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FastMCP vs gridctl
Offers a YAML-driven endpoint to run any MCP server, targeting developers who want custom deployment rather than a catalog UI.
FastMCPThe AppStore for MCP Servers
gridctlOne YAML file. One endpoint. Every MCP server plus the skills and agents you author alongside themWhich to pick
Pick FastMCP if you want…
- One-click MCP server marketplace
- Integrations with Codex, Gemini CLI or ChatGPT (on FastMCP's list, not gridctl's)
Pick gridctl if you want…
- Unified MCP server configuration
- YAML-based MCP deployment
- A free, open-source tool
- Integrations with Windsurf or Gemini (on gridctl's list, not FastMCP's)
Side by side
- What it is
- FastMCP:FastMCP is an AppStore-style directory for discovering, evaluating, and one-click installing Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers.
- gridctl:gridctl is an open-source MCP gateway that consolidates multiple MCP servers into a single endpoint defined by one YAML file.
- Best for
- FastMCP:One-click MCP server marketplace
- gridctl:Unified MCP server configuration
- Who it’s for
- FastMCP:Developers building AI agents or tools that need MCP server integrations.
- gridctl:Developers building AI agents that need to manage many MCP servers and client configs.
- Pricing
- FastMCP:Freemium
- gridctl:Open source
- Open source
- FastMCP:—
- gridctl:Yes, 44 GitHub stars
- Works with
- FastMCP:Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code, Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, ChatGPT, Zed
- gridctl:Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, Gemini, Zed
FastMCP features
- Large server catalog. Indexes over 2,300 MCP servers, 9,291 skills, and 1,907 publishers.
- One-click install. Installs servers directly into Cursor, VS Code, Claude, Codex, Gemini, ChatGPT and other MCP-compatible tools.
- Skill marketplace. Browse and add AI skills such as web scraping, code documentation, browser automation, and SEO tools.
- Cross-tool integration. Supports major AI development environments like Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, and ChatGPT.
- Sponsored servers. Highlights official and community-backed servers from providers like Atlassian, Microsoft, and HashiCorp.
- Discount for new users. New users receive 25 % off for six months on eligible servers.
gridctl features
- Single binary install. Install via curl, Homebrew or go install a single Go binary.
- Declarative YAML spec. Define all servers and skills in one gridctl.yaml file.
- Auto client linking. One command links 15+ clients (Claude, Cursor, VS Code, etc.) without manual JSON edits.
- Import/export. Import existing setups or export the stack as code with drift detection.
- Token control. Per-server whitelists, cross-server groups, per-client scoping and payload compression.
- Skill library & packs. Author skills in a web UI, version them as git packs, and ship whole team setups.
- Visual stack canvas. Live view of clients, gateway, servers with health and tool counts.
- Supply-chain security. Fingerprint tool schemas, detect hidden instructions and enforce scoped exposure.
FastMCP vs gridctl FAQ
Is FastMCP or gridctl free?+
FastMCP has a free plan and paid plans. gridctl is free and open source.
Is FastMCP or gridctl open source?+
gridctl is open source (gridctl/gridctl on GitHub, Apache-2.0 license). DevHunt has no public source repository on record for FastMCP.
Do FastMCP and gridctl integrate with the same tools?+
Partly. Both list Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code, Claude Code and 1 more. FastMCP also lists Codex, Gemini CLI, ChatGPT, opencode and 2 more; gridctl also lists Windsurf and Gemini.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.