not a full framework. Forms the base for other frameworks like mcp-framework.

Key Features

Highlighting the standout features of each framework.

@modelcontextprotocol/sdk

• Spec Compliance: Full, official implementation of the MCP specification.
• Core Primitives: Exports fundamental classes/interfaces (Server, Resource, Tool, Prompt).
• Transport Flexibility: Supports stdio and HTTP/SSE.
• Extensibility: Designed as a base for other frameworks or direct use.
• Minimalist: No built-in session management, auto-discovery, or advanced features; requires manual implementation.

Code Examples

Illustrative examples of defining a simple “add” tool in each framework.

@modelcontextprotocol/sdk

import { Server } from "@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/server/index.js";
import { StdioServerTransport } from "@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/server/stdio.js";
import { z } from "zod";

const AddToolSchema = {
  name: "add",
  description: "Add two numbers together",
  parameters: z.object({
    a: z.number(),
    b: z.number(),
  }),
};

const server = new Server({ name: "sdk-example-server", version: "1.0.0" }, {
  capabilities: { tools: {} } 
});

server.setToolHandler(AddToolSchema, async (params) => {
  const { a, b } = params;
  const sum = a + b;
  return {
    content: [{ type: "text", text: String(sum) }]
  };
});

const transport = new StdioServerTransport();
await server.connect(transport);
console.log("SDK Server connected via stdio");

Best For

Summarizing the ideal scenarios for choosing each framework.

@modelcontextprotocol/sdk

Best For:

• Production Implementations: Where stability and official support are key.
• Strict Compliance: Projects needing precise adherence to the MCP spec.
• Framework Builders: As a foundation for creating higher-level MCP frameworks.
• Maximum Control: When fine-grained control over server behavior is required.
• Learning MCP: Understanding the core protocol mechanics.

Making Your Choice: Key Questions

Consider these factors when selecting your framework:

Remember, all these frameworks facilitate building MCP-compliant servers using TypeScript. The best choice depends on your specific project requirements, existing infrastructure, and team preferences. This flowchart provides a starting point; review the detailed features and documentation for your top candidates.

Further Resources

Official documentation and repositories for each framework.