What is the key difference between Contexta and Basic Memory?

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

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

Contexta 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?

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

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

Contexta 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 Contexta and Basic Memory at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both contexta 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, Contexta has a Quality Score of 48 /100 ( Fair ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 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

Contexta vs Basic Memory

In-depth architectural comparison of the Contexta 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

Contexta

Knowledge & Memory · Remote HTTP/SSE

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

Basic Memory

Knowledge & Memory · Local stdio

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

Verdict Summary: Choose Contexta if you need specialized Knowledge & Memory tools running via a hosted cloud SSE transport. 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 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

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

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Contexta Tools (6)

keyword + vector + graph search across your memory

read_page

fetch a note or document by ID

create_page

save a new memory

update_page

edit an existing memory

graph_search

traverse the knowledge graph

list_workspaces

available workspaces

Basic Memory Tools (15)

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).

Contexta Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

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

Basic Memory Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

More alternatives to Contexta More alternatives to Basic Memory Knowledge & Memory category hub Canonical compare URL