Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about MCP Marketplace, whether you're installing your first plugin or publishing your own.
General
What is MCP Marketplace?
MCP Marketplace is a curated directory where you can discover, install, and purchase MCP plugins (also called MCP servers) for AI assistants like Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Windsurf, and more. Every plugin goes through a security review before listing.
What is MCP?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard created by Anthropic that lets AI assistants connect to external tools and data sources. Think of it as a universal plugin system for AI. An MCP server teaches your AI a new skill: reading emails, managing files, querying databases, and more.
What AI apps work with MCP?
MCP is supported by Claude, ChatGPT / Codex, Gemini, Copilot, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, and a growing number of AI applications. Check your AI app's documentation for MCP support.
What is the difference between local and remote plugins?
Local plugins run on your own computer as a small background process. Your data stays on your machine. Remote plugins run on a server in the cloud, and your AI connects to a URL with nothing installed locally. Both work the same way from your perspective: you paste a config snippet and your AI gets new abilities.
Is MCP Marketplace the same as Anthropic Connectors?
No. Anthropic Connectors are Claude-only integrations curated by Anthropic. MCP Marketplace is independent and works with every MCP-compatible AI client, including Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, ChatGPT, and more. We also offer creator monetization, public security scores, and same-day listing.
See full comparison →Using Plugins
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Plugins install with one click. No terminal, no config files, no coding required.
How do I install a plugin?
Click the Install button on any plugin page. We show you the exact configuration to copy and paste into your AI app, or you can ask your AI assistant to handle the setup for you. Either way it takes about a minute.
Full installation guide →Are plugins free?
Most plugins are free and open source. Some premium tools have a price, which is clearly shown before you install.
Why would I pay for a plugin?
Paid plugins give creators an incentive to keep improving their tool: bug fixes, new features, and compatibility updates as AI apps evolve. With a subscription, creators are especially motivated to deliver ongoing value. Free plugins work great too, but there is less incentive for long-term maintenance.
Is it safe to install plugins?
Every tool goes through a multi-layer security review before listing. Each plugin gets a security score you can see before you install. Security scores are indicators to help you make informed decisions, not guarantees. Always review permissions before connecting any plugin.
For Creators
How do I publish an MCP server?
Build your server using the MCP SDK in TypeScript, Python, or any supported language. Then submit it through our listing form. Our security scan runs automatically and most servers are approved within 24 hours.
Submit your tool →What languages can I build with?
The MCP SDK supports TypeScript and Python officially. Community SDKs exist for Go, Rust, Java, C#, and others. If it can speak the MCP protocol over stdio or HTTP, it works.
How do I get paid?
Connect your Stripe account from your creator dashboard. When users purchase your server, payments are processed and deposited to your account automatically. You keep 85% of every sale.
Monetization guide →Can I list free servers?
Absolutely. Free and open-source servers are welcome. Many of the most popular tools on the marketplace are free. You can also offer a free tier alongside a paid pro version.
Free vs Pro guide →Do I need to host anything?
It depends on the type. Local MCP servers run on the user's machine: you publish a package and users install it. No cloud infrastructure needed. Remote MCP servers are hosted by you and users connect via a URL. Both types are fully supported.
Remote server guide →What does the security review look like?
Every submission goes through a multi-layer review that checks protocol compliance, code safety, and dependencies. Servers that pass are approved automatically. Others go to manual review. You get a detailed security report either way.
Who builds these tools?
Developers and creators worldwide. MCP is an open protocol. Anyone can build and submit a tool to the marketplace.
Security & Trust
How are security scores calculated?
Each server goes through an AI-powered security scan that checks source code, dependencies, and protocol compliance. Results are shown publicly on every listing.
What is Creator Reputation?
Every creator earns a letter grade (A+ through F) based on their track record: server uptime, user reviews, response latency, security scores, update frequency, and account age. The grade helps you pick reliable tools from trusted creators.
How reputation works →Can I see the source code of a plugin before installing?
Many plugins are open source and link to their GitHub repository directly from the listing page. For paid plugins, the creator decides whether to make the source public.