Choose the product your team uses
Product guide
ChatGPT
Plugins, apps, remote MCP, and optional MCP App interfaces.
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Claude
Connectors, desktop extensions, plugins, and Claude Code.
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Microsoft Copilot
MCP plugins and connectors for Microsoft 365 agents and Copilot Studio.
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Cursor
Local and remote MCP servers, plugins, MCP Apps, and on-demand discovery.
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GitHub Copilot + VS Code
MCP servers, agent plugins, extension tools, policies, and approvals.
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Google Gemini
Gemini CLI, Gemini Enterprise, and Gemini API are separate MCP surfaces.
Read guideOne useful translation pattern
Separate the package people install from the connection it creates, the capabilities the model can use, and any interface shown in chat.
Package
Plugin, extension, directory listing
Connection
App, connector, or MCP server
Capabilities
Tools, resources, and prompts
Interface
Text result or optional MCP App UI
Product-surface comparison
A “yes” for one surface should not be generalized to an entire vendor. This matrix is intentionally specific and was reviewed on 28 July 2026.
| Product surface | Local MCP | Remote MCP | Package term | Interactive MCP Apps | Progressive tool exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | No direct local stdio; private access can use Secure MCP Tunnel. | Yes | Plugin containing an app | Yes | Not established for the ChatGPT host |
| Claude web/mobile | No | Yes | Connector | Supported on compatible Claude surfaces | Not established |
| Claude Desktop / Code | Yes | Yes | Desktop extension, plugin, or MCP server | Yes on supported surfaces | Yes in Claude Code: MCP Tool Search |
| Microsoft 365 Copilot agents | No direct local process | Yes | MCP server-based plugin | Supported for MCP apps | Yes: dynamic tool discovery |
| Cursor | Yes | Yes | Plugin or MCP server | Yes | Yes: agents load MCPs when needed |
| VS Code + GitHub Copilot | Yes | Yes | Agent plugin or MCP server | Yes | Manual tool selection/toolsets; deferred loading not documented |
| Gemini CLI | Yes | Yes | Extension or MCP server | Not documented as MCP Apps | Current docs describe eager discovery |
Three differences that matter to a business
Where the server runs
A local process can touch one machine. A remote server can serve a team. Some products require a public endpoint; others offer a private tunnel or local desktop package.
Who may install it
Individual plans, workspace admins, enterprise policies, directory review, and source-system authorization are separate gates.
How much loads at once
Some hosts search or discover tool definitions only when needed. Others load the configured catalog up front or rely on manual toolsets.