Basic Memory vs Vectr

In-depth architectural comparison of the Basic Memory and Vectr 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.

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 Vectr 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: AST-aware code chunking for semantic retrieval, Hybrid dense embeddings combined with BM25 ranking, Symbol and call graph for precise locate and trace operations.

Explore Vectr Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Basic Memory basicmachines-co Knowledge & Memory	Vectr swapnanil 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.	Semantic codebase search + persistent working memory for AI code editors. Hybrid dense + BM25 search over AST-aware chunks, a symbol graph for locate/trace, and typed notes that survive context compaction and session restarts. Local embeddings, zero config, no API key. pip install vectr
Category & Scope

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

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).

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

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "swapnanil-vectr": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "vectr"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Related MCP Server Comparisons