Comparisons
The mcp.so alternative with live verification
mcp.so is a well-trafficked MCP directory with proven reach: around 2.2 million unique visitors per year and a sitewide sponsorship model that funds the operation. MCPVault takes a different approach: quality grades, live server verification and per-listing do-follow links that are earned, not purchased.
Feature comparison
MCPVault runs a real MCP handshake before granting any badge
Claimed MCPVault servers get a static NVIDIA SkillSpector scan every week: what the code reaches, external hosts and dependencies with advisories, with file and line, no grade
Maintenance recency, adoption, license and docs signals
MCPVault: free for verified servers. mcp.so: sitewide sponsorship only ($399/mo minimum)
mcp.so has free submission but no creator ownership of listings
MCPVault re-runs the handshake weekly and lapses badges on failure
Each tool within a server gets its own indexed page
Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, Zed, Cline and more
mcp.so accepts any submission. MCPVault runs an MCP plausibility check
The do-follow difference
Per-server links earned through testing, not sponsorship tiers
On mcp.so, a do-follow link to your project requires a sitewide Silver sponsorship at $399 per month. The link comes with the sitewide package. On MCPVault, a verified server listing gets a dedicated do-follow link to its homepage at no cost during early access, and the only way to qualify is a passing live handshake.
When mcp.so is the right choice
You want maximum raw traffic exposure. mcp.so's 2.2 million annual unique visitors is a proven and sizable audience.
You are buying a sitewide sponsorship package and want brand placement across the highest-traffic MCP directory.
You need the fastest possible submission with zero friction and no quality checks.
Common questions
How does MCPVault's do-follow link differ from mcp.so's?
mcp.so's do-follow links come only through sitewide sponsorship packages starting at $399 per month. Every verified server on MCPVault earns a do-follow link to its homepage. The first 100 only need to pass the live handshake and are permanently exempt from the embed requirement; after that, new free verifications also show the MCPVault badge. The link is earned by the server's working state, not by a sponsorship budget.
Does mcp.so verify that listed servers actually work?
No. mcp.so lists servers submitted by the community without live verification. MCPVault spawns each server in a sandbox, completes an MCP initialize plus tools/list handshake and re-checks weekly. A badge on MCPVault means the server responded to a real protocol call, not just that it exists on GitHub.
Can I get my MCP server listed on both directories?
Yes, there is no exclusivity requirement. Many maintainers list on multiple directories. Claiming your MCPVault listing costs nothing and adds live verification, quality grades and per-server do-follow links that mcp.so does not offer.
What is the MCPVault weekly re-check?
Seven days after verification, MCPVault re-runs the live stdio handshake and scans the README and project site for the badge. A failed handshake always lapses verification. A missing badge only lapses listings for which the badge is required; the first 100 verified servers keep their permanent exemption. This keeps the technical signal current without changing the launch-cohort promise.
Earn your listing, not just buy it
Claim your server free, pass live verification and earn a do-follow link. 19,000+ servers indexed, quality grades from A to F, nightly refreshes.