# fastmcp vs github-mcp-server
_MCP Servers · independent comparison_

> fastmcp and github-mcp-server are both open-source mcp servers you can self-host for free. fastmcp is written primarily in Python; github-mcp-server in Go. Neither is universally better — pick by fit.

## Side by side

**fastmcp**
- Open source · SDK / library · 27k★ · Python · Apache-2.0 · active 1 day ago
- Best for: Building custom MCP servers and clients in Python quickly.
- Avoid if: You want a ready-made server — this is the toolkit for building one.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/fastmcp) · [official](https://gofastmcp.com)

**github-mcp-server**
- Open source · MCP server · 32k★ · Go · MIT · active 3 days ago
- Best for: Connecting MCP clients like Claude Code or Cursor to GitHub repos, issues, and PRs — the official server.
- Avoid if: You need write-heavy automation beyond what the API surface exposes.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/github-mcp-server) · [official](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server)

## Key differences

- fastmcp is written primarily in Python; github-mcp-server in Go.
- Licensing differs: fastmcp is Apache-2.0, github-mcp-server is MIT.

## Which to choose

**Choose fastmcp if:** Building custom MCP servers and clients in Python quickly.

**Choose github-mcp-server if:** Connecting MCP clients like Claude Code or Cursor to GitHub repos, issues, and PRs — the official server.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between fastmcp and github-mcp-server?**
fastmcp is written primarily in Python; github-mcp-server in Go.

**Is fastmcp or github-mcp-server better?**
Neither is universally better. fastmcp is the stronger fit for Building custom MCP servers and clients in Python quickly; github-mcp-server for Connecting MCP clients like Claude Code or Cursor to GitHub repos, issues, and PRs — the official server. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is fastmcp or github-mcp-server free?**
fastmcp is free to run and self-host; github-mcp-server is free to run and self-host. Both are free to self-host — you only pay for the infrastructure and any model or API usage.

**Which is more popular, fastmcp or github-mcp-server?**
By GitHub stars — a proxy for open-source adoption — github-mcp-server is ahead (32k vs 27k). Stars measure attention, not necessarily the better fit for you.

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Source: [Agent Search Engine](https://agentsearchengine.app) — https://agentsearchengine.app/compare/fastmcp-vs-github-mcp-server