What is the key difference between Ncp and Swarmwage?

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

How do I install Ncp or Swarmwage 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 Ncp and Swarmwage free or paid?

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

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Ncp lists 6 tools with 2 views and 97 GitHub stars. Swarmwage lists 6 tools with 1 views and 3 GitHub stars.

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

Ncp is listed under a Free / Open Source model with API Key required . Swarmwage 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 Ncp and Swarmwage at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both portel-dev-ncp and swarmwage-swarmwage 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, Ncp has a Quality Score of 49 /100 ( Fair ) with 2 views, 0 installs, and 97 GitHub stars. Swarmwage holds a Quality Score of 49 /100 ( Fair ) with 1 views, 0 installs, and 3 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Ncp vs Swarmwage

In-depth architectural comparison of the Ncp and Swarmwage 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

Ncp

Aggregators · Local stdio

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

Swarmwage

Aggregators · Local stdio

Quality: 49/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Ncp if you need specialized Aggregators tools running via a local process. Choose Swarmwage 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 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.

Explore Ncp Details

Choose Swarmwage when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Aggregators domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Primary tools included: Peer-to-peer USDC settlement on Base via EIP-3009 transferWithAuthorization, MCP-native integration for standardized agent communication and discovery, On-chain signed receipts for mandatory proof of service and reputation.

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Ncp portel-dev Aggregators	Swarmwage Swarmwage Aggregators
Summary	NCP orchestrates your entire MCP ecosystem through intelligent discovery, eliminating token overhead while maintaining 98.2% accuracy.	Open MCP-native agent hire protocol — discovery + hiring + reputation layer above x402 payment rails. Find specialized agents, hire them with one function call, settle in USDC on Base. Sub-second sync, on-chain receipts via EIP-3009, zero protocol fee. Live mainnet 2026-05-10.
Category & Scope	Aggregators

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Ncp Tools (6)

Single interface for 50+ MCP tools and skills

Code mode execution with TypeScript

Tool and skill discovery via 'find' command

Direct tool execution with 'run' command

Project-level MCP configuration

Caching and health management of MCPs

Swarmwage 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).

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"
      }
    }
  }
}

Swarmwage Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "swarmwage-swarmwage": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@swarmwage/mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

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

More alternatives to Ncp More alternatives to Swarmwage Aggregators category hub