memory vs zen
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick between these two MCP servers.
memory by modelcontextprotocol | zen by sheshbabu | |
|---|---|---|
| Stars | ★ 85,748 | ★ 1,085 |
| 30d uses | — | — |
| Score | 77 | 53 |
| Official | ✓ | — |
| Categories | Knowledge GraphAI / LLM ToolsProductivity | ProductivityKnowledge GraphFile System |
| Language | TypeScript | JavaScript |
| Last commit | this month | 1 mo ago |
memory · Summary
An MCP server implementing persistent memory using a local knowledge graph for AI models to remember user information across chats.
zen · Summary
Selfhosted notes app with MCP integration for searching, listing and reading notes.
memory · Use cases
- Personalizing AI assistant interactions by remembering user preferences, history, and relationships
- Building context-aware chat applications that maintain conversation history
- Creating knowledge bases that persist across AI model sessions
zen · Use cases
- Personal knowledge management with MCP-powered note retrieval
- Team collaboration using self-hosted note-taking with API access
- Building custom AI workflows that reference personal notes
memory · Install
Installation
Claude Desktop
Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"memory": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@modelcontextprotocol/server-memory"
]
}
}
}VS Code
Use one-click installation buttons or manually configure in .vscode/mcp.json:
{
"servers": {
"memory": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@modelcontextprotocol/server-memory"
]
}
}
}Docker
{
"mcpServers": {
"memory": {
"command": "docker",
"args": ["run", "-i", "-v", "claude-memory:/app/dist", "--rm", "mcp/memory"]
}
}
}zen · Install
Installation
Build from source
$ make buildLocal Development
Run the application using default configuration
$ make devMCP Configuration
Add to Claude Desktop config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"zen": {
"command": "path-to-zen-executable",
"args": ["--mcp"]
}
}
}