How do I use MCP with GitHub?

Pick an MCP server for GitHub from the list below, paste its install command into your Claude Desktop / Cursor config, and restart the client. The tools appear in the tools panel automatically.

What is the best MCP server for GitHub?

The most-starred option today is GitHub MCP Server by GitHub. Repos, issues, PRs and code search over MCP. That said, "best" depends on your setup — compare pricing, runtime and whether the author is the official vendor before choosing.

Do I need an API key for GitHub MCP servers?

Most GitHub MCP servers need an API key or OAuth credential from the target service. Loadout listings surface this in the "Install" section — look for env-var placeholders like TOKEN or API_KEY.

Are GitHub MCP servers free?

1 of 1 GitHub MCP server is open-source or free to use. 0 more are paid or freemium. Pricing appears on every listing card.

Can I use GitHub MCP servers with Cursor and Windsurf?

Yes — MCP is the same protocol across Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf and other MCP-compatible hosts. The exact config file path differs per client, but the install command is identical.

Best MCP servers for GitHub

Review PRs, file issues, search code, run actions. Loadout compares 1 agent that integrate with GitHub. The most popular picks are GitHub MCP Server. Every listing includes the exact install command, so you can wire GitHub into Claude Desktop, Cursor or Windsurf in minutes.

GitHub agents (1)

Featured

Developer Toolsmcp

GitHub MCP Server

Repos, issues, PRs and code search over MCP

by GitHub★ 12,300

How to set up an MCP server for GitHub

Connect GitHub to Claude Desktop, Cursor or Windsurf in four steps.

Pick a GitHub MCP server
Scan the list below and pick the agent whose integration, pricing and author best match your setup. Verified servers are the safest starting point.
Open your MCP client configuration
In Claude Desktop, Cursor or any MCP-compatible host, open the MCP config JSON (Settings → Developer → Edit config in Claude Desktop).
3
Install the GitHub server
Paste the install command from the chosen agent into your config. Example below uses GitHub MCP Server.
```
docker run -i --rm ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server
```
Restart and use GitHub
Fully quit and relaunch your MCP host. The new GitHub tools appear in the tools panel ready to call from any conversation.

FAQ — MCP servers for GitHub

How do I use MCP with GitHub?
Pick an MCP server for GitHub from the list below, paste its install command into your Claude Desktop / Cursor config, and restart the client. The tools appear in the tools panel automatically.
What is the best MCP server for GitHub?
The most-starred option today is GitHub MCP Server by GitHub. Repos, issues, PRs and code search over MCP. That said, "best" depends on your setup — compare pricing, runtime and whether the author is the official vendor before choosing.
Do I need an API key for GitHub MCP servers?
Most GitHub MCP servers need an API key or OAuth credential from the target service. Loadout listings surface this in the "Install" section — look for env-var placeholders like TOKEN or API_KEY.
Are GitHub MCP servers free?
1 of 1 GitHub MCP server is open-source or free to use. 0 more are paid or freemium. Pricing appears on every listing card.
Can I use GitHub MCP servers with Cursor and Windsurf?
Yes — MCP is the same protocol across Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf and other MCP-compatible hosts. The exact config file path differs per client, but the install command is identical.