GPT Researcher
Enhances LLM applications with deep autonomous web research capabilities, delivering higher quality information than standard search tools by exploring and validating numerous trusted sources.
What is GPT Researcher?
GPT Researcher is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to enhances llm applications with deep autonomous web research capabilities, delivering higher quality information than standard search tools by exploring and validating numerous trusted sources.
Enhances LLM applications with deep autonomous web research capabilities, delivering higher quality information than standard search tools by exploring and validating numerous trusted sources.
This server falls under the Search & Data Extraction category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Enhances LLM applications with deep autonomous web research
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx gpt-researcher-mcp-serverConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use GPT Researcher
The GPT Researcher MCP server integrates the open-source GPT Researcher framework into any MCP-compatible AI assistant, providing deep autonomous web research that goes far beyond single-query searches. It orchestrates multi-step research by visiting and cross-validating numerous sources, then synthesizes the findings into structured reports with citations. Researchers, analysts, and developers use it when they need Claude to produce comprehensive, fact-checked research on a topic rather than relying on the model's training data alone.
Prerequisites
- Python 3.11 or newer
- An OpenAI API key (OPENAI_API_KEY) for the language model powering the research synthesis
- A Tavily API key (TAVILY_API_KEY) for web search access — free tier available at https://tavily.com
- An MCP client such as Claude Desktop
Clone the GPT Researcher repository
The gptr-mcp server lives inside the main gpt-researcher repository. Clone it and navigate to the mcp subdirectory.
git clone https://github.com/assafelovic/gpt-researcher.git
cd gpt-researcher/gptr-mcpInstall Python dependencies
Install the required packages listed in requirements.txt. This includes gpt-researcher 0.12.16+ and its dependencies.
pip install -r requirements.txtSet up your API keys
Copy the example environment file and fill in your OpenAI and Tavily API keys. Both are required for the server to function.
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env and set:
# OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...
# TAVILY_API_KEY=tvly-...Test the server runs standalone
Start the server directly to confirm it initializes without errors before connecting it to Claude Desktop.
python server.pyAdd the server to Claude Desktop configuration
API keys must be passed explicitly in the MCP config because Claude Desktop launches the server as a subprocess with a clean environment. Use the absolute path to server.py.
{
"mcpServers": {
"gptr-mcp": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/gpt-researcher/gptr-mcp/server.py"],
"env": {
"OPENAI_API_KEY": "sk-your-openai-key",
"TAVILY_API_KEY": "tvly-your-tavily-key"
}
}
}
}Restart Claude Desktop
Save the config and restart Claude Desktop. The research tools (deep_research, quick_search, write_report) will appear in Claude's tool panel.
GPT Researcher Examples
Client configuration
Complete Claude Desktop config for the gptr-mcp server. Both OPENAI_API_KEY and TAVILY_API_KEY must be present or the server will fail to start.
{
"mcpServers": {
"gptr-mcp": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["/Users/yourname/gpt-researcher/gptr-mcp/server.py"],
"env": {
"OPENAI_API_KEY": "sk-your-openai-api-key",
"TAVILY_API_KEY": "tvly-your-tavily-api-key"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Use these prompts after the gptr-mcp server is connected in Claude Desktop.
- "Do a deep research on the current state of quantum computing and write a comprehensive report"
- "Quick search: what are the latest developments in CRISPR gene editing in 2025?"
- "Research the competitive landscape for project management SaaS tools and write a report with citations"
- "Get the research sources you used and list the top 5 most authoritative ones"
- "Research best practices for securing Kubernetes clusters and write an executive summary"Troubleshooting GPT Researcher
Server fails to start with Python version error
GPT Researcher requires Python 3.11 or higher. Check your version with 'python --version'. Use pyenv or conda to install Python 3.11: 'pyenv install 3.11 && pyenv local 3.11'.
Research returns empty results or Tavily errors
Verify TAVILY_API_KEY is set correctly. The key should start with 'tvly-'. Check your Tavily account at https://tavily.com to confirm the key is active and has remaining credits.
OPENAI_API_KEY not found even though it is set in .env
Claude Desktop spawns the server in a clean environment and does not read .env files. You must explicitly pass the API keys in the 'env' section of the MCP configuration JSON, not rely on the .env file.
Frequently Asked Questions about GPT Researcher
What is GPT Researcher?
GPT Researcher is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enhances llm applications with deep autonomous web research capabilities, delivering higher quality information than standard search tools by exploring and validating numerous trusted sources. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install GPT Researcher?
Follow the installation instructions on the GPT Researcher GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with GPT Researcher?
GPT Researcher works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is GPT Researcher free to use?
Yes, GPT Researcher is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up GPT Researcher in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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