What is the key difference between Mcp Gateway and Ncp?

Mcp Gateway belongs to the Aggregators category with local stdio execution, while Ncp belongs to the Aggregators category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Mcp Gateway or Ncp 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 Mcp Gateway and Ncp free or paid?

Mcp Gateway operates under a Freemium model (No auth required). Ncp operates under a Free / Open Source model (API Key required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Mcp Gateway lists 6 tools with 2 views and 45 GitHub stars. Ncp lists 6 tools with 2 views and 97 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Mcp Gateway and Ncp 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 Mcp Gateway or Ncp 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 Mcp Gateway and Ncp free to use, or do they require API keys?

Mcp Gateway is listed under a Freemium model with No auth required . Ncp operates under a Free / Open Source model with API Key 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 Mcp Gateway and Ncp at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both mikkoparkkola-mcp-gateway and portel-dev-ncp 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, Mcp Gateway has a Quality Score of 47 /100 ( Fair ) with 2 views, 0 installs, and 45 GitHub stars. Ncp holds a Quality Score of 49 /100 ( Fair ) with 2 views, 0 installs, and 97 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Mcp Gateway vs Ncp

In-depth architectural comparison of the Mcp Gateway and Ncp 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

Mcp Gateway

Aggregators · Local stdio

Quality: 47/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Ncp

Aggregators · Local stdio

Quality: 49/100 (Fair) | Auth: API Key required

Verdict Summary: Choose Mcp Gateway if you need specialized Aggregators tools running via a local process. Choose Ncp if your workspace requires Aggregators integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Mcp Gateway when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Aggregators domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Freemium).
Primary tools included: Single-port multiplexing of multiple MCP servers and REST APIs, Compact meta-surface of 14-16 meta-tools replacing 100+ tools, Hot-reloadable capabilities with OpenAPI auto-import.

Explore Mcp Gateway Details

Choose Ncp when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Aggregators domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: API Key required (Free / Open Source).
You have access to required keys: NCP_API_KEY, NCP_PROJECT_CONFIG.
Primary tools included: Single interface for 50+ MCP tools and skills, Code mode execution with TypeScript, Tool and skill discovery via 'find' command.

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Mcp Gateway MikkoParkkola Aggregators	Ncp portel-dev Aggregators
Summary	Universal MCP gateway with single-port multiplexing and Meta-MCP. 4 meta-tools replace 100+ registrations, saving 95% context window. Hot-reloadable capabilities, OpenAPI auto-import, 42 starter capabilities (25 zero-config).	NCP orchestrates your entire MCP ecosystem through intelligent discovery, eliminating token overhead while maintaining 98.2% accuracy.
Category & Scope	Aggregators

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Mcp Gateway Tools (6)

Single-port multiplexing of multiple MCP servers and REST APIs

Compact meta-surface of 14-16 meta-tools replacing 100+ tools

Hot-reloadable capabilities with OpenAPI auto-import

42 starter capabilities including 25 zero-configuration

Supports gateway_search_tools and gateway_invoke for dynamic tool discovery and invocation

Benchmarked to reduce context token overhead by ~89% on 100-tool stacks

Ncp Tools (6)

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).

Mcp Gateway Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mikkoparkkola-mcp-gateway": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mikkoparkkola-mcp-gateway"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Ncp Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "portel-dev-ncp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "portel-dev-ncp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NCP_API_KEY": "YOUR_NCP_API_KEY_HERE",
        "NCP_PROJECT_CONFIG": "YOUR_NCP_PROJECT_CONFIG_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Mcp Gateway is categorized under Aggregators and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Ncp belongs to Aggregators using local stdio subprocess. Select Mcp Gateway when you need capabilities focused on aggregators and Ncp when you require tools for aggregators.

More alternatives to Mcp Gateway More alternatives to Ncp Aggregators category hub