What a memory server adds to Claude Code
Claude Code already remembers within a project: CLAUDE.md, which you write, and auto memory, which it writes, both kept on your computer for that one repository (Anthropic's docs). A memory server adds a memory that Claude Code can search and save to across all your projects, and, depending on the server, one that other AI apps can use too.
The options
Anthropic's reference memory server
Described in its own words as "A basic implementation of persistent memory using a local knowledge graph". It is free and MIT licensed. You add one npx command to your app's settings, or run it with Docker, and it stores everything in a file called memory.jsonl (its GitHub page). Its page doesn't mention encryption.
mcp-memory-service
A free, open-source memory server you install with pip. It can store memories locally in SQLite or in Cloudflare and other backends, and names Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and Claude Desktop among the apps it works with (its GitHub page). It has many options, which suits people who like to configure their tools.
Basic Memory
Writes memories as plain Markdown notes you can open and edit. The local version is free and needs Python 3.12 or higher, installed with uv or, on a Mac, Homebrew (its quickstart). A hosted Cloud version starts at $15 a month (Basic Memory's site).
Mem0
A hosted memory: its MCP server runs on Mem0's side and your memories live in your Mem0 account, with a free Hobby plan (Mem0's docs). Good if you want the memory online rather than on one computer.
Zaaheen
Ours. A Windows and Mac app that keeps one memory encrypted on your computer. For Claude Code you copy one command from Zaaheen's Agents tab and run it once; after that it is there in every project (step by step). The same memory is shared with Cursor, Claude Desktop, the ChatGPT app, Codex and other apps.
Side by side
| Setup | Where memories are kept | Encryption on your computer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference server | npx in a settings file, or Docker | A memory.jsonl file | Not mentioned |
| mcp-memory-service | pip install | SQLite on your computer, or a cloud backend | Not mentioned |
| Basic Memory (local) | Python 3.12+, uv or Homebrew | Markdown files on your computer | Not mentioned |
| Mem0 (MCP) | Mem0 account and a setup command | Your Mem0 account, online | Not on your computer |
| Zaaheen | An installer, then one command for Claude Code | Your computer | Yes |
As of 13 October 2026, from each project's own pages, and may change. "Not mentioned" means their page doesn't say; check the links above for the latest.
What a year costs
| Option | US dollars a year |
|---|---|
| Reference server | 0 free |
| mcp-memory-service | 0 free |
| Basic Memory (local) | 0 free |
| Zaaheen | 48 yearly plan |
Source: Each project's own pages and ours, as of 13 October 2026. Mem0 is left out because its plans are priced for developers building apps.
The free options are free. What you pay for with Zaaheen is no setup beyond one command, encryption on your computer, and one memory your other AI apps share.
How to choose
If you only use Claude Code and like setting things up, start with one of the free servers. If you want to read and edit your memory as notes, use Basic Memory. If you want the memory online, look at Mem0. If you also use Cursor, Claude Desktop or ChatGPT and want them all to share what Claude Code learns, encrypted on your own computer, try Zaaheen free for 30 days.
Where Zaaheen falls short: Windows and Macs with Apple chips only, no Linux; one computer with no sync yet; not open source; no free plan after the trial.
Claude Code, Mem0 and Basic Memory are names of their owners, and the open-source servers belong to their authors. We have no link with any of them. Facts checked on 13 October 2026; if anything here is wrong or out of date, tell us at customerservice@zaaheen.com and we'll correct it.