Github MCP Server vs MCP Server Github Actions

In-depth architectural comparison of the Github MCP Server and MCP Server Github Actions 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 Github MCP Server when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Version Control domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: OAuth 2.0 (Free / Open Source).
• You have access to required keys: GITHUB_OAUTH_CALLBACK_PORT.
• Primary tools included: get_file_contents, getFileContents.

Explore Github MCP Server Details

Choose MCP Server Github Actions when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Version Control domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: API Key required (BYOK (Pay Provider Direct)).
• You have access to required keys: GITHUB_TOKEN.
• Primary tools included: list_workflows, list_runs, get_run.

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Github MCP Server github VerifiedVersion Control	MCP Server Github Actions ofershap Version Control
Summary	Official GitHub server for integration with repository management, PRs, issues, and more.	GitHub Actions — view workflow runs, read logs, re-run failed jobs, and manage CI/CD.
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": {
    "github-github-mcp-server": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "127.0.0.1:8085:8085",
        "GITHUB_OAUTH_CALLBACK_PORT",
        "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_OAUTH_CALLBACK_PORT": "YOUR_GITHUB_OAUTH_CALLBACK_PORT_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ofershap-mcp-server-github-actions": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-server-github-actions"
      ],
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_TOKEN": "YOUR_GITHUB_TOKEN_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

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