Main
Prefer the hosted endpoint when you want OAuth and the newest features (README calls out structured output schema inference not available in local stdio mode).
Use discovery tools first (
search-actors,fetch-actor-details) to pick the right Actor and only then run a paid/scraping-heavy call.If you want agents to pay without an API token, README describes x402 and Skyfire flows; start in a sandbox and understand billing before production use.
Source-backed notes
- README recommends connecting to the hosted server at
https://mcp.apify.comfor the best experience and latest features. - README says the server turns Apify Actors into dynamically discoverable MCP tools and lists example Actors like Google Search and RAG Web Browser.
- README documents agentic payments (x402 and Skyfire) and notes
mcpcsupports x402 (npm install -g @apify/mcpc).
FAQ
- Is the hosted server required?: No — README describes local runs, but recommends hosted for latest features and OAuth.
- Do I need an Apify API token?: Not always — README describes x402/Skyfire payment modes; OAuth/token are other options.
- How do I keep scraping costs predictable?: Use discovery first, cap Actor inputs, and treat paid runs as an explicit step in your agent prompt.