One of the most powerful things about Claude is that it can reach into other tools — your GitHub, your Google Drive, your database, your Slack. But people get confused because there are two names for this: MCP and connectors. Here’s the difference.
The one-line version
- MCP is the protocol. You configure it in Claude Code (or any MCP-compatible tool) by adding servers.
- Connectors are the same idea, pre-packaged with one-click setup in the Claude app.
Same concept, different entry points.
MCP — the protocol (Claude Code)
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets an AI tool talk to external services. In Claude Code, you add an MCP server with a command:
claude mcp add --transport http notion https://mcp.notion.com/mcpOnce connected, Claude gains new abilities — query a database, read a Notion page, check a Sentry error — without you copy-pasting data back and forth.
Strengths:
- Thousands of community servers for almost any tool
- Full control over what’s connected and how
- Works in any MCP-compatible client, not just Claude
Trade-off: You configure it yourself — server URLs, transport types, authentication.
Connectors — the one-click version (Claude app)
Connectors are what the Claude web/desktop app calls its integrations. You go to settings, click “connect Google Drive,” authorise, and it works.
Under the hood, they’re built on MCP. But the app handles all the setup — no terminal, no server URLs, no configuration files.
Strengths:
- Zero setup — click, authorise, done
- Polished experience for the most popular tools
- Permission management built into the app UI
Trade-off: Fewer integrations than the open MCP ecosystem; only available in the Claude app.
Side by side
| MCP (Claude Code) | Connectors (Claude app) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Command-line configuration | One-click in settings |
| Available in | Claude Code / any MCP client | Claude app (web/desktop) |
| Breadth | Thousands of servers | Curated popular apps |
| Control | Full (transport, auth, permissions) | Managed by the app |
| Audience | Developers, power users | Everyone |
| Under the hood | MCP protocol | Also MCP protocol |
Which one should you use?
If you’re in Claude Code (terminal), you use MCP. That’s the only option, and it’s very powerful.
If you’re in the Claude app (web/desktop), you use connectors. They’re simpler and cover the most common tools.
If you use both surfaces, you’ll set up MCP servers for your Claude Code workflow and connectors for your Claude app workflow. They serve the same purpose in their respective homes.