Install note
When to host an MCP server, and how
Most listings install straight from the publisher. Host on PlugMCP when you need your own keys, call logs, voice mode, or one URL for your own tools.
If a publisher already runs the server, install their URL and stop there. Host on PlugMCP when the server is yours: an API you want to expose as tools, an app like GitHub or Slack, or a remote MCP URL you want behind your own keys and logs.
When the publisher's URL is enough
- The listing has a remote URL and the publisher handles sign-in. Context7 and Firecrawl work this way.
- It is a local command, npx, uvx, or docker, and only you run it.
- You do not need to see each call, or share the server with a team.
When hosting helps
- You have an HTTP API and want an agent to call it as tools. HTTP tools run on the gateway.
- You need an app with OAuth, such as GitHub or Slack. App tools run as workflows that only the gateway can reach.
- You already use a remote MCP URL and want it behind a PlugMCP key, with the upstream credential kept on the gateway.
- You want a call log: what the agent asked for, how long it took, and whether it failed.
- A voice agent needs it. On Pro and Advanced the same server also answers on
/v/{slug}, with a 2500 ms timeout and a spoken fallback.
Host a server
- Open
/hostand choose Start a server. You sign in first. - Pick what to add: host an existing MCP from the directory or a URL, build from an API or app, or combine servers you already host into a toolkit.
- Add the tools and the credential. The upstream secret stays on the gateway and never goes back to the browser.
- Create a key. It starts with pb_live_, is shown once, and is stored only as a hash.
- Copy the install link for Cursor, Claude, ChatGPT, VS Code, or a voice agent. Every agent uses the same
https://mcp.plugmcp.ai/s/{slug}URL. - Watch calls arrive on the dashboard.
What it costs
Free covers 2 servers and 1,000 calls a month. Starter is $29 a month for 3 servers and 10,000 calls. Pro is $59 a month for 10 servers, 50,000 calls, voice mode, and toolkits. Advanced is $99 a month for 30 servers, 200,000 calls, five seats, and OAuth sign-in for Claude and ChatGPT. Paid plans start with a 7-day trial. The current table is on /pricing.