MCP Toolbox for Databases vs Sql Steward

In-depth architectural comparison of the MCP Toolbox for Databases and Sql Steward 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 MCP Toolbox for Databases when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore MCP Toolbox for Databases Details

Choose Sql Steward when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Sql Steward Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	MCP Toolbox for Databases Databases	Sql Steward Databases
Summary	MCP Toolbox for Databases enables your agent to connect to your database.	The agent never writes SQL: queries compile from a semantic layer you control, PII refused first.
Category & Scope	Databases	Databases
Quality signal

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": {
    "mcp-toolbox-for-databases": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@toolbox-sdk/server"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "sql-steward": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "sql-steward"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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