Best MCP servers for developer tools.
We personally install and test each MCP server for developer tools.3 servers tested so far. Scores published as testing completes.
Tested with MCP SDK 1.0.0
Tests ran on macOS with Node.js v25.7.0. We rerun the benchmark every two weeks. Last updated: June 8, 2026.Methodology on GitHub
Testing in progress
This category is under active evaluation. Rankings and scores will be published as testing completes. Last updated: June 8, 2026.
Side-by-side
| Rank | Server | Maker | Tools | Pass Rate | Latency | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filesystem MCP 100% Pass 🏆Free to Test 🆓Fast ⚡Tested 📅 | Anthropic | 14 tools found | 100%(5 tasks) | 2ms p50 | Free | Review →Install → |
| 2 | Shell MCP 100% Pass 🏆Free to Test 🆓Tested 📅 | matildepark-hdr | 1 tools found | 100%(5 tasks) | 118ms p50 | Free | Review →Install → |
| 3 | Git MCP 60% Pass ⚠️Free to Test 🆓Tested 📅 | quanle96 | 15 tools found | 60%(5 tasks) | 266ms p50 | Free | Review →Install → |
What we cut
Questions
What is a developer-tools MCP server?
A developer-tools MCP server gives your AI assistant access to your filesystem, shell, git repository, and other development tools through the Model Context Protocol.
How do I install a developer-tools MCP server?
Most developer-tools servers install via npx. Filesystem servers need an allowed directory parameter. Shell and git servers run in your working directory. We include config snippets for Claude Code, Cursor, and VS Code in each review.
Is Filesystem MCP safer than Shell MCP?
Yes. Filesystem MCP is sandboxed to specific directories and cannot execute arbitrary commands. Shell MCP can run any command on your system. Use Filesystem for structured file work; Shell for one-off commands you understand.
How often are these benchmarks updated?
We rerun the full benchmark every two weeks. Updates are published as testing completes. Subscribe to the changelog for updates.
MCP Select is an independent editorial project in development. We do not accept payment for placement. Rankings are based on our own testing when available. Our methodology is documented on GitHub for verification.