# AI Connectors

> AI connectors are the integrations that let an assistant like Claude read and act in tools such as Google Drive, Slack, and Notion; in Claude, MCP servers.

AI connectors are the integrations that give an assistant access to your tools and data, such as Google Drive, Slack, Notion, or a CRM. In Claude, every connector is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server: the directory ones are hosted by the vendor, and custom remote MCP connectors can be added on every plan, Free limited to one.

**AI connectors are the integrations that let an assistant read from and act in the tools where your work lives, such as Google Drive, Slack, Notion, GitHub, or a CRM; in Claude, every connector is a Model Context Protocol server, whether it comes from the built-in directory or you add it yourself.**

The word exists because non-developers needed one. "MCP server" describes the mechanism; "connector" describes what you get: Claude can now search your Drive, read a Notion page, or post to a Slack channel. In [Claude](/tools/claude) the directory sits under Customize, and each entry connects with an authentication flow. The [MCP glossary entry](/glossary/model-context-protocol) explains the protocol; the [MCP servers roundup](/guides/mcp/best-mcp-servers-2026) surveys what exists.

Two facts shape how you use them. First, they work on every plan: custom remote MCP connectors are available on Free, Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise across web, desktop, mobile, and [Cowork](/tools/claude-cowork), with Free limited to one custom connector. The server must be reachable from the public internet, so a tool behind a corporate VPN needs a different route. Second, connectors and skills are complementary, not competing: a connector provides access, a skill provides the procedure, and a [Claude plugin](/glossary/claude-plugins) packages both for a role. The [skills vs MCP servers guide](/guides/skills/skills-vs-mcp-servers) draws that line in detail.

For developers, the same servers plug into Claude Code; the [MCP setup guide](/guides/mcp/claude-code-mcp-setup) covers configuration, and pages like [Notion MCP](/tools/notion-mcp) and [Slack MCP](/tools/slack-mcp) describe individual servers. Safety note from Anthropic's help center: install connectors and plugins only from official directories or sources you trust, because a connector can read what you point it at and, in [Cowork](/glossary/claude-cowork), act on it.

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_Source: https://agentscamp.com/glossary/ai-connectors — Term on AgentsCamp._