MCP server
Perplexity MCP Server
- Maintainer
- Official · Perplexity
- Runs
- Local (stdio)
- GitHub
- ★ 2,588, last push 2026-10-21 (checked 2026-10-24)
- License
- MIT
- Registry
- ai.perplexity/mcp-server
- Connects to
- Perplexity
- DevHunt
- Perplexity on DevHunt
Install the Perplexity MCP Server
Pick your client. Each tab starts the same local command. Config shapes checked against each client's docs on 2026-10-25.
Run in a terminal. Everything after -- is the command that starts the server. docs
claude mcp add --transport stdio perplexity -- npx -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server
Claude Desktop only: Settings > Developer > Edit Config opens claude_desktop_config.json. Add this, save and restart the app. docs
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Add to ~/.cursor/mcp.json (all projects) or .cursor/mcp.json (this project), or use the install button. docs
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Add to .vscode/mcp.json (note the "servers" key and the type), or use the install button. Command Palette > "MCP: Open User Configuration" for all workspaces. docs
{
"servers": {
"perplexity": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Run codex mcp add perplexity -- npx -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server, or add this to ~/.codex/config.toml. docs
[mcp_servers.perplexity] command = "npx" args = ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"]
Run in a terminal (-s user adds it for all projects; the default is this project). docs
gemini mcp add -s user perplexity npx -- -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server
Run in a terminal; it writes ~/.copilot/mcp-config.json. docs
copilot mcp add perplexity -- npx -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server
Add to mcp_config.json: ~/.config/devin/mcp_config.json on macOS and Linux (older installs: ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json), %APPDATA%\devin\ on Windows. docs
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Add to Zed's settings.json (or Settings > AI > MCP Servers > Add Server). Remote servers without an Authorization header sign in with OAuth. docs
{
"context_servers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Add to opencode.json in the project (or ~/.config/opencode/opencode.json). docs
{
"$schema": "https://opencode.ai/config.json",
"mcp": {
"perplexity": {
"type": "local",
"command": [
"npx",
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
],
"enabled": true
}
}
}Add to ~/.kiro/settings/mcp.json (all projects) or .kiro/settings/mcp.json (this project). docs
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}MCP Servers > Configure > Configure MCP Servers opens cline_mcp_settings.json; add this entry. docs
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Security notes
- The local server runs with your user's permissions (npx downloads it from npm on first run).
- It brings web content into the conversation, which can carry prompt-injection instructions. Keep approval prompts on for actions that write or send.
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FAQ
What does the Perplexity MCP Server do?+
Ask Perplexity's Sonar models for answers with cited sources, including deep research.
Is the Perplexity MCP server official?+
Official: built and maintained by Perplexity.
How do I add Perplexity to Claude Code?+
Run: claude mcp add perplexity -- npx -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server. Add --scope project to share it with your team through .mcp.json.
How do I use the Perplexity MCP server in Cursor or VS Code?+
Open the Cursor or VS Code tab above: it has the mcp.json entry and a one-click install link. Cursor uses the "mcpServers" key; VS Code uses "servers" and needs a type ("stdio").
Does Perplexity work in ChatGPT and claude.ai?+
No: it runs locally over stdio, and ChatGPT and claude.ai only connect to remote servers. Use it in Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code or another client that can start a local process.
What are the alternatives to the Perplexity MCP server?+
Other search MCP servers: Exa, Tavily, Brave Search, Jina AI and Kagi.