Collective Memory vs MCP External Memory

In-depth architectural comparison of the Collective Memory and MCP External 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.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Collective 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 (Free / Open Source).

Explore Collective Memory Details

Choose MCP External 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 (Free / Open Source).

Explore MCP External Memory Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Collective Memory Knowledge & Memory	MCP External Memory Knowledge & Memory
Summary	MCP server for persistent, semantic memory across AI sessions	An MCP server that gives LLMs persistent, searchable semantic memory
Category & Scope	Knowledge & Memory	Knowledge & Memory

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": {
    "collective-memory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "collective-memory"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-external-memory": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-external-memory"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Related MCP Server Comparisons