# fastmcp vs serena
_MCP Servers · independent comparison_

> fastmcp and serena are both open-source mcp servers you can self-host for free. Licensing differs: fastmcp is Apache-2.0, serena is MIT. 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)

**serena**
- Open source · SDK / library · 27k★ · Python · MIT · active today
- Best for: Giving a coding agent symbol-level code navigation, refactoring, and debugging via MCP.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/serena) · [official](https://oraios.github.io/serena)

## Key differences

- Licensing differs: fastmcp is Apache-2.0, serena is MIT.

## Which to choose

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

**Choose serena if:** Giving a coding agent symbol-level code navigation, refactoring, and debugging via MCP.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between fastmcp and serena?**
Licensing differs: fastmcp is Apache-2.0, serena is MIT.

**Is fastmcp or serena better?**
Neither is universally better. fastmcp is the stronger fit for Building custom MCP servers and clients in Python quickly; serena for Giving a coding agent symbol-level code navigation, refactoring, and debugging via MCP. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is fastmcp or serena free?**
fastmcp is free to run and self-host; serena 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 serena?**
By GitHub stars — a proxy for open-source adoption — serena is ahead (27k vs 27k). Stars measure attention, not necessarily the better fit for you.

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