AI Plugin IndexLocal vs remote MCP servers: which should you use?
A local MCP server runs on your computer and can reach your files and local apps. A remote server runs online and you connect with a URL. Use local for files, code and anything private on your machine; use remote when you want it in ChatGPT or on the web, or want no setup.
| Local | Remote | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Your computer | The provider's servers |
| Starts with | npx, uvx or Docker | A URL |
| Works in ChatGPT | No | Yes |
| Reaches your files | Yes | No |
| Setup | Needs Node.js, Python or Docker | Usually just sign in |
| Keys | Stored in your config | Often OAuth sign-in |
How to tell which one a server is
Every MCP server page here shows "Runs: Local", "Remote" or both. Browse remote servers.