SearChat
Search + Chat = SearChat(AI Chat with Search), Support OpenAI/Anthropic/VertexAI/Gemini, DeepResearch, SearXNG, Docker. AI对话式搜索引擎，支持DeepResearch, 支持OpenAI/Anthropic/VertexAI/Gemini接口、聚合搜索引擎SearXNG，支持Docker一键部署。
What is SearChat?
SearChat is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to search + chat = searchat(ai chat with search), support openai/anthropic/vertexai/gemini, deepresearch, searxng, docker. ai对话式搜索引擎，支持deepresearch, 支持openai/anthropic/vertexai/gemini接口、聚合搜索引擎searxng，支持d...
Search + Chat = SearChat(AI Chat with Search), Support OpenAI/Anthropic/VertexAI/Gemini, DeepResearch, SearXNG, Docker. AI对话式搜索引擎，支持DeepResearch, 支持OpenAI/Anthropic/VertexAI/Gemini接口、聚合搜索引擎SearXNG，支持Docker一键部署。
This server falls under the Search & Data Extraction category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Search + Chat = SearChat(AI Chat with Search), Support OpenA
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx searchatConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use SearChat
SearChat is a self-hosted AI conversational search engine that combines multiple web search backends — including SearXNG, Bing, Google, Tavily, and Exa — with large language model providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, and Vertex AI. It supports multi-turn chat with full citation display, a Deep Research mode that iteratively explores topics using LangChain and LangGraph, real-time streaming responses, and Docker-based one-command deployment. Teams use it as a private, on-premises alternative to commercial AI search products with full control over the search sources and models.
Prerequisites
- Docker and Docker Compose installed (for recommended deployment)
- Node.js 18+ and Yarn (for local development setup)
- At least one search API key: `BING_SEARCH_KEY`, `GOOGLE_SEARCH_KEY`+`GOOGLE_SEARCH_ID`, `TAVILY_KEY`, `EXA_KEY`, or a self-hosted SearXNG instance
- At least one LLM API key from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or a compatible provider
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop (if using MCP integration)
Clone the repository
Clone the SearChat repository and navigate into it.
git clone https://github.com/sear-chat/SearChat.git
cd SearChatConfigure environment variables
Copy the example environment file and fill in your search API keys and LLM credentials. At minimum set one search key and configure `model.json` with your LLM provider details.
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env and set values such as:
# BING_SEARCH_KEY=your_bing_key
# TAVILY_KEY=your_tavily_key
# SEARXNG_HOSTNAME=http://searxng:8080Configure the LLM model
Edit `model.json` to specify your provider (`openai`, `anthropic`, `gemini`, or `vertexai`), `baseURL`, `apiKey`, and the list of available models with their `name`, `alias`, and `maxTokens`.
Launch with Docker Compose
Start all services — the SearChat application, optional SearXNG aggregator, and any supporting containers — with a single command.
docker compose up -dOpen the web interface
Navigate to `http://localhost:3000` (or the PORT you configured) in your browser. The chat interface loads immediately; chat history is stored in the browser via IndexedDB.
Enable Deep Research mode
In the chat interface, toggle Deep Research to activate iterative multi-query exploration. Tune `DEEP_MAX_RESEARCH_LOOPS` and `DEEP_NUMBER_OF_INITIAL_QUERIES` in `.env` to control depth vs. speed.
SearChat Examples
Client configuration
Minimal Docker Compose environment variable configuration for a SearXNG-backed deployment with Anthropic Claude.
{
"PORT": "3000",
"SEARXNG_HOSTNAME": "http://searxng:8080",
"SEARXNG_ENGINES": "google,bing,duckduckgo",
"DEEP_MAX_RESEARCH_LOOPS": "3",
"DEEP_NUMBER_OF_INITIAL_QUERIES": "4"
}Prompts to try
Sample conversational search queries to use in the SearChat web interface.
- "What are the latest breakthroughs in fusion energy research? Cite your sources."
- "Compare the pricing and features of the top three cloud vector databases in 2025."
- "[Deep Research] Write a comprehensive overview of CRISPR gene editing clinical trials."
- "Search for recent news about EU AI Act enforcement and summarize the key points."
- "Find the best open-source alternatives to Notion and rank them by community activity."Troubleshooting SearChat
Docker Compose starts but the web interface returns a blank page or 502 error
Run `docker compose logs -f` to check which service failed to start. The most common cause is a missing or malformed `model.json` — ensure `provider`, `apiKey`, and at least one entry in `models` are set correctly.
Search returns no results even though API keys are set
Verify that the correct environment variable names are used (`BING_SEARCH_KEY`, not `BING_API_KEY`). For SearXNG, confirm `SEARXNG_HOSTNAME` matches the service name in your `docker-compose.yml` (default: `http://searxng:8080`).
Deep Research mode loops indefinitely
Lower `DEEP_MAX_RESEARCH_LOOPS` in `.env` (e.g., set to `2`) and restart the container. Ensure the LLM model you selected supports tool/function calling — models without tool call support will stall the LangGraph loop.
Frequently Asked Questions about SearChat
What is SearChat?
SearChat is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that search + chat = searchat(ai chat with search), support openai/anthropic/vertexai/gemini, deepresearch, searxng, docker. ai对话式搜索引擎，支持deepresearch, 支持openai/anthropic/vertexai/gemini接口、聚合搜索引擎searxng，支持docker一键部署。 It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install SearChat?
Follow the installation instructions on the SearChat GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with SearChat?
SearChat works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is SearChat free to use?
Yes, SearChat is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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