# fastmcp vs MCP Reference Servers
_MCP Servers · independent comparison_

> fastmcp and MCP Reference Servers are both open-source mcp servers you can self-host for free. MCP Reference Servers has wider GitHub adoption — 91k stars vs 28k. Neither is universally better — pick by fit.

## Side by side

**fastmcp**
- Open source · SDK / library · 28k★ · Python · Apache-2.0 · active today
- 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)

**MCP Reference Servers**
- Open source · MCP server · 91k★ · TypeScript · MIT AND Apache-2.0 · active today
- Best for: Learning how MCP servers work and adding basic filesystem, git, fetch or memory tools to a client.
- Avoid if: You need production-hardened servers; the maintainers present these as reference examples and ask you to apply your own security safeguards.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/mcp-reference-servers) · [official](https://modelcontextprotocol.io)

## Key differences

- MCP Reference Servers has wider GitHub adoption — 91k stars vs 28k.
- fastmcp is written primarily in Python; MCP Reference Servers in TypeScript.
- Licensing differs: fastmcp is Apache-2.0, MCP Reference Servers is MIT AND Apache-2.0.

## Which to choose

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

**Choose MCP Reference Servers if:** Learning how MCP servers work and adding basic filesystem, git, fetch or memory tools to a client.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between fastmcp and MCP Reference Servers?**
MCP Reference Servers has wider GitHub adoption — 91k stars vs 28k.

**Is fastmcp or MCP Reference Servers better?**
Neither is universally better. fastmcp is the stronger fit for Building custom MCP servers and clients in Python quickly; MCP Reference Servers for Learning how MCP servers work and adding basic filesystem, git, fetch or memory tools to a client. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is fastmcp or MCP Reference Servers free?**
fastmcp is free to run and self-host; MCP Reference Servers 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 MCP Reference Servers?**
By GitHub stars — a proxy for open-source adoption — MCP Reference Servers is ahead (91k vs 28k). 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-mcp-reference-servers