What is the key difference between Openhelm and Val?

Openhelm belongs to the Developer Tools category with cloud HTTP/SSE execution, while Val belongs to the Developer Tools category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Openhelm or Val 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 Openhelm and Val free or paid?

Openhelm operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Val operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Openhelm lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars. Val lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Openhelm and Val 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 Openhelm or Val 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 Openhelm and Val free to use, or do they require API keys?

Openhelm is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Val operates under a Free / Open Source 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 Openhelm and Val at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both openhelm and val 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, Openhelm has a Quality Score of 42 /100 ( Fair ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars. Val holds a Quality Score of 29 /100 ( Emerging ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Openhelm vs Val

In-depth architectural comparison of the Openhelm and Val 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

Openhelm

Developer Tools · Remote HTTP/SSE

Quality: 42/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Val

Developer Tools · Local stdio

Quality: 29/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Openhelm if you need specialized Developer Tools tools running via a hosted cloud SSE transport. Choose Val if your workspace requires Developer Tools integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Openhelm when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
You prefer remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Openhelm Details

Choose Val when:

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

Explore Val Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	O Openhelm Developer Tools	V Val Developer Tools
Summary	Autonomous cloud agent tasks: real browser + your tools, structured evidence-backed results.	QA agent for vibecoded apps. Real browser checks, your AI fixes them. Ship to green.
Category & Scope	Developer Tools	Developer Tools
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Openhelm Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Val Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

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).

Openhelm Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "openhelm": {
      "url": "https://openhelm.ai"
    }
  }
}

Val Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "val": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "val"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Openhelm is categorized under Developer Tools and uses a remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport. In contrast, Val belongs to Developer Tools using local stdio subprocess. Select Openhelm when you need capabilities focused on developer tools and Val when you require tools for developer tools.

More alternatives to Openhelm More alternatives to Val Developer Tools category hub