What is the key difference between Basic Memory and Contexta?

Basic Memory belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with local stdio execution, while Contexta belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with cloud HTTP/SSE execution.

How do I install Basic Memory or Contexta 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 Basic Memory and Contexta free or paid?

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

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Basic Memory lists 15 tools with 2 views and 3,618 GitHub stars. Contexta lists 6 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Basic Memory and Contexta 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 Basic Memory or Contexta 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 Basic Memory and Contexta free to use, or do they require API keys?

Basic Memory is listed under a Freemium model with No auth required . Contexta operates under a Free / Open Source 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 Basic Memory and Contexta at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both basicmachines-co-basic-memory and contexta 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, Basic Memory has a Quality Score of 65 /100 ( Great ) with 2 views, 0 installs, and 3,618 GitHub stars. Contexta holds a Quality Score of 48 /100 ( Fair ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Basic Memory vs Contexta

In-depth architectural comparison of the Basic Memory and Contexta 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

Basic Memory

Knowledge & Memory · Local stdio

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

Contexta

Knowledge & Memory · Remote HTTP/SSE

Quality: 48/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

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

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

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

Choose Contexta when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
You prefer remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Primary tools included: search, read_page, create_page.

Explore Contexta Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Basic Memory basicmachines-co Knowledge & Memory	Contexta Knowledge & Memory
Summary	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.	Persistent memory and knowledge graph for AI assistants — keyword + vector + graph search.
Category & Scope	Knowledge & Memory

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Basic Memory Tools (15)

write_note

read_note

edit_note

move_note

search_notes

recent_activity

list_directory

build_context

list_memory_projects

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).

Basic Memory Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

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

Contexta Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contexta": {
      "url": "https://smithery.ai/servers/ai-jcce/mcp-contexta"
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Memory is categorized under Knowledge & Memory and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Contexta belongs to Knowledge & Memory using remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport. Select Basic Memory when you need capabilities focused on knowledge & memory and Contexta when you require tools for knowledge & memory.

More alternatives to Basic Memory More alternatives to Contexta Knowledge & Memory category hub