What is the key difference between 1password and Basic Memory?

1password belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with local stdio execution, while Basic Memory belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with local stdio execution.

How do I install 1password or Basic Memory in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are 1password and Basic Memory free or paid?

1password operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Basic Memory operates under a Freemium model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

1password lists 15 tools with 0 views and 19 GitHub stars. Basic Memory lists 15 tools with 2 views and 3,618 GitHub stars.

Can I use both 1password and Basic Memory together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install 1password or Basic Memory in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are 1password and Basic Memory free to use, or do they require API keys?

1password is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Basic Memory operates under a Freemium model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both 1password and Basic Memory at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both 1password and basicmachines-co-basic-memory as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, 1password has a Quality Score of 52 /100 ( Good ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 19 GitHub stars. Basic Memory holds a Quality Score of 65 /100 ( Great ) with 2 views, 0 installs, and 3,618 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

1password vs Basic Memory

In-depth architectural comparison of the 1password and Basic Memory MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

1password

Knowledge & Memory · Local stdio

Quality: 52/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required

Basic Memory

Knowledge & Memory · Local stdio

Quality: 65/100 (Great) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose 1password if you need specialized Knowledge & Memory tools running via a local process. Choose Basic Memory if your workspace requires Knowledge & Memory integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose 1password when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Primary tools included: vault_list, item_lookup, item_list.

Explore 1password Details

Choose Basic Memory when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Freemium).
Primary tools included: write_note, read_note, edit_note.

Explore Basic Memory Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	1 1password Knowledge & Memory	Basic Memory basicmachines-co Knowledge & Memory
Summary	MCP server for 1Password service accounts	Persistent, local-first AI memory: a semantic knowledge graph of plain Markdown files that humans and LLMs both read and write. Works with any MCP client, with optional cloud sync and team workspaces.
Category & Scope	Knowledge & Memory	Knowledge & Memory

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

1password Tools (15)

vault_list

List vaults the service account can access (id, name, description, type).

item_lookup

Search a vault by title substring; optional `limit` (max 200).

item_list

List every item in a vault (id, title, category, tags, `updatedAt`) — never secrets.

item_get

Full item: title, category, tags, notes, fields. Concealed values stay hidden unless `reveal: true`. Accepts `op://…` **or** `vaultId` + `itemId`.

password_read

Read one field (default `password`) via `op://…` or ids. **Metadata-only unless `reveal: true`.** Prefer `op_run` to *use* a secret.

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

1password Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "1password": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@takescake/1password-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Basic Memory Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "basicmachines-co-basic-memory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "skills"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

1password is categorized under Knowledge & Memory and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Basic Memory belongs to Knowledge & Memory using local stdio subprocess. Select 1password when you need capabilities focused on knowledge & memory and Basic Memory when you require tools for knowledge & memory.

More alternatives to 1password More alternatives to Basic Memory Knowledge & Memory category hub