toolhive
★ 2.3k
vs
tsidp
★ 684
toolhive vs tsidp
toolhive: ToolHive simplifies and secures the deployment of Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, offering a comprehensive solution for managing AI toolchains in production. It provides a modular architecture with a Gateway, Registry Server, Runtime, and Portal for instant, secure, and scalable operations across various environments.; tsidp: `tsidp` is an experimental OpenID Connect (OIDC) and OAuth Identity Provider that integrates with your Tailscale network, enabling applications to authenticate users using their Tailscale identities. It supports both OIDC-compatible applications and authenticated MCP client/server connections, offering flexible deployment options via Docker or direct Go execution.
01
TL;DR
toolhiveSecurity & Safety · ★ 2.3k
When to choose:
- You want MCP servers to run in isolated containers with scoped permissions and managed secrets, on Docker, Podman or Kubernetes.
- You want the same tooling from a laptop (desktop app or CLI) to a Kubernetes Operator.
- Your team needs a registry with provenance verification, an SSO-capable gateway and audit logging.
When to skip:
- You just want to run one MCP server: it needs Docker, Podman or Kubernetes and is heavier than starting the server directly.
- You want a single component: the Runtime, Registry, Gateway and Portal take time to understand, and parts live in separate repositories.
- You expect container isolation to replace reviewing what each server can reach.
tsidpSecurity & Safety · ★ 684
Centralized authentication for self-hosted applications within a Tailscale network.
02
Side-by-Side Comparison
Field
toolhivetsidpCategory
Security & Safety
Security & Safety
Stars
★ 2.3k
★ 684
License
Apache-2.0
BSD-3-Clause
Install Command
git clone https://github.com/stacklok/toolhive.git
echo 'services:
tsidp:
container_name: tsidp
image: ghcr.io/tailscale/tsidp:latest
volumes:
- tsidp-data:/data
environment:
- TAILSCALE_USE_WIP_CODE=1
- TS_STATE_DIR=/data
- TS_HOSTNAME=idp
- TSIDP_ENABLE_STS=1
# Optional: Tailscale auth key for automatic node registration
# - TS_AUTHKEY=tskey-auth-xxxxx # REPLACE WITH YOUR_TAILSCALE_AUTHKEY
volumes:
tsidp-data:' > compose.yaml && docker compose up -d
Updated
1d ago
2d ago
Open Source
Yes
Yes
Tags
Model Context Protocol, Server Management, Security
OpenID Connect, OAuth, Identity Provider
03
Features
toolhive01Instant deployment with one click or command using Docker or Kubernetes.
02Secure by default, running servers in isolated containers with managed secrets.
03Works everywhere, available as a desktop app, web app, CLI, and Kubernetes Operator.
04Seamless integration with popular AI clients like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and VS Code.
05Modular architecture comprising Gateway, Registry Server, Runtime, and Portal for comprehensive management.
tsidp01Functions as an OIDC/OAuth Identity Provider tightly integrated with your Tailscale network.
02Authenticates applications and services using existing Tailscale identities.
03Supports OpenID Connect and OAuth protocols, including Dynamic Client Registration (DCR) and Secure Token Service (STS).
04Offers robust access control through Tailscale Application capability grants for UI and DCR endpoints.
05Deployable with Docker, Docker Compose, or as a Go application, supporting persistent state storage.
04
Use Cases
toolhive↳Individual developers quickly deploying and testing MCP servers locally using the desktop UI or CLI.
↳Organizations centrally managing and orchestrating a fleet of MCP servers in Kubernetes for production and scale.
↳Enterprises building hybrid solutions, integrating MCP servers into custom internal tools and agentic workflows with unified access controls.
tsidp↳Centralized authentication for self-hosted applications within a Tailscale network.
↳Integrating SaaS products with Tailscale identities by exposing tsidp via Tailscale Funnel.
↳Acting as an Identity Provider for platforms like Proxmox, Grafana, or Jellyfin.
↳Enabling secure client/server authentication based on the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
05
Best For
toolhiveEssentialTrending
tsidpHidden Gem
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between toolhive and tsidp?
Both toolhive and tsidp are in the Security & Safety category. toolhive has 2.3k stars, while tsidp has 684 stars.
Which is better, toolhive or tsidp?
The best choice depends on your use case. Choose toolhive if Individual developers quickly deploying and testing MCP servers locally using the desktop UI or CLI., and tsidp if Centralized authentication for self-hosted applications within a Tailscale network..
Is toolhive free or open source?
Yes, toolhive is open source on GitHub (Apache-2.0).
Is tsidp free or open source?
Yes, tsidp is open source on GitHub (BSD-3-Clause).
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