MCP Clients Compared: Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and More
6 min read
An MCP client is the AI application that connects to your MCP servers. Each client has its own config file location and feature set. Here's what you need to know about each.
Claude Desktop
The official desktop app from Anthropic (macOS and Windows). Config file: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json on macOS. Claude Desktop was the first mainstream MCP client and has the most comprehensive server compatibility. Best for: general-purpose AI assistance with full MCP support.
Cursor
An AI-first code editor built on VS Code. Config file: ~/.cursor/mcp.json (global) or .cursor/mcp.json (per-project). Cursor focuses on coding workflows — file operations, GitHub, memory, and database MCP servers are particularly useful here. Best for: developers who want AI integrated into their code editor.
Windsurf
Another AI code editor, built by Codeium. Config file: ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json. Windsurf has similar capabilities to Cursor and also supports project-scoped MCP config. Best for: developers already using Codeium/Windsurf for AI code completion.
Cline
A VS Code extension (formerly Claude Dev) that adds an AI agent directly into VS Code. Config file: VS Code settings.json under the cline.mcpServers key. Cline is highly agentic — it can read files, run commands, and use MCP servers to extend its reach. Best for: developers who want to stay inside VS Code.
Continue
An open-source AI coding assistant extension for VS Code and JetBrains. Config file: ~/.continue/config.json. Continue supports MCP via its tool system and is highly configurable. Best for: developers who want an open-source, self-hosted alternative.
Zed
A high-performance code editor with built-in AI (Zed AI). MCP support was added in 2025. Config file: ~/.config/zed/settings.json. Best for: developers using Zed who want to extend its AI capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same MCP server in multiple clients?
Yes. Add the same server config to each client's config file. The server process will be started independently by each client.
Do all MCP clients support all servers?
Most stdio-based servers work in all clients. Some clients have partial support for newer MCP features like sampling or resources. Check the server's documentation for any client-specific notes.
Which client should I start with?
If you use Claude for general tasks, start with Claude Desktop. If you code primarily in VS Code or a similar editor, try Cursor or Cline. If you already use an AI editor, add MCP to what you have.
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