Complete Guide 2025

Smithery MCP: The Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about Smithery MCP — the popular MCP server registry with 3,305+ servers. In this guide, we cover features, deployment options, pricing, and honest alternatives comparison.

3,305+ Servers
Founded 2024
CLI Tools
Visit Smithery.aiTry MCPize Instead

Table of Contents

What is Smithery?

Smithery.ai is an MCP server registry and hosting platform designed to help developers discover and deploy Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. With their tagline "Turn scattered context into skills for AI," Smithery aims to be the central hub for the growing MCP ecosystem.

Founded in 2024, Smithery has grown to become one of the largest MCP directories alongside platforms like Glama, mcp.so, and PulseMCP. The platform is backed by a community of developers building MCP integrations and is part of the broader MCP infrastructure landscape.

3,305+
MCP Servers
3
Deployment Options
Free
To Use
CLI
Tools Available

Smithery Features Deep-Dive

MCP Server Registry

Smithery maintains one of the largest MCP server catalogs with 3,305+ servers across various categories.

  • Browse by category: Development, Productivity, Data, APIs
  • Search and filter capabilities
  • Server quality ratings and reviews

Deployment Options

Smithery offers three ways to deploy and distribute your MCP servers.

1. Remote Hosting (Smithery-hosted)

Servers run on Smithery infrastructure with automatic scaling and monitoring.

2. Local Distribution

One-click MCP bundles for local execution. Currently TypeScript only.

3. Self-Hosted

Register server while keeping your own hosting infrastructure.

CLI Tools

Smithery provides CLI tools for publishing and installing servers.

# Install Smithery CLI
npm install -g @smithery/cli

# Publish a server
smithery publish

# Install a server
smithery install --server=github/playwright

SDK Support

Smithery supports multiple languages and transports for building MCP servers.

  • TypeScript SDK (official MCP SDK compatible)
  • Python SDK (FastMCP v1 and v2)
  • STDIO and HTTP transport support

Smithery Pricing

TierPriceWhat's Included
Free$0Server listing, basic analytics
HostedUsage-basedRemote hosting, scaling, monitoring

Key pricing facts: Free to list servers, free to browse and install servers. Hosted servers may have usage-based pricing. No creator monetization — developers don't earn from their servers.

How to Publish on Smithery

1

Prepare Your Server

Create a smithery.yaml configuration file in your project root.

# smithery.yaml
name: my-mcp-server
version: 1.0.0
description: My awesome MCP server
transport: http
2

Install CLI

Install the Smithery CLI globally using npm.

npm install -g @smithery/cli && smithery login
3

Deploy

Choose your deployment method based on your needs.

Option A: Smithery Hosted
smithery deploy
Option B: Self-Hosted
smithery publish --self-hosted
4

Configure Clients

Users can then connect via Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible clients.

Smithery Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Large catalog:3,305+ servers, one of the largest collections
  • Multiple hosting options:Flexible for different needs
  • Strong CLI:Good developer experience
  • Active community:Regular updates, good documentation
  • Free to use:No cost for basic features

Limitations

  • No creator monetization:Developers can't earn from their servers
  • Limited analytics:Basic usage stats only
  • STDIO deprecation:Moving to HTTP-only (migration needed)
  • No enterprise features:Limited team/organization tools

When Smithery is the Right Choice

You need the largest server selection
You want free hosting for hobby projects
You prefer community-driven open source
You don't need to monetize your servers

Smithery Alternatives

If Smithery doesn't fit your needs, here are honest alternatives for different use cases.

Best for Monetization

MCPize

Developers who want to monetize MCP servers

  • 85% revenue share for creators
  • Managed hosting included
  • CLI deployment workflow
Learn more about MCPize
AI Workspace

Glama

Users wanting hosted MCP gateway

  • 12,610+ servers indexed
  • Firecracker VM isolation
  • $0-80/mo pricing tiers
Compare Glama
Largest Catalog

mcp.so

Simple server discovery

  • 17,194+ servers collected
  • Community-driven submissions
  • Multi-language support
Compare mcp.so
Newsletter + News

PulseMCP

MCP news and official registry

  • 6,975+ servers, updated daily
  • Weekly newsletter
  • Official MCP Registry
Compare PulseMCP
Cursor IDE

Cursor Directory

Cursor IDE users

  • 67,200+ community members
  • Cursor rules + MCP servers
  • Developer community focus
Compare Cursor Directory

Smithery vs MCPize: Honest Comparison

FeatureSmitheryMCPize
Servers3,305+500+ (curated)
Creator Revenue$085%
Managed Hosting
CLI Tools
Free Tier
Enterprise FeaturesLimitedTeams, Analytics
Affiliate Program

Choose Smithery if:

  • You need the largest catalog
  • You don't plan to monetize
  • You prefer established platform

Choose MCPize if:

  • You want to earn from your servers
  • You need managed hosting with analytics
  • You want affiliate/partner opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Is Smithery Right for You?

Smithery is an excellent choice if you need the largest MCP server catalog, free hosting for side projects, and good developer tooling. It's a solid platform for discovery and community-driven development.

Consider alternatives if you need:

Ready to monetize your MCP servers?

MCPize offers 85% revenue share, managed hosting, and CLI deployment.

Start Building on MCPize

Explore All MCP Platforms

All ComparisonsGlamamcp.soPulseMCPCursor Directory
Free to start

Ready to Monetize Your MCP Servers?

Join MCP creators earning 85% revenue share. Deploy and monetize in minutes.

Start BuildingBrowse Marketplace